The Urban League of Greater Cincinnati has become the extended family to students and parents in the Avondale area.

        Through the league's “Strong Families, Strong Children Initiative,” the league is partnering with three schools in Avondale.

        This initiative provides program services to families, students and the school staff at Rockdale, Burton and South Avondale Elementary schools.

        The purpose is to increase parental involvement at each school and improve student performance.

        Community resource coordinators are in each school to pull together various resources that businesses and agencies wish to bring into the partner schools. They also develop after-school programs that assist students in their class work, and provide life skills and recreation activities.

        Since the initiative started in September, more than 40 volunteers have been involved in after-school and in-school programs that include tutoring in math, reading, mentoring, flag football and other activities.

        “We are looking at the whole child,” said Rochelle Morton, senior director for the campaign for African-American Achievement. “Children need something that will make them well-rounded. The initiative concentrates on the academic, social and leadership skills of the child.

        “An important component of the program is parental involvement. It has been proven that if parents are involved with their children's education, their academic performance improves.”
A group of equestrians is promoting a “United We Ride” benefit to help the American Red Cross disaster relief fund.

        Pamela Stallings, who chairs the group, said it plans a Horsemen For Heroes benefit trail ride on Nov. 3 at the Steppin' Hi Stables, 12405 Hutton Drive, Walton.

        “We just thought we needed to come together to do something,” Ms. Stallings said. “We are just a group of horse owners who organized about a week ago.”

        She said the event will include a two-hour scenic ride on 200 acres of wooded trails.

        Registration will take place at 10 a.m. and the first ride leaves at 11 a.m. There will be a cookout at 2 p.m. and an auction at 3 p.m. that will include horse and non-horse items around a campfire.

        There will be a grand prize drawing of a framed equine print donated by A&S Art Gallery in Florence.

        Nonriders are invited and can enjoy food by Eddie's Southern Barbecue and entertainment by Rick Kinman of First and Last Grill.

        Ms. Stallings said a minimum donation is $25 for riders and $15 for nonriders. Donations must be made the day of the ride to: American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
        Richard Weiland, chairman of the Jewish Federation Luncheon, has donated $3,000 for youth programs in Roselawn.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Monday-Friday and Sundays. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are committing random acts of kindness that are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at (513) 768-8362; at ahoward@enquirer.com; or by fax at (513) 768-8340.

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