Presenting “Community Connections” – An Exclusive Event Series for BVU Members

Embark on a journey of community engagement with our exclusive event series designed to foster meaningful connections, promote awareness of local issues, and inspire action towards positive change. The year-long series combines enlightening webinars with hands-on volunteer projects, providing BVU members with a unique opportunity to deepen their impact on critical community issues.

REGISTER

Not sure if your company/organization is a member? Check here for businesses and here for nonprofits. To become a BVU member or learn more about what membership entails, please reach out to Heather Englander for business membership or Alice Schwallie for nonprofit membership.

ABOUT THE SESSION

The country’s homelessness rate reached a record high in 2023, and Ohio is no different. Cuyahoga County’s Office of Homeless Service estimates about 5,000 residents experience homelessness annually in the county. As cold temperatures leave those without shelter at their most vulnerable, it is more imperative than ever to get educated on the current state of homelessness in our region.

This March, we will be joined by Chris Knestrick, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, and Michael Sering, Vice President of Housing and Shelter for Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, to learn about homelessness in our community. Participants will walk away with new understandings of the issue after diving into various myths, perspectives, and key efforts by local nonprofits to create lasting change.

After the webinar, join BVU for the annual Homeless Stand Down on April 20th to provide resources, respite, and reconnection to individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. (Webinar attendees will have exclusive first access to volunteer registration!)

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Chris Knestrick is the Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. He has over 10 years of experience working in homelessness in Cleveland and he has also directed advocacy efforts in the international and local community. Chris is committed to community organizing, undoing oppression, and promoting nonviolence that centers the voices of those most impacted by public policy. His work has taken him from the streets of Cleveland to the mountains of Colombia. He is a graduate of the McCormick Theological Seminary. He likes to spend his days boating, fishing, and thinking about how to get the community to love so fiercely that homelessness is unimaginable.

Michael Sering is Vice-President of Housing and Shelter for Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry where he directs the Men’s Shelter at 2100 Lakeside, is developing the agency’s affordable housing initiatives, and launched LMM’s Social Enterprises in 2011. He has worked for LMM since 1994 including as Associate Director for Community Re-Entry. He has a B. A. in Economics from Kenyon College and is a graduate of MSASS, CWRU. Mr. Sering is also on the boards of St. Clair Superior Development Corporation, CHN Housing Partners, and the Office of Homeless Services’ Advisory Board.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Community Connections is an exclusive opportunity for BVU members to not only expand their knowledge but actively contribute to the betterment of our community. Tune in from the comfort of your home or office for virtual lunch hour sessions featuring nonprofit leaders who will shed light on a specific topic, issue, or cause affecting our community. Then translate insights into action by participating in volunteer opportunities held at local nonprofits, each one actively addressing the issue discussed in the previous month’s webinar. More info HERE.

REGISTER

Not sure if your company/organization is a member? Check here for businesses and here for nonprofits. To become a BVU member or learn more about what membership entails, please reach out to Heather Englander for business membership or Alice Schwallie for nonprofit membership.