A Fond Farewell to our Cleveland Foundation Intern, Lily

This week, FrontLine’s Development Team attended the final presentations from this year’s cohort of Cleveland Foundation interns, including one from our own intern Lily.

We were impressed with the work this group of young people accomplished in just a few weeks. They worked with organizations around Cleveland on projects ranging from social media and communications to volunteer coordination, even planning, data and systems management and long-term strategic planning.

While at FrontLine, Lily supported the Development Team by planning for Camp Bridges and communicating with volunteers, organizing our in-kind donations closets, applying for grants, and creating an internal communications resource library.

We wish Lily all the best as she heads back to school this fall and in the future!

**Here’s what she had to say about her summer at FrontLine: **

During my time at FrontLine, I have had the opportunity to observe and participate in the various responsibilities that go into sustaining a non-profit, including communications with donors, volunteers, and staff; documentation and data tracking; participation in team meetings; and honing skills in verbal and written communication. Having applied these skills in a professional environment has been invaluable and has boosted my confidence in growing my career as I prepare to graduate in the spring. This summer, I am an intern with the Development department which allows me to learn about fundraising and marketing, areas which are incredibly important to ensure that our programs continue to be able to provide essential services. As a member of the development team, I get to learn about the wide range of programs and services that FrontLine offers, as well as the range of issues that continue to affect residents of the Cuyahoga County Community. I believe that this position has not only fostered professional development but has also strengthened my awareness and knowledge as a community member.

One of my primary projects this summer has been helping with Camp Bridges, our day camp event for children who have experienced the traumatic loss of a loved one. Camp Bridges was started as a space for kids who have gone through immense trauma to enjoy time just being a kid and to create memories with others who have similar lived experiences. This event gave me hands-on experience in important areas such as supporting communications with large groups, assisting with volunteer coordination, helping with logistics, and taking photos on the day of the event.

Camp Bridges was truly a rewarding experience for me. Not only did I gain skills in supporting event coordination and execution, but it gave me the opportunity to take part in a day that deeply reflects Frontline's mission. It’s one thing to read about programs that provide support and write about clients and programs, but it was a completely new feeling to meet some of the amazing kids that FrontLine serves and the volunteers who care so deeply. Something that struck me was that though our volunteers or “camp buddies” are there to help the kids through the day, the kids also made such a strong impact on our volunteers. We even had a volunteer reach out and asked if they could send a letter to their camp buddy after the fact. This showed me how just one day of fun summer activities can bring so many different people together. There have been several instances over the years of campers requesting the same buddy each year, and I think that is extremely special because the buddy gets to watch their camper grow year after year, sharing important milestones and accomplishments. This displays that Camp Bridges isn’t just one day of camp, it’s a day of connection and community, and it was amazing to be a part of creating the space for these connections to flourish.

I look forward to my remaining time at FrontLine and am excited to learn more about the nonprofit sector, continuing to hone my practical and professional skills. I will absolutely carry this experience with me as I progress in my educational and professional career.