NSL Insider is published three times a year to inform donors, volunteers and supporters of agency news, developments and special events. If you wish, you may request a copy emailed to you by contacting Barb at 924-1200 or email lhoyt@norwoodserviceleague.org
History
Norwood Service League began in 1917 as a community drive to raise fund for supplying our American soldiers during WWI. Attention was turned to the needy people in our community "widows, fatherless children, injured factory workers...". Norwood residents were not eligible for public welfare from the City of Cincinnati so Norwood city leaders established the "Norwood Welfare Department", later remaned Norwood Service League. A relationship began with the City of Norwood with the use of a small unused office at Norwood City Hall.
Norwood Service League was one of the first five members of the Red Feather Red Cross--later Community Chest, United Appeal, now United Way--other members were Urban League, Better Housing League, YMCA and YWCA. Many leaders in industry, commerce, education, fraternal and civic organizations and churches served as board members, program committee leaders, other people served as volunteer staff. Norwood Manufacturing Association, (later replaced by Norwood Chamber of Commerce in mid-1950's), was very instrumental in fundraising within manufacturing plants, union halls, churches and women's clubs. The NMA helped purchase our first building on Lawrence Avenue, where NSL returned in 2007. In the 1920's, NSL established the Children's Nursery to provide child care for women who needed work outside the home; husbands returned from war injured or not at all. Child care tuition was five cents a week for hot meals, with care provided by many wives of prominent business men.Thousands of children were cared for over the 84 years of this much needed program. Many children became productive members of the community in Norwood or around the world. In the 1930 's, during the Great Depression NSL operated a soup kitchen in the old Market House on Mills and Walters Avenues (later known as Norwood Safety Lane). Women entered the job force in historic numbers in the 1970's. The child care industry grew as it developed safety and health regulations, educational requirements for staff, etc. Norwood Service League Daycare, as our long-established childcare services was then known, became the first in the southwestern Ohio to receive the NAEYC accreditation under Judith Laurens in mid-1970's. Norwood's population was about 20,000 people in 1917, reaching nearly 40,000 people by 1939. Today Norwood's population is about 20,000. The City of Norwood has successfully undergone transformation from a heavily industrial and manufacturing city of 3.25 square miles into a redeveloped business community of office, medical, retail and services . Our population has changed from 'blue-collar' to 'white-collar' workers. New residents are moving into the older, beautiful homes built in the early 1890's & 1920's. As a community of caring people, we still deal with poverty, life sufferings and setbacks. Norwood Service League is still here today to help our community. 
"Helping people in need in Norwood, and getting them connected to resources."
This page was last updated: August 12, 2010
Executive Board Members:
Cassandra (Casey) Brown- Chair
William Graff- Vice Chair/Secretary
Alice J. Scott- Treasurer
Vivian Graff
Andrew Scarpitti
Steve Thornbury
April Butler
Board of Governors:
Debi Cochran Gay
Susan Geselbracht
Melanie E. Mize
Brad Resch
Doris Riddle
Rev. Chris White
Mary Ann Williams
Norwood Service League is a community social service agency established to help people of Norwood, Ohio during temporary times of need or supplement current assistance.
NSL collaborates with businesses, fraternal and civic organizations, schools, churches, government and other organizations to provide services that meet basic needs and promote self-sufficiency.
Norwood Service League is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) under the Internal Revenue Service and the Ohio State Tax Code. As such we adhere to requirements of annual filing 990 form to federal authorities and the Ohio Attorney General . NSL receives grants, earned contracts, and tax-deductible donations from individuals, business and organizations in our region. NSL works ways to maintain an operating budget that reflects good stewardship.
Current Staff:
*Karen Chinchilla, LSW
Misty Rowe- Intake Specialist
Connie Jones, Pantry & Volunteer Manager
Lupe *Georgina Unroe- Bilingual Community Worker
Barb Mecklenborg, Executive Secretary
Sue Imhausen, M.A.- ESL Instructor.
Bill Shields, M.A.-certified GED/ABLE Instructor
Nancy Laird- Urban Appalachian Council , Case manager
Brad Rogers- Norwood Community Garden Coordinator
*Bilingual Spanish/English
Governance
- Norwood Service League is governed by a Board of Governors consisting of members of the community from various fields and community standing.
- The BOG meet quarterly while the Executive Committee meet monthly according to By-laws. Board membership requires regular involvement with committees and other special events.
- All board members are expected to assist with fund development and financial "health" of the organization through their areas of interest. Board committees meet as needed throughout the year depending on the nature of the committee. Board of Governors are elected to three- year terms.
- The Executive Committee governs daily operations through the Executive Director, and meet monthly to review operations, opportunities, challenges and financial reports.
All board members are required to complete and sign a conflict of interest statement. About Us
Some past notable leaders in Norwood were:
- John Omwake, president of US Playing Card Company,
- Daniel Heekin of Heekin Can Co.,
- Richard LeBlond of LeBlond Machine Tool,
- Theodore Dorl of US Playing Card Co., an amateur athlete for whom Dorl Field is named,
- Rev. Gressle of St. Matthew Church,
- Judge Allen C. Roudebush later elected Mayor of Norwood.
- Virginia Roessler Ward served as director of Norwood Service League for twenty years of growth and change.
Look for our "Gallery of Leaders" photos from NSL Archives.
Lupe A. Gonzalez Hoyt, Executive Director
Recent History:
Between 2002- present, Norwood Service League has undergone major organizational changes. The need to bring best practices of today's nonprofit organizations while adapting to the changing needs of the people of our community will ensure NSL will be here for the future. These best practices include accountability, sustainability, vision for growth, competence, all with the goal to be an asset to Norwood.In 2005, NSL moved from its 5300 Montgomery Road location for 45 years to rented space in a transitional school building on Forest Ave.In 2007, NSL purchased the building it once occupied from 1920-'73. Work has been completed to make our building functional for the social services NSL began in 1917. In show of our appreciation for their vision, hard work and support, our building has been named after community leaders, William and Vivian Graff.In 2008-present, Norwood and the community of people can count on Norwood Service League to be here with help, referrals, programs, services, and resouces during current economic recession.
