Success Spotlights
Building Blocks to Success
The work at North End Community Improvement Collaborative goes beyond handouts; we pride ourselves on employing a hands-on investment in the community, partnering together to build up and equip people for success. Discover some of the success stories that are happening in our neighborhood!
Can you picture yourself among these building blocks?
Lorine’s Little Learners Child Care and Learning Center
Christole Page’s love for children and passion for social work inspired her to serve families with children between the ages of 6 weeks old up to 10 years. Named in honor of Christole’s grandmother, Lorine’s Little Learners, located at 276 Harker St., provides care from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday to meet the needs of families whose children need a safe and secure environment to thrive.
the NECIC Urban Farm and Walter Bonham
Walter Bonham had always wanted to grow his own food; today, he’s helping to grow food for an entire community. When the North End community was classified by the USDA as a “fresh food desert,” Walter and others got to work to start micro-farms and community gardens in the area. The NECIC Urban Farm on Bowman St. is just one of the farms that Walter contributes to—and it has seen phenomenal growth in just over two years.
Kay Smith’s Legacy Carried Forward by her sister, Aretha Grier
When one of our dedicated NECIC Community Organizers, Kay Smith, passed away in 2019, the community lost a precious soul and vital member. But Kay’s work and legacy has not ended. Her sister, Aretha Grier, has been inspired by Kay's passion for serving her community and family. Like Kay, Aretha is a pillar of strength. She is an example to North End residents of how to make lemonade out of lemons. Our community is blessed to see Kay's spirit shining through Aretha.
134 N. Main St., Mansfield, Ohio 44902