Search Results

Members Of Egbe Omo Yoruba of Greater Miami Valley pose with blankets for residents of Sycamore Spring and Mary Scott Nursing Centers Egbe Omo Yoruba of Greater Miami Valley recently completed its annual Christmas Cheers Community Engagement Giveaway  as part of its commitment to giving back to the community during the holiday season. Members of the organization visited Sycamore Spring Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation  in Miamisburg and Mary Scott Nursing Center  in Dayton, where they distributed colorful blankets to residents. The effort was designed to provide warmth and comfort to seniors during the winter months. Leaders of Egbe Omo Yoruba of Greater Miami Valley said the initiative reflects Yoruba cultural values that emphasize respect for elders, compassion, and collective responsibility. The organization noted that caring for elders is a fundamental part of maintaining strong families and communities. Representatives also shared that the group plans to continue its outreach efforts and expand community engagement initiatives in 2026, focusing on service projects that uplift and support vulnerable populations across the Miami Valley.

Ohio Statehouse COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  — A new Ohio bill would allow school districts to accept mental health days as excused absences. Dubbed the Student Wellness Act , Senate Bill 330 was introduced in late November to codify mental health days for students. State Sen. Willis E. Blackshear, Jr. (D-Dayton)  introduced the bill, which would allow — but not require — school districts to permit absences for mental health. The Student Wellness Act would permit districts to enact a policy to count mental health days as excused absences. The bill says policies should include a definition of mental health days, a limit on how many mental health days a student may receive, and a method to determine whether the student would be referred to or receive school health or support services. Blackshear introduced the bill to help K–12 students with mental health pressures. According to a state survey, one-fifth of Ohio middle schoolers and one-third of high schoolers reported that their mental health was “not good most or all of the time” in 2023. Nearly half of all Ohio high school girls reported poor mental health in 2023, at 46%. Under current law, school districts can only excuse absences for emergencies, illness, appointments, religious holidays, college or military visits, absences due to major familial changes like foster care, or some work such as farm work for students over 14. School districts are permitted to make their own policies for excused absences, but S.B. 330 would offer structure for specific mental health day policies. This is the third time the Student Wellness Act has been introduced. Blackshear served in the Ohio House until this year and co-sponsored similar legislation when he was a state representative. His previous bills would have permitted students to take up to three excused mental health days each year.

Dayton Metro Library (DML)  has been named a Top Innovator for 2025  by the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) , North America’s leading nonprofit for urban libraries. This recognition is in honor of DML’s Reading Railroad Initiative , which fosters a lifelong love of reading and learning by supporting Black boys, men, and their support systems. “This award demonstrates the power of public libraries to uplift communities locally and globally with forward-thinking solutions,” said Dr. Karlos L. Marshall , Director of Community Impact and Innovation at DML. “We hope that Reading Railroad can become an international blueprint that strengthens literacy ecosystems for all children and families.” ULC’s Innovations Initiative is a yearly showcase of exemplary projects from its nearly 200-member libraries across the U.S. and Canada. It seeks to highlight how the library’s role as an essential public institution is evolving to meet the changing needs of communities. From initiatives that promote civic engagement and intellectual freedom to projects that enhance digital connectivity and economic mobility, libraries are at the forefront of addressing today’s challenges. Reading Railroad was selected as a Top Innovator by a distinguished panel of judges. The project won in the category of Education: Children and Adults  for its originality, measurable outcomes, and the potential for other libraries to replicate and implement this successful initiative. More than 180 library projects in six categories were submitted by ULC members from across the U.S. and Canada to be considered for the top awards. DML joins world-class programs from peers across North America. This marks the first time that DML has won the highest honor for a national or international library award. Six public libraries in total received the “Top Innovator” designation, and six others received honorable mention recognition for their work. “The Innovations Initiative highlights the best of what libraries across North America offer their communities,” said Brooks Rainwater , President and CEO of the Urban Libraries Council. “In a year that has proved especially challenging for libraries, this year’s winners, honorable mentions, and nominees all demonstrate our urban libraries are as important, resilient, and forward-thinking as ever.” In 2025, DML’s Reading Railroad Initiative drew attendance from nearly 1,000 program attendees. This included Black Boy Excellence Storytimes  across DML’s 17 branches and its Hometown Hero Guest Reader Series , a signature storytime featuring local Black male leaders like Commissioner-elect Darius J. Beckham . Reading Railroad also highlights the importance of Black men in the library profession through its monthly podcast, Cataloging the Culture . Signature annual events like Flowers for Fathers , Student Mental Health Symposium , and The Black Child Book Fair Tour  support and celebrate people of all ages. “We also want to thank all of the DML staff, guest readers, and partners who made this award possible,” stated Robert Owens , Manager of Community Impact and Innovation. “We look forward to creating mindful programs that continue to be innovative, inspiring, and impactful to help libraries change the world one idea at a time.” Information about the winn ing project from DML, honorees, and a wealth of past submissions is available at urbanlibraries.org/innovations . Additional information about DML’s Reading Railroad Initiative can be found by visiting DaytonMetroLibrary.org/readingrailroad .

We are all one, in the name of Jesus Christ How many of you claim to be Christians or believe in God/Jesus? How many of you claim to love/care about someone also? Did Jesus hurt others to prove his “love/care” for them? No, he died on the cross for us. He healed as many as he could while he was still walking the Earth, from eyesight to being able to walk again. He showed compassion, forgiveness, understanding, care, empathy, and selflessness by feeding the homeless, showing support and comfort. That is the lessons that were trying to be taught while Jesus still walked the Earth. Not greed, pride, hate, racism, or sexism. Jesus was trying to show us that being there for each other, instead of judging and hating each other, that it would help make a better world. God does not help those who do not help themselves or others. This is an important Bible verse that shows how God views all of us (even in other countries, hence ALL), as equals. Apostle Paul was bold in his statement, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male nor female, for you are ALL one in Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 3:28), hence, (HUMANITY)! He was trying to show us that we weren’t meant to be in this world alone, and that we do need to love and support each other in order to survive. Those that show hate and judgments usually end up hating themselves overall, killing or abusing others and then having to pay for their crimes because they can’t manage or forgive themselves. They end up paying for their crimes by suicide, jail time, life in prison, etc. It’s common sense that if we work on ourselves enough to where we don’t want to take our anger and pain out on others, learn forgiveness, be more kind and less judgmental towards each other, it would help make this world a better place for everyone, including yourself. You can’t keep saying you want a better world or want to be happier in life if you’re not willing to be self-aware, admit your own issues, and then put in the effort to work on yourselves to be better people and practice what you preach. If you believe in God “truly,” study the Bible more. Look up words you don’t know meanings to. Understand it. You don’t have to read it these days either—there is also audio. So please, STOP the hypocrisy. Work on yourselves. STOP the hate. STOP the racism. STOP the sexism! Remember, we are ALL ONE in the name of Jesus Christ!

Willie Harris has been incarcerated for 22 years. At the Pickaway Correctional Institution, he wrapped a Christmas present for for his grandchildren for the first time this month. Photo: Keith BieryGolick Willie Harris puts the nail polish down. He measures a pink box against wrapping paper with dinosaurs wearing Santa hats. Then, he rips the paper with his hands. “Scissors around here are scarce,” Harris said. He pulls one side of the paper over to the other, but it won’t connect. He laughs. “I’m not too good with wrapping, but I’m doing my best,” Harris said. The 51-year-old tells me he hasn’t wrapped a Christmas present in 22 years. Because that’s how long he’s been incarcerated. “This is for my grandbaby,” Harris said. He’s smiling, even though he’s standing inside the Pickaway Correctional Institution. “They brought Christmas to us early,” Harris said. Eventually, someone brings him a pair of scissors. He begins wrapping a small karaoke machine next. “She’s going to love this,” Harris said. At a warehouse in Cincinnati’s West End, 98 miles away from the prison, a 5-year-old girl pushes boxes of paper plates across the floor. There is Christmas music playing, and she’s counting spoons. These are the supplies Harris and other incarcerated people around the state will use at Christmas celebrations this month. Standing next to a tub of wrapping paper, Jill Hartford tells me she started planning these events six months ago. Hartford is the chief operating officer of The Four-Seven, a group that works in prisons to help incarcerated people get ready for life outside. “They’re not monsters,” Hartford said. “They’re really not very different from us. And I hope I’m not ever defined by my worst mistake, either.” Willie Harris hugs his daughter, Dantreece Matthews, at a Christmas event at Pickaway Correctional Institution. Photo: Keith BieryGolick More than 18,000 people are released from Ohio prisons each year. And most of them are parents. Research shows that a genuine connection between a parent and a child can help keep that child out of prison. So the re-entry organization uses donations to let people who are incarcerated pick out gifts for their kids. Then, they ship those gifts to the institutions to be wrapped. They call these events Christmas miracles. And this is the first year they’ve been in every prison in Ohio. “It’s not about the gift,” Hartford said. “We’re just giving them a chance to make up for lost time.” “I prepare myself — every time this happens — to cry. Because they can’t be there with them on Christmas morning,” said Rochelle Moore, the warden at Pickaway Correctional Institution. “And we can break that generational curse by just reuniting the family and allowing them to be together.” “It gives us hope,” Harris said. “And it gives us faith that there will be better days after this.” “I’ll never forget this,” Harris said. “Days like this — they can last a lifetime.” This article appeared at WCPO and was written by Keith BieryGolick https://www.thefourseven.org/

The Stratus variant is fueling COVID-19 cases around the country. Photo: Getty A newer COVID variant called XFG is currently fueling cases of the virus across the country. Nicknamed “Stratus,” this variant first took hold over the summer and now makes up nearly 70% of COVID-19 cases in the country. While some liken it to the common cold, COVID-19 is still a lethal disease, and certain groups are still at a higher risk of a more severe form of the virus. But many people are experiencing an uncomfortable illness with symptoms that are slightly different from what having COVID-19 used to feel like. Infectious disease doctors stress that every person’s experience with the virus is different. “So many infections now are milder, but there are still people being hospitalized with COVID,” says William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Even if you’re not in a high-risk group for serious complications from COVID-19, “you can’t count on avoiding severe illness,” says Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York. Doctors agree that many people are experiencing the following symptoms: Sore throat Sinus congestion Runny nose Other COVID-19 symptoms may include: New loss of taste or smell Fatigue Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Muscle or body aches Headache Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Doctors say symptoms may feel milder due to built-up immunity from vaccinations or previous infections, but warn that long COVID remains a serious concern. “You’re contagious for the day before you get sick and then most contagious for the next two to three days,” Schaffner said. “It tapers off after that.” Doctors continue to recommend updated COVID-19 vaccinations, masking around vulnerable individuals, and testing when symptoms appear.

Karen Wick-Gagnet, January 3, 1961 – December 6, 2025 Karen Wick, the owner of Coco’s Bistro and member of the Dayton Public Schools Board of Education, passed away on December 6th. She was 64 years old. Karen was known for her kind spirit and dedication to the City of Dayton. Whenever you entered Coco’s, you would always get a warm smile and a hearty welcome. She had a way of making everyone feel like they were valued. Karen opened Coco’s Bistro with her husband Jim Gagnet in 1996 in the Oregon District. In 2012, the decision was made to move to its current location on Warren Street. Karen was serving in her second term as a Dayton Public School Board member. She also ran for City Commission this past November but failed to win one of the two open seats. Many heartfelt memories have been shared on social media. Karen was known as someone who never met a stranger and would go over and above for the people around her. Many restauranteurs spoke of Karen’s willingness to always lend a helping hand to make sure that other restaurants grew. Amy Sahora, director and CEO of the Miami Valley Restaurant Association said, “everyone that knew Karen, loved Karen. She gave so much to our community and the restaurant family that she cherished.” Obituary

DAYTON, OHIO — In a groundbreaking step toward reducing gun violence and strengthening community safety, a Dayton-based, Black-led organization has been chosen to help spearhead a new violence-interruption model grounded in public-health principles. Felons with a Future (FWAF) will partner with Cure Violence Global (CVG), one of the country’s leading organizations in community-centered violence prevention, to implement a strategy that treats violence not simply as a criminal issue — but as a contagious disease that can be stopped before it spreads. This selection marks a major milestone in the City of Dayton’s Peace Campaign, a multi-layered effort to address the root causes of violence and expand pathways to healing and opportunity for residents across the city. CVG will train FWAF and support their deployment of community outreach workers, credible messengers, and violence interrupters — individuals whose lived experience allows them to build trust where traditional systems often cannot. A Public-Health Approach to a Community Crisis The City of Dayton has invested approximately $473,000 to bring the Cure Violence Global model to local neighborhoods. Unlike enforcement-driven strategies, this model focuses on preventing conflict before it escalates into harm. Under the Peace Campaign structure: The City of Dayton provides funding and leadership to launch the program. The Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association (GDAHA) oversees coordination, grant administration, and operational integrity. Felons with a Future (FWAF) leads the on-the-ground work, connecting directly with the individuals most at risk of being impacted by violence. Cure Violence Global (CVG) delivers training, technical assistance, and data-driven support to tailor the model to Dayton’s unique community needs. Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. emphasized that this new approach represents a shift in how the city understands violence. “Treating violence like a contagious disease, we are investing in solutions that heal communities rather than tear them apart,” the mayor said. “This collaboration brings together government, public health, and grassroots leadership — exactly what Dayton needs to build lasting peace.” Centering Community, Opportunity, and Prevention The violence-interruption initiative aims to do more than stop shootings — it aims to transform lives. The goals include: Interrupting conflicts before they escalate into gun violence or retaliation Providing mentorship and mediation, especially for individuals identified as high-risk Connecting residents to vital resources such as education, employment, housing, and healing supports Shifting community norms away from violence and toward shared accountability and peace Sarah Hackenbracht, President and CEO of GDAHA, noted that violence is a health equity issue as much as a public safety one. “Reducing violence is fundamental to improving health outcomes, particularly for neighborhoods where residents themselves have voiced that violence impacts their wellbeing,” she said. A Black-Led Organization at the Front Lines For Felons with a Future — a grassroots, Black-led organization dedicated to supporting returning citizens — this moment reflects both opportunity and responsibility. Their team works with individuals reentering society after incarceration, helping them overcome the barriers that often lead people back into cycles of instability or violence. Greg West, Executive Director of FWAF, spoke to the alignment between the CVG model and the agency’s mission: “This model directly aligns with our commitment to helping returning citizens rebuild their lives,” West said. “We look forward to the partnership with the City of Dayton, GDAHA, and Cure Violence Global to lead the change and make a real difference in our neighborhoods.” A New Chapter in Dayton’s Journey Toward Peace The launch of this partnership signals a significant shift: a coordinated effort that unites city government, public health leaders, national experts, and a trusted local Black-led organization. While law enforcement remains an important component of community safety, this initiative recognizes that stopping violence requires much more — trust, relationships, opportunity, and consistent investment in people. Together, FWAF, CVG, GDAHA, and the City of Dayton are not simply starting a program. They are building a movement rooted in healing, transformation, and long-term community stability.

There may soon be a new mortgage option for first-generation, first-time homebuyers. Introduced in the US Senate on Sept 4, 2025 and sponsored by Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), the bill creates a wealth-building mortgage product for first-time, first-generation, “low-to-moderate income” buyers.  The bill has support in both houses of Congress, but keep in mind, bills often change during approval negotiations.  As introduced, here’s what the bill contains; The bill is specifically for L ow- I ncome F irst- T ime buyers (LIFT). It offers a no down payment, 20-year fixed-rate mortgage that is amortized over 30 years and a dramatically lower interest rate. The result is increased affordability, accelerated equity and expanded access, which is exactly what is needed for community stability and growth. Here are the rules for eligibility: Must be a first-time home buyer Every Home buying applicant must NOT have owned a home in the last 36 months. If there are co-applicants, they also must meet this first-time buyer definition.  There are exceptions for inherited property and certain recently divorced or “displaced homemaker” situations. Must be a first-generation home buyer To be eligible, a home buyer's parents or legal guardians may not have owned a home during the 36 months prior to purchase. For buyers whose parents or guardians are deceased, the bill requires that parents and guardians did not own a home at their time of passing. The rule applies for all applicants on the mortgage. This requirement is waived for buyers who previously lived in foster care. I could not get clarification, so I am not sure if the “heir” and “displaced homemaker” exception applies to parents and guardians. Must purchase a 1-unit home The LIFT Act is for single-unit homes only . This includes: Single-family detached homes, Single-family attached homes, Townhomes and Condominiums. Manufactured homes  and mobile homes may be eligible if the home is on a permanent foundation, is taxed as real estate, and is built after June 15, 1976. Must earn a low-or moderate income for your area The LIFT Act is limited to low-to-moderate income households as defined by HUD’s measure of area median income (AMI), which is different in every city and adjusts for household size. In standard cost of living areas, income must be at or below 120% of AMI to qualify and in high cost areas, income must be at or below 140% of AMI to qualify. The AMI for Montgomery County, Ohio is $67,882 so 120% is $81,458, and remember, it adjust for household size. Must self-certify your eligibility The program trust LIFT buyers to certify that they meet the program’s parental and legal guardian homeownership status eligibility requirements. Must be mortgage-eligible LIFT buyers must meet any and all standard mortgage guidelines, including meeting minimum credit score requirements, showing a capacity to repay a loan, and having lawful U.S. residency. Individual lenders may impose additional overlays beyond basic requirements, so some comparative shopping is advisable.   This is a great opportunity but you have to be mortgage-ready, so if 2026 is your year, get with your favorite mortgage lender (me) and get things started! This article provides information about The LIFT Homebuyers Act of 2025, a proposed bill that has not yet been passed into law. Please note that details are subject to change as the legislative process continues. Resource – Congressional Housing Bill Tracker   Alfred Patterson NMLS # 373560 G and G Mortgage, LLC 937 520-1401

As we move deeper into the current market cycle, mortgage rates have begun to show signs of gradual improvement, offering a bit of relief to both homebuyers and homeowners considering a refinance. After reaching multi-year highs earlier this year, rates have edged down in recent weeks as inflation continues to moderate and the Federal Reserve signals a potential shift in its policy stance.   According to industry data, 30-year fixed mortgage rates have been hovering in the mid-6% range—still elevated compared to the record lows of recent years, but a welcome step down from the peaks seen not long ago. This slight dip has helped boost buyer confidence, especially among first-time purchasers who were previously priced out by rising monthly payment costs.   Housing inventory, however, remains a key challenge. While more listings have come to market compared to last year, supply continues to lag behind demand—keeping home prices relatively firm in most areas. Many homeowners with ultra-low pandemic-era rates are reluctant to sell, contributing to the “lock-in effect” that continues to constrain available homes.   For current homeowners, refinancing opportunities remain limited unless a borrower has higher-than-market rates or is looking to tap home equity for renovations or debt consolidation. Experts suggest that more meaningful refinance potential may open up if rates make a more pronounced downward move later in the year.   Despite these challenges, industry analysts remain cautiously optimistic. Softer inflation, a cooling labor market, and stabilizing economic indicators may set the stage for additional rate improvements. Buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines could benefit from preparing now—gathering documentation, improving credit profiles, and exploring loan programs—so they are ready to act when conditions shift in their favor.   For those navigating the current market, working with an experienced mortgage professional remains essential. With rates fluctuating and programs evolving, personalized guidance can help borrowers understand their true affordability and identify opportunities as they arise.   As the market continues to adjust, one thing is clear: even small movements in interest rates can create meaningful shifts in affordability and buyer activity. Staying informed—and prepared—will be key to making the most of the changing mortgage landscape. Chanel Marie Little Assistant Branch Manager NMLS# 1528943 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation Office:  937-304-1443 Mobile:  937-304-1443 Fax:  513-672-2050 Websit e:   www.chanel-loans.com Email:   chanel.little@fairwaymc.com Address: 335 S Main Street Springboro, OH 45066

Written By: Shannon Griffith Have you ever preached about not being happy, wanting the world to be a better place or even preached to others about just being happy? Read this article to see how forgiveness/being kind is the most essential/crucial step in making yourself happier in order to be more successful, feel more powerful/free, and more productive in your life. In turn, helping yourself be more mature/kind to everyone else around you and how you can help make a positive influence and help change the world to a better environment for everyone and especially for our future generations… kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, etc. As parents, you usually want better for your kids, right? Let us start here! Be better role models, teach, do not belittle. End your hate/anger with yourself. “As long as you are given another day to live, it is never too late, and you are never too old to make a positive change in your life for yourself and those around you!” “Make each day count.” (Jack Dawson, Original Titanic Movie). Did you know that being “forgiving,” forgiving yourself/others is the first step in being happier, more successful and make you feel more powerful? (Dr. VanderWeele, Harvard Health Publishing, 2021), stated, “Yet, when you learn to forgive, you are no longer trapped by the past actions of yourself or others and can finally feel free.” “You no longer wish bad things to happen to yourself or others.” Is one way to know you are learning to forgive yourself and others. Ways to forgive yourself/others include, but are not limited to… Taking responsibility for your own actions and not blaming others for their reactions Feel remorse: such as feeling bad, resentful, upset Make amends, apologize to those you have wronged, continue to prove your apology by standing by your apology, do not make same mistakes or other mistakes that might hurt them again, be consistent Learn from the experience to grow Try to understand other’s perspectives Set healthy boundaries Remember that forgiveness is for your own peace Not an endorsement for their actions Acknowledge/accept/be self-aware Practice self-compassion Recognize the value of forgiveness, not just for others, but yourself as well Acknowledge your emotions Empathize Choose to let it go… you have not completely let something go yet if you continue to not talk to those you have wronged in your life Forgiving yourself/others also helps you become a better, more mature/kind person. Forgiveness helps you release negative emotions, fosters empathy, and promotes a more compassionate and peaceful mindset. When you let go of anger, hate, resentment and the desire for revenge, you free yourself from emotional burdens, which allows you to cultivate more positive feelings and extend compassion to yourself and others. In conclusion, forgiveness is the biggest, most crucial step in becoming happier, liking yourself more and being more positive/confident without making yourself want to hurt yourself or others in the future. In turn, when you forgive yourself/others, it helps you be more positive and build more kindness and compassion in your hearts. A lot of people believe that having a nice car, house, money, an excellent job makes you a better person than the next, but that is absolutely not true! You could lose all of those things in 2 seconds… car accident, house fire (accidental/unexpected), tornadoes, hurricanes, Forrest fires, unexpected layoffs, unexpected job closures, home invasions, loss of family, assets frozen unexpectedly, payroll issues, etc.… However, the way you treat yourself and others, you carry with you forever. Why do you think bullying, school shootings, public shootings or even wars happen? It is all because of anger/hate/resentment and naturally we all want a way to take our hurt/pain out on others, because we feel it would make us feel better. No, obviously it does not, and it is making the world tough for all of us to live in! Try forgiveness, work together to be better, and help this world be a better place! It starts within ourselves, the adults. We have the power to make the necessary change together. “Teamwork makes the dream work”! Football teams are good, because they work together as a team, work environments are successful, because they work together as a team to make it work, our favorite Bands to listen to are amazing, because they work together as a team… you get the point, right? As humans, (which is one thing we all forget we have in common), why can’t we work together? Learn forgiveness and start being kind to each other to help make this world a much better place for everyone to live in and enjoy!

Del Mar Encore Fellows: Noreen Willhelm, Katherine Rowell, PhD, Rebecca Rogero-Victor, Genel L. Newkirk Four highly skilled older adults have been selected as the newest fellows for The Dayton Foundation’s Del Mar Encore Fellows Initiative, which deploys retired or career-transitioning older adults to work on significant community issues. Each fellow brings new sources of talent and experience to nonprofit organizations tackling critical needs in Greater Dayton. Since the initiative launched in 2017, Del Mar Encore Fellows have been placed with 29 organizations and have contributed more than 61,000 hours of work, providing an estimated $3.2 million in value to the Greater Dayton economy. This initiative is made possible thanks to generous grants from the DMH-Dayton Fund of The Dayton Foundation. Serving for the next year as Del Mar Encore Fellows are the following: Genel L. Newkirk  is working with SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellness Center to formalize and create a sustainable framework for the organization’s One Welfare Program, which recognizes the interdependence of human and animal well-being. Newkirk has over 30 years of experience in project management, administrative leadership, and program coordination across corporate, senior healthcare, and higher education sectors, including 16 years of leading her own home healthcare agency. Most recently, Newkirk served as the Career Service coordinator for Wilberforce University. Rebecca Rogero-Victor  is working with the Mentoring Collaborative of Montgomery County to lead and coordinate a network of agencies, providing resource development, training and certification for partner agencies and mentors. Her background includes work as an educator, life coach, and nonprofit executive. Katherine Rowell, PhD , is supporting the Montgomery County Two-Generation Collaborative, a program of the University of Dayton’s Fitz Center for Leadership in Community and Learn to Earn Dayton. She brings more than 40 years of academic and community experience focused on poverty, housing justice, and resilience. Noreen Willhelm  is partnering with Yellow Springs Home, Inc. to explore the use of a community land trust model to address housing affordability in Dayton. She previously led the Del Mar Encore Fellows Initiative before retiring in 2022 and has decades of nonprofit leadership experience. These new fellows join existing Encore Fellows working on regional initiatives related to aging, workforce development, brain health, re-engagement, and educational advancement.