STUDENT CENTER:
Student Spotlight: Lee Lazar, CNM Candidate
Q. You have had an interesting career path that spans over several different sectors. Please tell us a bit about that. What influenced you to move into the nonprofit sector?
I worked in the for-profit sector for the first 20 years of my working life. Initially, I was a Labor Lawyer with a law firm and Leaseway Transportation. I moved into several management positions with Leaseway. I left Leaseway after eight years and started my own business, Record Masters of Cleveland. Record Masters provided records management services to northeastern hospitals and health care providers. The business was sold 10 years later and I shifted into the nonprofit sector because of my passion for helping children. I taught middle school social studies for six years and served as the Interim Head of School at The Agnon School in Beachwood. From there, I became the Principal of Hope Academy East, an elementary school in the Collinwood section of Cleveland. I then became the Executive Director of the Rainey Institute on June 1, 2007.
Q. Please tell us about your role at the Rainey Institute and about the Institute itself.
Rainey Institute is a community arts center located in the Hough Community, one of Cleveland's poorest neighborhoods. We are changing lives through the arts every day by providing instruction in music, dance, Capoeira, visual arts, creative writing and drama. Rainey's students range in age from 4 to 19. Many come from single-parent households and are living at or below the poverty line. Most attend schools in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Rainey has been providing services to this community since 1904.
As Executive Director, my most important responsibility is to ensure that we focus on our mission and vision:
MISSION STATEMENT: Rainey Institute is dedicated to social change for Cleveland's economically disadvantaged youth through education and participation in the performing and visual arts.
VISION STATEMENT: Rainey Institute develops self-esteem, humanitarian values, work ethic, life skills and hope in a new future for all program participants.
When I first started at Rainey, I knew that it was a good organization that did nice things for children. After getting to know Rainey kids, alumni, and parents, I have learned that Rainey is truly a wonderful place that has a life changing impact on children. I have heard many personal stories about how children started at Rainey when they were young, connected with one of the arts disciplines, developed improved self-esteem that translated into success in school and avoidance of the dangers in the urban environment. Rainey kids graduate from high school and go on to college.
Q. What inspires you most about working with the Rainey community?
I am inspired by the children at Rainey, their families, and the dedicated staff. The children are sweet, kind, and love learning about the arts and performing. Their families are dedicated to helping their children achieve all that is possible. The staff is committed to helping the children in every possible way.
When I first started at Rainey, I read essays that were written by our teens. Solomon wrote, "I am 15 years old. I've been involved with Rainey Institute since I was six years old. Rainey helped me understand the importance of friendship, family, discipline, and to respect others and their feelings. If I had one specific name to give Rainey Institute, it would be the Home Away From Home, because everyone makes me feel like family when I'm there."
Kasey wrote, "This summer I would like to help others dance in a way that will let them feel free from any pain, smile even when it's hard times in life, and how to have respect for themselves and others."
Durotimi wrote, "Rainey will help me to keep out of negative things. Rainey teaches me discipline, respect, and honesty."
Solomon, Kasey and Durotimi's words are posted on my office wall to remind me of the challenges that Cleveland children face and the positive impact that Rainey has on them.
Q. What professional goals do you have for yourself? How do you anticipate a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Mandel Center will help you achieve these goals? How has your experience so far at the Mandel Center had an impact on you?
I want Rainey to continue to have a life changing impact on Cleveland children. I want to expand our programs to serve more children. I need to expand our fund raising efforts to pay for the expanded and new programs.
The Mandel Center has already been extremely helpful. It provides valuable resources and networking that will help me to increase the way in which Rainey helps Cleveland children. I speak with my professors about Rainey and they provide outstanding suggestions. Mandel Center students have helped provide needed research concerning local foundations. Rainey has applied to participate in the Mandel Center Strategic Planning Program. I will be participating in the next Leaders' Links group.
Q. What other hobbies, interests, etc do you try to make time for?
I like to spend time with my wife and children and take my dog for walks in the park. I also serve as a Big Brother and a Board Member for another nonprofit organization.
Q. Anything else you would like to share with us about yourself, or about your experience at the Center?
The Mandel Center is an extremely important resource for nonprofit organizations in northeast Ohio. It's okay to become a student again in your 50's.
