Supporting a resident-led approach to equitable community building
We ensure a coordinated and thoughtful approach to community building, one that includes meaningful involvement of Black, Hispanic and Latinx residents and organizations with a stake in the decisions being made.
Strategic Partners
To advance the Wean Foundation community-building mission, we focus key investments to create a resourced and sustained physical landscape in Warren and Youngstown through resident-centered neighborhood revitalization.
In 2009, the Foundation formed a critical public-private partnership with the City of Youngstown to establish the city’s first neighborhood-focused community development corporation. The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) was founded to improve the quality of life in Youngstown by building and encouraging investment in neighborhoods of choice for all.
Building on the success of this work, Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership (TNP) was launched in 2010 as a community development corporation to empower residents and promote sustainable community development in the City of Warren.
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As community-based organizations, YNDC and TNP operate as strategic partners of the Wean Foundation. This strategic partnership is characterized by a significant level of Foundation investment, as well as:
- A commitment to the Foundation’s values of resident engagement, race equity and inclusion, social equity, collaboration, community investment and learning
- The organizations’ strong leadership role in seeking to achieve a resourced and sustained physical landscape in Warren and Youngstown neighborhoods
- A deep engagement with the Foundation to achieve impact across strategic priorities.
Together, we share a clear vision to “collectively build capacity to provide voice to residents and leaders throughout the Mahoning Valley.”
Resident Council
Composed of Warren and Youngstown residents, the Wean Foundation’s Resident Council represents the rich diversity that makes the Mahoning Valley a vibrant community. Resident Council members, by way of their proximity to neighborhoods, use their time and talents to inform the Wean Foundation’s resident engagement efforts.
The Resident Council is intended to support and champion our vision of empowered residents creating an equitable Mahoning Valley. Members play a critical role in executing meaningful decisions in various aspects of our programming, contributing time and expertise in:
- Grantmaking: Residents serve as advisors and reviewers.
- Capacity Building: Residents shape support that builds capacity.
- Convening & Partnerships: Residents act as community ambassadors and connectors.
- Operations: Residents inform how the Foundation shows up.
Resident Council Members
Michelle Brown
Youngstown
Felicia Davis
Warren
Cleotonia Heller
Warren
Markisha Parker
Warren
Brittany Thomas
Youngstown
Tiffany Tyree
Warren
Convenings & Events
Bike Tours of Warren & Youngstown
Thursday, July 16, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join the Wean Foundation on an engaging bike tour through either Warren or Youngstown and hear directly from community leaders and residents about the work underway to strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life. Both tours will conclude at Avon Oaks Ballroom in Girard, where riders can enjoy a free public Night Market in full swing (see below for more details).
Must be at least 18 years old to participate. There is no charge for the tour and all participants will be provided with an electric bike, helmet and refreshments. Due to the nature of the tour, personal bikes will not be permitted.
Registration is now closed. Didn’t get a chance to register, but still hoping to join us? Join the waitlist!
Email any questions to info@weanfoundation.org.
Night Market
Thursday, July 16, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The Wean Foundation invites Mahoning Valley residents to attend a special Night Market on Thursday, July 16, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Avon Oaks Ballroom in Girard. The free outdoor event will feature 30 local vendors, handmade goods, produce, food, music and more. No registration is required to attend. Vendors include:
Agape Presents LLC
Santone’s Sleepy Hollow Farm LLC
Purple Savage Apparel
Sister Crust & Crumb LLC
Herbal Rayne Sourdough LLC
Deep Roots/Carmella Marie
UrbAn Skyn
Brown Honey Bookstore
Organic Beauty by Crystal Renea
Ebony Ladies Golf and Youth Foundation
Plardy Plushies
Faith Delightss
Myers Manor LLC
Jewelry by Heather
Honey & Bloom Bake Shop
Chefs House LLC
Polka Pastures
Bus Down 330
Village Farmacy
Spice Rack Snacks
Made & Messy
Parker Family Urban Farms
The Big Green Thing Better Food Truck
Haystack Farms
Cookies to Go
Simply Made by Liv
Handmade by Pam Gu3
Creations by Pam
Muy Sabroso
Orlando’s Homestead Candles
Herbal Skinsation
Intentional Development Group
Let us know if you plan to attend and learn more about vendors on the Facebook event page!
These events are presented by the Wean Foundation and made possible through collaboration with residents, businesses and community organizations, including the cities of Warren, Youngstown and Girard, Excalibur Barber, Intentional Development Group, Thrive Mahoning Valley, Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership, the Warren Farmers Market, YoGo BikeShare and Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp.
Wean Park – Where Community Happens
Wean Park is a 20-acre community complex of recreational green space and walking paths that serves as the front door to the City of Youngstown. Located at 229 E. Front Street, near the city’s downtown, it is a continuation of the Foundation’s long-followed practice of supporting initiatives that strengthen community through engaging residents. Families picnic on plush, grassy knolls; atttend summer concerts; enjoy art and culture festivals; and jog or walk the well-appointed trails that encompass the park.
Grantmaking
Funding the development and implementation of viable solutions led by organizations whose leadership reflects the racial demographics of the communities in which they work.
Capacity Building
Supporting the strong leadership, strategy and impact of Black and Hispanic/Latinx-led organizations.
Convening and Partnerships
Defining challenges, formulating solutions and taking collective action, with Black and Hispanic/Latinx-led organizations who have a stake in the decisions being made.