Community outreach a group effort in Wadsworth

WADSWORTH — Several programs designed to help residents deal with the economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been announced by the Wadsworth Public Library, in collaboration with the city of Wadsworth, Wadsworth Schools and the Wadsworth Area Chamber of Commerce. Library Director Daniel Slife spearheaded the effort and characterized it as being in a "capacity-building phase" before more specifics are made available and programs are fully rolled out in the near future. Initial efforts are focusing on "Grapevine of Hope," which will recruit "ambassadors" to set up and maintain lines of communication for residents, whether that's over the phone, video chat or other avenues. "It's important to not turn social distancing into social isolation," Slife said. "We want to encourage people to talk to family, friends, neighbors, members of their faith community, any loved one they haven't seen for a long time. Just reach out and connect. It's happening already but we want to do our part in encouraging it." Anyone who takes part in the communication chain will be encouraged to promote further participation on social media by using the hashtag #grapevineofhope. Those interested in becoming a Grapevine of Hope ambassador or helping with any of the new programs can contact Slife directly at (330) 335-1299 or daniel.slife@wadsworthlibrary.com. A "Mentor Next Door" program will invite residents with specialized skills in trades and other professional backgrounds to lend their expertise on projects and tasks to residents in need. Any volunteer contact information will be kept confidential. Slife said more than a dozen people have already stepped forward as prospective mentors. "There are a lot of people in our community who are trying to make ends meet and are making difficult choices in their home life," he said. "That could mean choosing to fix an important household mechanical problem or feeding their family. There are many people who can be a resource in helping with that. "People can call in and ask for help and we'll forward their information to a mentor." Locations are being sought for community gardens that will be put up around Wadsworth, which would provide new sources of fresh produce. A "Library of Things" initiative will ask residents to donate household and yard maintenance tools as well as other equipment in good working order. Those items will then be borrowed from the library just like a book. "Again, with all of this right now, we're still working through details of how all of this will work," Slife said. "We want to talk with people interested in gardening to help meet food insecurity needs. With the tools and equipment, we'll be able to come to homes and pick those up once we're allowed to do so or they can be dropped off. "It's also a matter of sort of retooling and expanding on the perception of what our library can offer our community." Lastly, the library will maintain a resource hub that will provide updated information on local, state, federal and international aid available to individuals, families and businesses. Mayor Robin Laubaugh praised Slife's efforts and referred to past collaborative work between the large city entities including the Wadsworth YMCA Community Center. "Daniel reached out about this to myself and the superintendent of our schools, Andy Hill," she said. "He's really taken a hold of this entire process and we're extremely grateful for that. He has great ideas as far as recognizing how difficult this time is for our community. But at the same time, when times get difficult, there often comes a sense of unity and working together to make things better. This is a great example of that." Contact reporter Jonathan Delozier at (330) 721-4050 or jdelozier@medina-gazette.com.