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Our Voices and DigitalC

Introducing "Our Voices," an initiative of DigitalC, funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s STOP: School Violence Grant in 2020. As pioneers of this grant in Cleveland, Ohio, we are proud to lead the way in enhancing student safety and wellbeing. Inspired by the Safe Routes To School Initiative, we have created an innovative youth safety app, empowering and equipping schools with comprehensive tools to support students both within and beyond school grounds.

 

The "Our Voices" Mobile App is on a mission to unite and empower schools in creating nurturing environments that ensure the safety, well-being, and holistic development of Cleveland’s youth. We envision every community as a haven of safety where young people can grow, learn, and thrive, knowing they are supported and protected.

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"Driven to Connect" encapsulates the essence of DigitalC's mission and the heart of the "Our Voices" initiative. By deploying a premier, state-of-the-art network that promises affordability, reliability, and sustainability, DigitalC is not just bridging the digital divide; we're forging pathways to a connected, empowered future. "Our Voices" amplifies this mission, focusing on connecting students, families, communities, and organizations more deeply. Together, we're transforming our platform into a dynamic, interactive hub, where collaboration and resource sharing pave the way for safer, more nurturing environments. This synergy between DigitalC and "Our Voices" embodies our commitment to a digitally inclusive world where every voice finds the power to create change.

Our Guiding Principles are Youth-Centric, Innovations-Driven, and Empathetic Engagement, laying the foundation for a future where every child in Cleveland can access the safety and support they need to succeed.

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Impact

At DigitalC, in the heart of Cleveland, a transformation is unfolding—one digital connection at a time. Imagine a community where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the key to unlock a world of opportunity. This is not just a dream; it's a vision we are turning into reality, thanks to the generosity of people like you.

 

Access to the internet is more than just connectivity; it's a lifeline. It means a student can attend online classes, pursue their dreams, and break the cycle of poverty. It means a single parent can access remote work, providing for their family while being present at home. It means an entrepreneur can launch a business, creating jobs and inspiring innovation right here in our community. Every connection we establish through our core services - Canopy, Click, MidTown Tech Hive - opens a door to endless possibilities, empowering individuals to learn, grow, and thrive in the digital age.

Your investment is a beacon of hope. With every donation, whether it is covering the cost of internet for a family for a year or sponsoring a digital skills workshop, you are not just giving money; you are giving access to opportunities that can change lives. You're ensuring that no one is left behind as we forge ahead into a future where digital proficiency is not just an advantage, but a necessity. We are immensely grateful for your generosity and the support of all our donors. Your contribution is the catalyst for change, driving forward the digital revolution in Cleveland. 

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Community Engagement

According to the Conditions For Learning Survey, 50% of elementary school students reported not feeling safe outside of school. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to safeguard our youth in their communities.

 

The "Our Voices" app emerges as a groundbreaking youth safety tool, integrating features like anonymous reporting, Wellness Checks, and access to Community Resources. In collaboration with local organizations such as MyCom, Cleveland Thrive, and the Cleveland Police Department, "Our Voices" is addressing the critical need for safe zones, thereby enhancing the safety and security of our youth. This tool is more than just an application; it represents a comprehensive ecosystem aimed at transforming the future of young people. By ensuring their safety, enhancing their well-being, and empowering them to reach their full potential, "Our Voices" contributes to mental health support, student autonomy, family and community engagement, and the collection of data-driven insights for better policies. This approach not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also fosters long-term educational and social outcomes.

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The implementation of this grant is driven by a team of Cleveland natives, bringing local expertise and a commitment to our community. By prioritizing community trust and credibility and leveraging our relationships, we're able to deliver tailored interventions to the youth we serve. This local perspective ensures that the grant is implemented with a vested interest in the long-term well-being of Cleveland, demonstrating a commitment to the sustainability and growth of the program.

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Impact

Our initiative has made significant strides towards achieving its goals. Here's a snapshot of our progress:

Developed and implemented the Our Voices mobile wellness app.

 

  • Conducted a series of student-led Walk Audits at our pilot schools to assess neighborhood conditions. 

  • Facilitated a range of youth-centered events to increase community engagement and input, reaching over 1,000 students in the span of two years and fostering a culture of empathy and innovation.

  • Collaborated with local organizations to better inform our app’s safe zones.

  • Grant staff serve as members of the Cleveland Thrive: Safety Task Force, board members of the Cleveland Police Review Board, and board members of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland.

These achievements are just a glimpse of the impact we have had on our community. But don't just take our word for it - hear what our app testers have to say:

 

“I like the Community Resources tab. I also found it most helpful as it's extremely important to be able to locate resources in our community. I couldn't see much I would like to change at this moment.” - 8th-grade student from Daniel E. Morgan

 

“One thing I like about this app is how everything is organized. The most helpful thing was how everything is separate and easy to understand. What I would like to change is nothing because I think it’s great.” - 7th-grade student from Mary B. Martin

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Our Wellness App - Vector Livesafe

Streamline student support with an all-in-one tool for seamless collaboration between students, parents, and school administrators.

Anonymous reporting

Using our mobile app, students, staff, and parents can easily submit safety and security information, upload relevant photos or videos, and provide additional details through two-way chat with security.

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Keeping students Empowered

Prioritizing students' autonomy in school has never been more efficient. Users have the ability to initiate Wellness Checks from school administrators with just a click. 

Giving students and families access to direct support regarding their mental health fosters a nurturing environment for them to self-actualize. Students also have the option to browse through Community Resources, making receiving the support they need easy.

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Support at your fingertips

From academic assistance to emotional well-being, our app offers a range of tools and resources to help schools address diverse student needs. In addition to our one-touch emergency support that connects users to local emergency services, this app includes SafeWalk, an interactive feature that allows users to invite their contacts to virtually walk or ride with them.

 

 

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Join the Our Voices community today as a Community Resource and list your organization on our app! Revolutionize the way Cleveland collaborates to nurture our village. Additionally, invite community members to volunteer for app beta testing sessions, school walk audits, and other engagement events to support youth safety.

List a Resource

DigitalC
MidTown Tech Hive
6815 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44103
216-923-2240

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Join the digital revolution in Cleveland with a click: your donation fuels our mission to bridge the digital divide - for good.

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