TRAINEE UPDATES
TRINA has graduated from the program and will be working in a nightclub, earning $10 an hour! She says she'll continue with her GED work in the mornings. We'll miss her spirit and joy; also, the Venice gossip line has lost a vital connection: our own "TellaTrina" could always spread the news!
VONNIE will graduate in March, having completed her coursework to become a certified nursing assistant. She got an A on the final exam and takes the Ohio CNA Certification exam this month.
ALECIA aced her practice GED test at the YWCA with very high scores, and will take her test this month. She and CHARLA remarked that they would never have expected to move so far so quickly with their education - studying and doing homework with our volunteer tutors is really paying off for them.
Joining our program this month are TIARA and LUIS. It has taken a few weeks to get a smile out of our quiet TIARA, but she is gaining skill and confidence every day. LUIS is already becoming Sister Judy's go-to guy for catering as he exhibits excellent common sense and work ethics. Recent graduate MAREIO came back to tell us that he is starting with Cincinnati Cooks in April. |
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NEWS
Thanks to Barbara Moran and Flo McCray, Venice on Vine participated in the
National African-American Read-in on February 23, celebrating books by African-American authors. Trainees shared book reports, profiles of famous African-Americans, readings of poetry, and tasty fried pies and bread pudding from Maya Angelou's cookbook. Thanks to all who made this possible.
Last month, Rhonda Smith, of Allied Construction Industries talked to our trainees about nontraditional work, choosing to follow your own dreams rather than conventional expectations.
This month, we'll begin a series of money management workshops with SmartMoney Community Services. We'll also hear from Miami Women in Business.
This Thursday, Venice on Vine will host one of Citizens for Civic Renewal's focus groups designed to gather our input about the Cincinnati Police budget; questions about what a safe community feels like; types of police practices we would prioritize for funding, and how citizens and government together can achieve safety.
SWEETHEART RAFFLE LOVERS
snapped up over 960 tickets, beating last year's sales, helping our
finances, and adding to our list of "Friends of PIP". One ticket even
won TWICE! Thanks to everyone who participated.
We welcome Andrew Curne as our night manager. Andrew joined us as a trainee last May, and this promotion makes him a member of our management team. He attends Cincinnati State's Culinary program. Catherine Daniels is working part-time as an administrative assistant, handling accounts receivable, donation thank-yous, Venice Kitchen orders and our donor database.
PIP is a featured charity with "DEALS THAT GIVE BACK" - a website similar to Groupon, who offer half-price deals from a variety of local restaurants, shops, and services. They donate 10% of the purchase price of a coupon to PIP or a charity of your choice. Here's a link to their website, check them out: Deals That Give Back
PIP's Board is reviewing our 2010 Annual Report. A copy will be sent out soon, but we're pleased to report that we achieved or exceeded many of our goals for 2010! We exceeded program goals for:
- number of people trained,
- trainees passing specific skills tests,
- trainees building a six month work history, and
- trainees leaving the program with jobs.
For the first time we also achieved a major financial stability goal: more than 50% of total revenues in 2010 came from earned income in restaurant and catering sales.
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Do you know a friend who would like to hear about Power Inspires Progress and its mission? Click HERE to forward this e-newsletter to them!
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Please consider making a generous donation to support our mission.
Your contributions will help us grow and develop our mission and support our trainees.
Send your donation via snail mail (address below), call us at 513-221-7020, or you can donate on our new website by clicking HERE
Thank you!
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March 19, 2011 JAZZ FOR PEACE Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm Street, Cincinnati
A BENEFIT FOR VENICE ON VINE.
|  | | Jazz for Peace Trio; Gomez, White, DellaRatta |
ORDER YOUR TICKETS ONLINE
International keyboard/vocal artists Jazz for Peace will join us for a great night with great music in the historic, acoustically perfect Memorial Hall. Doors open at 6, Reception includes cocktails, silent auction and light dinners available.
Music starts at 7 with the Erwin Stuckey Trio. Jazz for Peace Concert starts at 8:00. WLWT Anchor Courtis Fuller is emcee.
For details, click here.
Guests can buy tickets at the door, but we need to guarantee a certain number of pre-sales to make the fundraiser a success. So, please help us out by ordering your tickets before March 10!
Project Sponsors include CityBeat, WNKU, Jazz Half, Jazz Alive,
Project Support from ArtsWave.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
March 29: FINAL FRIDAY in Over-The Rhine, playing recorded music from our playlist of local artists. 5:30 - 6:30 PM
April 2: Restaurant now OPEN ON SATURDAYS!
April 29: FINAL FRIDAY, live music (artist TBA) - 5:30 - 6:30PM
May 6: PIZZA PARTY - Gourmet pizza, BYOB, $15.00 donation for all you can eat pizza; live music with Aggie and Fred Brackmann 6:00 - 7:30 PM
May 21: OTR Summer Celebration and 5k Run
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In the Venice Kitchens:
EXTENDED HOURS AT VENICE ON VINE: The pizza parlor will be open later on Friday nights and all day Saturdays starting April 2. This builds the business and allows us to participate more in all the vitality and activity in Over-the-Rhine.
Spring break service trips. Pizza is an easy and popular treat for school and church groups after a service trip to OTR. Venice provides pizza, salad or dipping veggies, cookies and drinks for $7.50/person. Group sizes can range from 12-30; please book in advance. Some groups request presentations from staff and trainees about PIP, barriers to work and the importance of education. SOUP GROUP CATERING especially for Lent but throughout the year for groups 15-75. The meal includes two fresh homemade soups, garden salad and dressing, artisanal bread and butter, paper goods, delivery. Drinks, sandwiches and desserts can be added for extra cost. Charge is $8/person. Call 513-221-7020 to order. |
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Power Inspires Progress
VENICE ON VINE
"Good Food for a Good Cause"
1301 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-221-7020
March Restaurant Hours
Monday-Friday
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Our Catering Menu is online at:
www.powerinspiresprogress.com
Rina Saperstein, Executive Director
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