Learning Grove and FamiliesFORWARD are merging their services, the organizations announced last week.
During a joint board meeting on Aug. 22, the two nonprofits voted to combine Learning Grove’s educational services with the after-school and community services of FamiliesFORWARD.
According to the announcement, Covington-based Learning Grove will be the lead organization over the Cincinnati-based FamiliesFORWARD. Both organizations will continue operating under their current names, logos and brands, though.
“Learning Grove has provided high-quality educational services in the region for more than forty years by supporting quality learning experiences so children and youth can reach their full potential,” the announcement said. “For decades, FamiliesFORWARD has served diverse communities in Cincinnati as a neighborhood-based resource center for schools, students, and families. Currently, their after-school program serves Bond Hill Academy of Math and Science Discovery, Carson School, Hays-Porter School, and Withrow University High School.”
Learning Grove mainly focuses on early childhood care and education with Navigo, which is a college- and career-readiness initiative.
By joining with FamiliesFORWARD, which provides other programs for families, the two “will be able to offer critical services for a true cradle-to-career continuum” said Shannon Starkey Taylor, CEO of Learning Grove.
“This partnership is good for the long-term sustainability of FamiliesFORWARD and the families we serve,” said H. Michelle Toney, executive director of FamiliesFORWARD. “The only change that will occur with the partnership, is that our programs will be enhanced due to more back-end support and more families will have access to them.”