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FAIRFIELD – The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce (FCC) has a longstanding tradition of engaging local business and industry leaders, government officials and employees, and educators through its Leadership Classes. Throughout a nine-month course, each leadership class explores topics in the City of Fairfield including economic development, education, City government, regional issues, criminal justice, health care and social services. The conclusion of each class engages teams of class members to design a project that will serve a critical issue facing the greater Fairfield community.
The two teams from the 2023 FCC Leadership Class will be featured at the first Groovin’ on the Green concert with Thompson Square on June 8th.
In partnership with the Fairfield Food Pantry, one team has been coordinating a food drive throughout the City. “With COVID funds running out, the Fairfield Food Pantry is facing a critical food shortage,” says Bill Woeste, a trustee on the Food Pantry Board. “Nutritious food is such a basic need, and we are confident that the Fairfield community will be interested in helping meet this need for those who are struggling to provide food for their children and families.”
Donation bins are currently located at the Municipal Building, Police Department, Chamber offices, Fairfield YMCA, local Fairfield School Buildings, Community Arts Center, and all three Fire Houses. Additionally, a tent will be located at the first Groovin’ on the Green concert of the season on June 8th to encourage community members to donate non-perishable food items and monetary gifts to provide much needed support to families in need in the Fairfield community.
The other leadership class team worked with the Fairfield City School District to support their efforts to expand the facility dog program in schools. Fairfield City Schools currently have one Facility Dog, Warren, at Fairfield South Elementary. His presence is cited as a major contributor to a remarkable 50% reduction in behavioral issues at the school, illustrating the significant impact of these four-legged companions. Each facility dog costs approximately $10,000 for initial placement, covering the training of the animal and specialized handler training for school staff.
Andrea Goins, a Guidance Counselor at Fairfield South Elementary and handler to Warren, shared, "Warren's unwavering affirmation and acceptance have significantly improved the mood and behavior of our students, promoting a conducive learning environment."
Members of the leadership class established the “Fur Fund” at the Fairfield Community Foundation to extend the positive effects that Warren has had district-wide and provide for them on an on-going basis. Central Elementary will be the district’s second facility which is already being supported in part by this new fund at the Foundation.
The team solicited $3,000 support for the “Fur Fund” from Mercy Health and Telhio. In addition, the Fairfield Community Foundation will be awarding a $50,000 community grant to Fairfield City Schools and the “Fur Fund”. The check for this community grant will be presented at the Groovin’ on the Green concert on June 8th.
“June 8th will highlight what it really means for a community to come together” says new president for the FCC, Peggy Emerson. “The 2023 class has set the bar high as the Chamber looks to revamp the leadership class to extend its influence on future leaders in the community.”
Donations to the Fairfield Food Pantry can brought to the Fairfield tent near the food trucks at the concert in Village Green on June 8th. Non-perishable items and cash donations are greatly appreciated.
Donations to the 'Fur Fund' can be made through the Fairfield Community Foundation by mail to 701 Wessel Drive, Suite A, Fairfield, OH 45014 or online at www.fairfieldcommunityfoundation.org under the Donate Now tab on the left-hand side.
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