Greater Hilltop Area Shalom Zone Freedom School

Dear Supporters of Ohio’s Children, 

As the cycle of a new school year begins with a fresh start, CDF-Ohio is pleased to announce our new and improved website. Our new format is cleaner and easily accessible through your mobile device. Visit us at www.cdfohio.org. 

To recap our summer months, more than 1,300 Ohio students’ summer learning loss and hunger were stopped through our Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools^® program held at 22 program sites across the state. Over the last five years, 5,000 Ohio children at more than 50 sites have had the CDF Freedom Schools experience.

The CDF Freedom Schools program provides quality out-of-school time enrichment and day time meals for children, and also boosts a child’s motivation to read, develops positive attitudes toward learning, and cultivates self-esteem. CDF Freedom Schools also help connect Ohio families to local resources. Through partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, faith institutions and colleges and universities, the CDF Freedom Schools program offers an engaging environment with purpose and expectations during the summer.

Freedom Schools Complete First Year in Ohio’s State-Run Juvenile Correctional Facilities

“From this book, I learned that even though something is not your responsibility, sometimes you need to step in and help someone.” – Youth R, DYS Freedom Schools participant, on Battle of Jericho

In summer 2014, Ohio began to offer the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools^® program in all of its state run juvenile correctional facilities. The Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) issued the message Freedom Schools: A Year Later, in July 2015. Director Reed praises the success of the CDF Freedom Schools program in increasing positive behavior, reducing violent behavior and promoting leadership all while improving reading levels and fostering a love of reading. Participants read at least six books per session, and six-week sessions are held in all three DYS facilities several times a year. Read the Department of Youth Services’ press release to learn more about Ohio’s ground-breaking DYS Freedom Schools program.

Beat the Odds^® Scholars are Off to College!

Thanks to the support of our sponsors, donors and friends, our extraordinary 2015 Beat the Odds® scholarship recipients have each begun their freshman year of college with tuition assistance, a new laptop, and most importantly, knowing that they have 200 plus fans in the community pulling for their continued success! Also, if you missed the prayer offered for the students, watch now.

The 2015 scholars and the schools they are attending below: Ayriq Sims Ohio State University Alberto Jones University of Cincinnati Walter Thompson Cleveland State University Kaylyn Sigman Mount Vernon Nazarene University Britiny Lee Bates College Also this fall, our first group of Beat the Odds scholars from 2012 are beginning their senior year at their respective institutions of higher learning. Hear all their stories here. Please visit our website for updates announcing our 2016 scholars and awards event!