Pulse Report

OVER-THE-RHINE Nine women will be recognized this week as contributors to the budding community of Over-the-Rhine.
The Women of Over-the-Rhine recognition event is one that, itself, has changed in just the four years since its inception.
The identifying feature of each woman is that of their success success in spite of the odds, or success in the in endeavors to make OTR a better place to live.
"Great changes are happening in Over-the-Rhine, says Dhana Donaldson, community leadership and program director of Emanuel Community Center, which offers the awards. "These women have contributed to the benefit of Over-the-Rhine, either professionally or personally."
The community agency's program began four years ago with a mission of raising kudos to honor those women who overcame personal struggles, in order to make their lives successful.
"It started out for women who would not otherwise be recognized," Donaldson says.
But the face of OTR has changed, so has the recognition program, and in fact, the mission of Emanuel Community Center.
The community center has an education department, which strives to reach people within OTR to help them with their needs, in a "holistic approach," Donaldson says.
But in recent years, as the neighborhood has evolved, the community center has realigned its goals, changing with it, she says.
"We have parents, children, families we serve," Donaldson says. "But now a lot of young professionals are moving in. We have a new strategic plan, one of inclusion."
That plan is to provide a "community connection" for everybody who has made OTR their neighborhood.
The Women of Over-the-Rhine program continues to recognize a diverse group of women who have, in new ways, overcome the odds. But it is the odds not only personal, but for their neighborhood.
"They're not really trying to impress, and yet they do impress," Donaldson says.
The luncheon and program in their honor, where people can hear these women's stories of success, will be from 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at The Phoenix Restaurant, at 812 Race St.

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