TRAINING/ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT

-In the start up phase of organization, the City Neighborhood Specialist is available to work with founding members to facilitate a smooth and successful beginning. Information on City services, how to publicize and how to structure a membership campaign is available. NO single organizational structure is recommended. The Neighborhood Specialist is there to provide resources and act as a facilitator as the association develops its own goals and organizational structure. Continuing support is provided as requested by the association.

-Lima is a member of a six-state Regional Neighborhood Network, which hosts an annual leadership training conference. As a network member, associations have access to information from the 19 member cities and are offered periodic opportunities to receive training from those cities. The City also offers free workshops on topics ranging from media relations to strategic planning for neighborhood associations.

-A speakers bureau of City representatives is available to your association to provide information and answer questions at your association meetings.

-Lima’s 7-foot tall green "being" ambassador, BEANIE, is available to attend your neighborhood functions, and with BEANIE Buddy, educate the young at heart about being a Good Neighbor.

-A resident education seminar on "What Makes a Neighborhood" is provided to interested groups on what defines a neighborhood and how to improve and maintain it.

-A neighborhood resource guide, listing complete information on all associations is provided to each neighborhood association for ease with networking and sharing project ideas.

LIMA-ALLEN COUNTY NEIGHBORHOODS IN PARTNERSHIP (LACNIP)

-Associations may join LACNIP, which currently has 33 member Neighborhood Associations. LACNIP gives each association access to other neighborhood groups in order to share information or propose large scale joint projects. LACNIP also allows groups to share solutions to common problems and exchange ideas on how to operate associations and projects in an efficient manner. LACNIP sponsors 7 major projects each year that you may wish to participate in to help the entire community.

EVENTS/EXPOSURE

-Associations can increase their exposure at LACNIP wide events. Membership recruitment may be done at all events. These events are coordinated and promoted in conjunction with the City, LACNIP, and individual associations.

NEIGHBORHOOD HISTORY PROJECT

-An easy to use instruction kit is available to complete the Neighborhood History Project, an exciting association project which produces a past and present history of your association area. A brochure, complete with a walking map of the neighborhood, photos of neighborhood features, history of the area and current facts about the neighborhood association is produced as a valuable marketing and membership tool for your area.

LIMA’S NEIGHBORHOOD MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM

-City Neighborhood Associations that have been in existence for at least six months are eligible to apply for up to $2500 to complete a project or program to improve their neighborhood. Groups are encouraged to collaborate with the businesses and organizations in their area when designing a project. The association must match the amount requested with in-kind donations, cash donations from businesses, and volunteer hours. Technical assistance is available from Neighborhood Support to help design and implement your project.

CLEAN UP RELATED SERVICES

-Organized City Neighborhood Associations are eligible to receive 2 dumpsters for association sponsored clean ups within their boundaries. These dumpsters are provided free of charge to city associations. County associations may contact their Township Trustees or County Commissioners to request similar assistance.

-City associations may also take advantage of the City Wide Pride Clean Up each spring by sponsoring and staffing a dumpster site, organizing trips to the dumpster site for neighbors unable to take items to dumpsters themselves. Members have the opportunity to recruit others during these clean-up efforts, and to spread the word about the benefits of their own associations.

-Tools for cleanups (rakes, shovels, gloves) and other equipment for neighborhood events (dining canopy, video camera, boom box, TV/VCR unit) are available on loan from the Neighborhood Tool Chest.

MEDIA COVERAGE

-Special requests by the media are often channeled through Neighborhood Support. Local, regional and national media have used Neighborhood Support to identify and feature local associations in coverage concerning crime prevention, neighborhood revitalization and violence reduction. Your association may benefit from assistance in getting media attention.

-The Lima News is notified of all regularly scheduled neighborhood association meetings. Information on speakers and special topics can also be included upon request.

-The mayor holds a press conference at 9:15 a.m. each Wednesday. Associations can be scheduled to appear at those conferences to promote their projects and accomplishments.

PRINTING

-The city provides $50 of printing services per City association per year. This averages between 4-5,000 copies per year. County associations may contact their Township Trustees or County Commissioners to request similar assistance.

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT

-The City occasionally has access to volunteer assistance, such as collating, folding, mailing preparation, labeling, etc. That assistance can be made available on occasion to associations if advance notice is provided to Neighborhood Support. All associations are encouraged to seek membership from area churches, schools, residents and businesses to form a true neighborhood partnership and work together to preserve and improve the quality of life in their area. LACNIP members may provide additional support from individuals and businesses who have an interest in your project or neighborhood.

-City services are available to neighborhood associations via the Neighborhood Specialist, City of Lima, Department of Community Development Neighborhood Support, 50 Town Square, Lima, Ohio, 45801, (419) 221-5177.