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Norwood Service League 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 at that time for public welfare from the City of Cincinnati.  In response,  Norwood leaders established  the "Norwood Welfare Department", later renamed Norwood Service League.  A relationship began with the City of Norwood through the use of a small, unused office at Norwood City Hall. Today, we continue to have a good working relationship with our city government and departments.

Norwood Service League was one of the first five members of the Red Feather Red Cross--later known as The Community Chest, United Appeal, and today it is known as  United Way of Greater Cincinnati.  Other early agency members were Urban League, Better Housing League, YMCA and YWCA.
Many  leaders in industry, commerce, education, fraternal and civic organizations and churches haved served throughout our history as board members, program committee leaders,  and when needed  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 NSL's first building on Lawrence Avenue, where NSL has returned to occupy in 2007.

NSL helped people with jobs, bags of food, financial assistance, housing, clothing, marriage counseling and help with alcoholism.
NSL established the Children's Nursery in 1920 to provide child care for women who needed work outside the home.  Husbands returned from WWI with injuries or did not return to their families. Child care tuition was five cents a week for hot meals, care was 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 and 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. As the child care industry  grew,  safety and health regulations, educational requirements for staff, and facility regulations changed the way child care is delivered.  Norwood Service League Daycare,became the first in the southwestern Ohio to receive the NAEYC accreditation under the leadership of 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 21,000.  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 professional and medical offices, retail and services . Our population has changed from 'blue-collar' to 'white-collar' workers.  New residents are moving into our older, beautiful homes built in the early 1890's -1950's.

"Norwood Service League helps people in need, and gets them connected to resources."
This page was last updated: December 7, 2011
  WHO WE ARE:
Norwood Service League is a community social service agency established to help the people of Norwood, Ohio, during  times of need or to supplement current assistance.
 
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 collaborates with businesses, fraternal and civic organizations, schools, churches, government and other organizations to provide services that meet basic needs and promote self-sufficiency.

NSL receives grants, earned contracts, and tax-deductible donations from individuals, business and organizations in our region. NSL works  to maintain an operating budget that reflects good stewardship.
 



Current NSL Staff:

*Karen Chinchilla, LSW
Misty Rowe- Intake/ Program Specialist
Barb Mecklenborg, Executive Secretary

Bill Shields, M.A.-certified GED/ABLE Instructor

* Bilingual Spanish/English


Governance
  • Norwood Service League is governed by a Board of Governors composed of members of the community or surrounding area.  These members are selected from various fields of professions, experience, and community standing. 
  • The BOG members meet quarterly.
  • Board membership requires regular involvement with committees and other duties.
  • All board members are expected to assist with fund development and financial stability of the organization through their areas of interest and abilities.   Board committees meet as needed throughout the year. 
  • The Executive Committee governs daily operations through the Executive Director,  meet monthly to review operations, opportunities, challenges and financial reports. 
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 Printing Co., an amateur athlete for whom Dorl Field is named
  • Rev. Gressle of St. Matthew Church
  • Judge Allen C.  Roudebush, elected Mayor of Norwood
  • Virginia Roessler Ward served as director of Norwood Service League for twenty years of growth and change.

Read more in "Images of America: Norwood" available by calling 924-1200
Lupe A. Gonzalez Hoyt, Executive Director
Recent History:
In 1973 NSL moved to 5300 Montgomery Road, operating there for 32 years. In 2005, NSL moved   rented space from Norwood City Schools at a transitional school building on Forest Ave.

Between 2002 to 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 in areas of  accountability, sustainability, vision for growth, competence, are put in place with the goal to be an asset to Norwood.

In 2007, NSL purchased the building it occupied from 1920-'73.  Renovations, remodeling and repairs done by volunteers & professionals makes it possible  for NSL to continue the work it began generations ago. In appreciation for their vision, hard work and support, our building has been named to honor and memorialize our community leaders, William and Vivian Graff. (Bill passed away 9/11/10.)

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.
As communities of caring people, we still deal with poverty, life sufferings and setbacks.          
Norwood Service League is still here today to help.
Board of Governors

Steve Thornbury -Chair*Susan Geselbracht
Alice J. Scott- Treasurer*Melanie Mize
Vivian Graff - Secretary* Doris Riddle
Casey Brown *Justin Masterson
Debi Cochran Gay*        Robert Henery*
April Butler*      John Breadon
               Mary Yeager

*members of executive committee

Board Membership elections and installment are held annually in June. Membership may open when a member leaves for personal, or professional reasons.