What made you decide to try mentoring in the iCARE Mentoring program?
It all started when Community Outreach at Kent State encouraged students to become a mentor for the iPromise program, to help high school students prepare for success in college and discover their interests. I volunteered because I thought it was an important role that would have a positive impact on Akron youth.

How would you describe your role as a mentor?
Since joining, iCARE mentoring has shifted its focus from primarily college readiness, and now puts more emphasis on helping students build constructive relationships with adults and providing overall support for students from the community. My role as a mentor varies over time, but so far has included serving as a motivator, a tutor, and a friend.

What is your favorite thing about this program?
My favorite thing about being a mentor is being able to host a safe space for the mentee to be open and talk about whatever is on their mind. Even though it’s only for an hour a week, I think it’s very beneficial for the student to have a mini escape from the day-to-day pressures of being in school and being surrounded by teachers and other students.

If someone is interested in trying mentoring next year, what one piece of advice would you give?
To anyone considering becoming a mentor, I would highly encourage it. Being a consistent listener in a student’s life can make all the difference, and it is an easy way to be a positive influence. My advice for new mentors would be to try and let the child lead the session so they can figure out what they want to get out of it, then you will be able to accommodate their needs in the best way possible.

Thank you so much, Zoe for sharing with us all you do for iCARE Mentoring!

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) efforts, particularly over the past few years, have taken center stage, with a number of organizations releasing statements of support and hiring Chief Diversity Officers. While these things should not go unrecognized, it is important to note that work in the DEI space is not a “one-and-done” event; rather, it is a lifelong journey of learning, engagement and reflection. Along these lines, it is imperative to acknowledge that conversations around DEI go far beyond just those of race and gender, and thus, opportunities must be created (and available) for people to come together on a consistent basis (and in a safe and brave space) in order to engage in the plethora of these DEI conversations.

As Chair of Women In Government Relations’ (WGR) DEI Committee, one of the things that we do to engage the membership around DEI issues is to host a discussion topic during the first half of each of our monthly meetings. These conversations not only provide an opportunity for WGR members to connect with one another, but they also nurture and encourage that sense of learning, engagement and reflection that I mentioned earlier. Though at times uncomfortable, this dialogue produces a greater awareness for our committee members, and also helps to develop a sense of community – meeting people where they are, while creating the space to have these crucial conversations in a non-judgmental setting.  For this year, our discussion topics have included:  Allyship; Colorism; Age and Organizational Power; and PTSD Awareness.  I would argue that our monthly discussion topics have become “legendary” within WGR; but more importantly, they have bridged gaps and brought all kinds of people together!

While my work within WGR is rewarding, there is an equal reward that comes from working for an organization (State and Federal Communications) that also values and understands the importance of DEI. Our CEO, Elizabeth Bartz, convened staff members from across departments to take a deep dive into how well we, as an organization, are “walking the talk” when it comes to our DEI commitment. As a result, we fine-tuned our company mission statement, and began to offer trainings to the staff on a variety of DEI topics.  Recognizing, however, that we are not experts in this space, we have partnered with Heart To Heart Leadership to assist us with strengthening even more our DEI engagement.

I want to thank both WGR and State and Federal Communications for supporting me as I move along in my DEI journey! When organizations are committed to DEI, everyone wins – what will you do starting today in support of DEI?

Hi Adrienne! Tell me about CASA. Why is this work important to you? CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, are community volunteers who speak out and stand up for abused and neglected children within the court system. Quite simply, these children did not ask for the circumstances for which they were forced to deal with and CASA provides a neutral third party who will advocate for their best interests. As a board member, I help raise funds to support these volunteers, like gift cards so they can take a kid to get a meal. We fundraise to provide aid to the children, whether that be school supplies or Christmas gifts. Additionally, we raise funds to support CASA trainings to ensure our volunteers are well trained and supported.

This work is important to me because there is not a more vulnerable group than children. These kids don’t have security and often the people that are supposed to protect have failed them in the worst ways. A CASA can provide the support, security, and hope a child so desperately needs. I don’t think it matters what your creed or your politics are… everyone can agree this program is vital to help our community’s most defenseless population. To me, supporting CASA is a must, whether I am on the board or not.

How long have you been on the CASA Board? I have been on the board since Summer 2020.

A lot has happened in the last year. What was it like to be on a board during the pandemic? This is first time being on a board, so in some ways I have no idea how different it is than normal. It has been a struggle to plan fundraisers, but the community has shown up. I think the pandemic has forced us all to find new and creative ways to entice support from the community. Also, I think we should always have virtual options when it comes to fundraisers. It is a new world we are still navigating, but we are all going through it.

How do you see the CASA Board helping you to develop your leadership in the community? I have never wanted to be on any board. I like to show up and help out, but being on a board was not in my plans. However, Mr. Michael Beckett, Associate Director, Research Services and former CASA Board President, approached me about being on the board when he left because he knows how much I support CASA’s mission. This is definitely outside of my comfort zone. I know people think I am outgoing, but asking people for money has never been one of my strengths. So, being on the board has forced me to develop my community leadership skills. Growth can be uncomfortable, but there is not another organization that I would do this for. I am thankful to work for a company with a CEO who supports this type of work and allows me to develop skills I never thought I would need to use.

What is your favorite part of working with CASA? My favorite part is knowing I am doing something worthwhile. I am extremely passionate about what CASA does and think it is a vital service to help strengthen our community. No child should feel unsafe and every child should have someone looking out for their best interests.

If anyone has questions about CASA or how you can support this necessary organization, please feel free to reach out to me. I am always happy to discuss CASA!

State and Federal Communications, Inc. is hosting its 11th annual Donuts and Cider Sale on October 29, 2021!

Become the favorite co-worker, and kick off Halloween weekend with a sweet treat for your office!

Krispy Kreme glazed donuts are $9 for a dozen and apple cider is $5 for a gallon.

All proceeds will benefit the good work of our friends at United Way of Summit and Medina.

Place your order by Monday, October 25, by contacting Joe May at jmay@stateandfed.com or calling (330) 761-9960.

Orders can be picked up on Friday, October 29, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the front of our office: 80 S. Summit St. in downtown Akron.

Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, decided to increase her support for the Girl Scouts in 2021. In this Great Cookie Caper, Bartz bought 650 boxes of assorted Girl Scout cookies. She helped 65 Girl Scouts in the process! “I love helping the Girl Scouts and I didn’t eat a single cookie!” said Bartz.

So, what do you do with 650 boxes of cookies? Always thinking about corporate social responsibility, Bartz decided to give them to Stewart’s Caring Place and the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. Stewart’s Caring Place helps cancer patients and their families. These treats will go a long way to spread some happiness.

The Foodbank is the heroic organization aiming to stamp out hunger in our community. Dan Flowers of the Foodbank said we often do not realize just how much having a little sweet treat can make someone’s day.

Elizabeth Bartz and staff from State and Federal Communications had fun delivering this mountain of cookies. Bon appétit, everyone!

State and Federal Communications won the 2020 Healthy Worksite Bronze Award and attended the virtual awards ceremony along with several other organizations.

The Healthy Worksite Award program annually recognizes Ohio employers that have demonstrated a commitment to their employees’ health by providing comprehensive worksite health promotion and wellness programs.

Erin Victor from the Akron Snow Angels told us “there are children walking to school without socks. There are homeless people who brave the winter without the proper outerwear.”

As a response, State and Federal Communications held its Be and Angel for the Holidays drive from early December until January 15. We collected hats, gloves, scarves, and socks of all colors and sizes.

Enjoy this fun video about our 2020-21 holiday service project!

The staff of State and Federal Communications was recognized by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for their donation to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese COVID-19 Relief Fund in the name of President and CEO Elizabeth Z. Bartz.

The relief fund was established to “support those around the country who have been impacted by the current pandemic,” per the Archdiocese. “One-time grants of up to $2,500 will be made available to those who are facing extreme financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.”

Every July the staff celebrates the company’s anniversary. In light of the pandemic, they felt it was appropriate to honor Elizabeth with this donation in her name.

This would have been our 11th Donut and Cider Sale where we have raised money for the United Way and have fun with the community. With the pandemic the sale was impossible, but we still love donuts! For all the wonderful staff and National Guard at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, State and Federal Communications brought the great donut drop for a morning treat on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.

Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, decided 2020 was the year she would buy Girl Scout Cookies from anyone who asked. Yes, anyone who asked!

The result was Bartz bought 400 boxes of assorted Girl Scout Cookies. She bought from scouts in Ohio, Virginia, and Arizona. “I bought way too many cookies!” said Bartz.

So, what do you do with 400 boxes of cookies? Always thinking about corporate social responsibility, Bartz decided to give them to an organization. She posted on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn that she was giving away cookies to a worthy group.

Kara O’Neill (wife to WKDD’s Keith Kennedy) contacted Jaclyn Flossie from Red Oak Behavioral Health in Akron and said this was a perfect fit for them. The Red Oak team was the first to respond. They are a non-profit mental health agency serving the greater Akron community since 1963. They provide professional therapeutic and community support services for children, youth, families, and older adults.

Elizabeth Bartz and staff from State and Federal Communications had fun delivering them today. Bon appétit, everyone!

State & Federal Communications was a proud platinum sponsor of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s annual Harvest for Hunger Campaign Kick-off Breakfast at the John S. Knight Center on February 26.

Harvest for Hunger, the Foodbank’s largest fundraising campaign, helps support food distribution across 21 counties in Northeast Ohio.

President & CEO Dan Flowers of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank said the organization’s 2019 goal is to provide more than 5.3 million meals to neighbors in need.

The law firm of Perantinides & Nolan challenged us to collect more than the 505 canned goods they collected in the NEO Can Challenge. We collected 610 cans to benefit the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank. Our friends at the Foodbank told us this weighed in at 545 pounds is the equivalent of 454 meals! Take a look at our video and see Elizabeth Bartz do an amazing magic trick…

The CASA Board Volunteer Association of Summit County held its annual fundraiser, “I Am for the Child” breakfast on October 25, 2018. The CASA/GAL (Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian ad Litem) Program of Summit County is a trained community of volunteers appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of an abused or neglected child in court. State and Federal Communications was proud to be one of the sponsors.

State and Federal Communications’ very own Research Manager Michael Beckett has been serving as chairman of the CASA Board. Beckett led the breakfast event with the compelling story of the many children in Summit County who need the services of CASA. This year’s focus was on the shocking problem of human trafficking in our own community.

“We had a great morning celebrating Signet’s David Bouffard as the 2018 Kannel Child Advocate of the Year and learning about how we can help victims of human trafficking here in Summit County. The immediate goal of the CASA/GAL Program is to provide each child victim of abuse and neglect with a trained CASA volunteer,” said Beckett.  “Thank you to Elizabeth Bartz and State and Federal Communications for facilitating and supporting my involvement with the CASA Board.”

Thank you, Michael Beckett and all of the CASA volunteers for the terrific work you are doing for the children of Summit County!

Pictured: State and Federal Research Manager Michael Beckett and President and CEO Elizabeth Z. Bartz

One of the great things about my job as Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility is I get the chance to be out in the community right where the action is. Yesterday I was a social justice facilitator at a historic community conversation called “It’s Time to Talk: Forums on Race.” The event was conceived and hosted by the Akron Urban League, Temple Israel of Akron, and the YWCA Greater Cleveland.

State and Federal Communications President and CEO Elizabeth Bartz and five of the company’s staff participated.

Three hundred and fifty people gathered at Akron’s Quaker Station to begin a dialog about racism, discrimination, and unconscious bias. I found the experience to be life-giving and life-changing.

We were provided five months of training under the leadership of Urban League President and CEO Dr. Sadie Winlock, Rabbi Joshua Brown, and Laurie Zuckerman of Zuckerman Consulting. Keynote speaker Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton set the tone and then the discussion at each table began.

There were feelings of pain, candor, hope and responsibility in the room: “We sit on the shoulders of leaders in our region who have had conversations, shared personal stories and continue to try and understand people and cultures different from their own. Today is one of several luncheons taking place across the country to discover and recover from core hurts and move our society into a cohesive and collaborative space.”

What did this event do for me? I have a new resolve to get out of my comfort zone, to do a whole lot more listening, and to make some intentional friendships with people who are different from me. I am so glad I had the chance to be a small part of it. Thank you, State and Federal Communications for making this possible!

Here is a great article on WKSU describing the event.