“Growing a Healthy Community: What It Takes” Featuring Alex Kotlowitz, Journalist and Author

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About The Event

Please join us for the third and final forum in our series "Growing a Healthy Community." The series has examined the investment made in the Broadway/Slavic Community by addressing the basics of education, low-literacy, housing, healthcare and safety through the Broadway P-16 Program.

We are very pleased to welcome back Alex Kotlowitz, award winning American journalist and author of the 2009 New York Times Magazine cover story on Slavic Village that brought national attention to the devastation caused by the foreclosure crisis. He returns to Cleveland after seven years to deliver the June 29th keynote address entitled:

"The Things They Carry: Growing Up Poor in the World's Richest Nation -- and What It Takes to Build Community."

Kotlowitz has spent much of the last 35 years telling stories of those who have little left to lose, those who understand better than most the deep economic divide in this country. In his talks, he speaks to some of the myths that surround those growing up poor in the world's wealthiest country: the myth of community; the myth that people become accustomed to or hardened by the violence that plagues so many poor communities; the myth of the single story, the notion that if you're growing up poor we know the shape of your narrative; the myth that our poor are well taken care of.

Kotlowitz tells the stories of those he's encountered over the years to bring listeners into these neighborhoods, to help them understand all the forces bearing down on those who are struggling to get by and struggling to be heard. And he suggests what needs to be done to strengthen and re-fortify community.

He will be joined by a panel of local guests to discuss the changes that have taken place in Slavic Village and what it takes to build, strengthen and re-fortify a community devastated by poverty and decimated by the foreclosure crisis.

About Third Federal

Third Federal Savings and Loan Association (Nasdaq: TFSL), is a leading provider of savings and mortgage products, and operates under the values of love, trust, respect, a commitment to excellence and fun. Founded in Cleveland in 1938 as a mutual association by Ben and Gerome Stefanski, Third Federal’s mission is to help people achieve the dream of home ownership and financial security. It became part of a public company in 2007 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in May, 2013. Third Federal, which lends in 21 states and the District of Columbia, is dedicated to serving consumers with competitive rates and outstanding service. Third Federal, an equal housing lender, has 21 full service branches in Northeast Ohio, eight lending offices in Central and Southern Ohio, and 17 full service branches throughout Florida. As of March 31, 2016, the Company’s assets totaled $12.5 billion. For more, visit us on Thirdfederal.com.

About Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs

The Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service and is actively engaged in improving opportunities for the citizens of the Greater Cleveland region and the state of Ohio. The college offers six Undergraduate Degree programs, two nationally accredited and ranked Masters Degree programs in Urban Planning and Public Administration, recognized graduate programs in Urban Studies, Nonprofit Management and Environmental Studies, and an interdisciplinary Doctoral program. The Levin College Forum Program is known as the place "where the community gathers to discuss challenges, create opportunities, and celebrate accomplishments." The Forum is a catalyst for thoughtful public debate, innovative thinking, new ideas, and timely action addressing critical issues that impact Northeast Ohio. Since its inception in 1998, the Forum has tackled a broad range of civic issues including the lakefront plan, economic growth and development, affordable housing, immigration, education, the convention center, poverty, race and sustainable development. The work of the forum is based on the premise that an informed and engaged citizenry is a valuable asset for the region's future growth and prosperity. The public deliberation that takes place at the Forums is intended to educate, inspire and engage.

About ideastream

The mission of ideastream is to strengthen our communities. ideastream pursues its mission as a multiple media public service organization by providing distinctive, thought-provoking programs and services that enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain.

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