The Exchange Club of Springfield, Ohio met Tuesday, November 11, 2025, with 13 members present. Guest Speaker was Wayne Myers, Springfield Promise Neighborhood. Wayne spoke about the many programs and services offered, such as:
Youth – in Springfield need safe places to learn and play. From the beginning of Springfield Promise Neighborhood’s development, parents have told us that they need more places for their students to go after school and in the summer. They offer many programs throughout the school year and summer.
Community partnerships – are essential in mid-size legacy cities like Springfield. Springfield Promise Neighborhood was founded as a collaborative dream between multiple institutions, with the common goal of supporting Springfield’s most vulnerable children and families. Over 60 partnerships developed with youth and community organizations in Springfield and Clark County with ongoing participation in community-wide planning and development projects.
Healthy families – children need healthy and supportive families to be successful. In partnership with many organizations, we offer programs, educational sessions, and events for families throughout the year. An average of 83% of parents who participated in their programming indicated an increase in positive behaviors.
Healthy food – good food and getting physical exercise are essential for our health. Communities need local gathering places where parents can meet other parents and children can play together. The Promise Visioning Garden serves as a local food access point, a place of play and fun, and a respite of beauty. Over 500 Springfield residents have received fresh produce free of charge each year, and the Garden Camp served 18 students in 2024 and 21 in 2025. Some 123 community volunteers served at the garden, coming from as far away as Missouri. Many of Springfield Promise Neighborhood’s projects seem to align quite well with our mission.