Juvenile Justice Center 

Situation: In 2007, Cuyahoga County embarked on its largest construction project in over 30 years.  The Juvenile Justice Center needed a new home and the choice to build it in a residential community, the sixth impoverished community in Greater Cleveland, was troubled with backlash. 

Action: We created a monthly physical newsletter. There was a format that we used: 1) Process: Where are we in the construction schedule? 2) Profile a minority and/or female individual or company working on the project 3) Include employment opportunities at construction companies and trade unions 4) Highlight a trade, i.e., electrical, drywall, HVAC, masonry, steel, etc. The objective was to have a publication that appealed to a minority audience. 

Outcomes: The newsletter was distributed to 5,000 residents in the Fairfax community, at Neighborhood development Corporations, in libraries, on the County’s website and emailed to stakeholders. The publication reached more than 12,000 individuals. It was also distributed to government officials, the public transportation system, energy companies, pastors, teachers, and other community stakeholders. By consistently and strategically speaking to the audience, there was a reduction in community complaints and inquiries. We were successful at creatively communicating the project’s positive benefits – current and future job opportunities.