By Dawn Scotland
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
The Frederick Douglass Community Association received a $10,000 technology grant from Fifth Third Bank on Monday, November 22. The FDCA was one of 13 recipients of the grant in the nation. The money will aid in the expansion of the Young Banker’s Club at the community center.
The Young Bankers Club is an initiative created by Fifth Third Bank in 2004. The Frederick Douglass Community Center has been an active participant in the club with students engaged as a part of the center’s afterschool enrichment program. The program currently serves youth in grades five – 12, Monday – Friday from 3:30-6 p.m. The funds will take the program to another level.
Earlier this month, Fifth Third introduced a redesigned program that is completely digital. “The new Young Bankers Club® digital format features a comprehensive curriculum that meets national and state educational standards for fifth-grade mathematics.” (ir.53.com). The grant received by the FDCA will support improving technology at the center and increase the number of students served in the program.
Dana Capers, vice president/ Community and Economic Development Manager for the Northern Ohio Region, presented the $10,000 check to the association. The grant was received by Reggie Williams (Executive Director of the FDCA), Albert Earl (President of the Board of Directors of FDCA), Diana Labiche, PhD, (Vice President of the Board of Directors of the FDCA) and Richard Quinney (Board Member of the FDCA) on behalf of the association.
“One of our goals is to impower communities and neighborhoods and students and we really appreciate all that you’re doing to do that and to really prepare your students from a financial standpoint for life,” said Capers. The program is a part of the FDCA’s goals to improve financial literacy in the community.
The program focuses on each area of personal finance: “Budgeting; Banking and payment methods; Overspending and lending to others; Borrowing money; Jobs and income; Saving and investing; Protect your money – risk and insurance.” (ir.53.com) The program is open for application for students to enroll.
Founded in Toledo in 1919, the Frederick Douglass Community Association has been a mainstay in the black community for over a century and will celebrate its 103th anniversary next year. Along with the Young Bankers Club, The Doug has basketball for children Monday thru Thursday, a “Let’s Talk” series on Wednesdays after basketball practice for parents and participants to talk about community issues, and their after-school enrichment program.
Upcoming events:
- 1st and 3rd Fridays, the Doug hosts a commodities giveaway from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. giving food to those in need in the community
- Dec 17 the Lucas County Health Department will host a Narcan training at the center and the FDCA plans to host a Turkey Give Away.
Earlier this year, The FDCA received $2.5 million dollars from the city of Toledo to support its renovation project. The project will be completed in phases with construction currently underway and an estimated completion of 2024. The updated center will include new elevators, gymnasium, roof, parking lot, heating and air system, windows, entrance, upgraded Wi-Fi and security system. Patrons are encouraged to contribute to the center’s renovation fund at the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union.
For more information or to volunteer, contact the center at 419-244-6722, or visit the organizations website https://thedoug419.org/ or their Facebook page.