Monthly News for Our Donors & Partners
August 2024
From the Development Director – Kelly Smith Taylor
As fall harvest time approaches, we pause to thank all who have invested in the lives of our student scholars through The Chatfield Edge. You’ve planted and tended to the seeds of learning that will last a lifetime.
Our mission and work are crucial at this moment, offering comprehensive support services that nontraditional and disadvantaged students need to achieve their postsecondary education goals. You play a key role in making the next generation of graduates possible. Our scholars benefit from the resources and guidance shaped by 179 years of educational excellence and servant leadership from the Ursuline Sisters. Thank you for your support.
We are also excited to announce that the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) has once again awarded The Chatfield Edge funding for our Fall Heritage Festival featuring the Quilt, Craft and Classic Car Shows. The October 19 event is made possible in part by an investment of public funds from the OAC.
The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.
Get Involved in the Fall Heritage Festival
On October 19, The Chatfield Edge will honor its history and celebrate community at the annual Fall Heritage Festival. There are many ways for you to join in the celebration!
- Are you interested in becoming a sponsor to help make the day possible? Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.
- Our heritage comes alive in the Quilt, Craft, and Car Shows. There are still spots available, so complete your application today!
- Purchase your raffle tickets today for a chance to win a beautiful quilt! (In the Fund Dropdown menu, select “Festival Quilt Raffle Tickets.”)
- Mark your calendar now and plan to join us on October 19 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm for live music, food trucks, beautiful fall weather, and our Quilt, Craft, and Car Shows. Bring your friends and family for a relaxing autumn outing! Find out more here.
Student Scholar: Elicia Delgado
Born in Japan, Chatfield Scholar Elecia Delgado traveled the world with her parents, both of whom are Navy Veterans, before settling in Milford, Ohio. After graduating from Western Brown County High School in 2015, she studied psychology at a community college for a year before taking a break. Like many students, dealing with life’s social and emotional challenges and obstacles caused Elecia to put her education on the back burner.
Luckily, a friend put her in touch with The Chatfield Edge so she could start down the pathway to fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a nail technician.
“I didn’t know where to start but David from The Chatfield Edge was a great person to work with,” she said. With guidance and scholarship support from The Chatfield Edge, Elecia enrolled in Beauty Artistry Academy in Cincinnati and graduated in August 2024.
Read more about Elecia’s story and how supporting The Chatfield Edge is changing lives!
Donor Spotlight: Maureen Kiley
When Maureen Kiley moved to Fayetteville more than 50 years ago, she had no idea that her life would become deeply intertwined with the educational legacy of the Ursuline Sisters of Brown County.
It started out slowly as she brought her three young children with her while she attended classes at the former Chatfield College. Then along came Sr. Agatha, OSU, who started out as a teacher for one of her counseling classes and ended up becoming a lifelong mentor. Maureen believes that prayer and the Holy Spirit led her to a career of child and family counseling, with support along the way from Sr. Agatha.
“She was always there and available. I showed up at her door and didn’t have to say anything. She knew we needed to talk,” Maureen recalled. “Sr. Agatha and the Ursulines always received me with what psychologist Carl Rogers referred to as ‘unconditional positive regard.’”
A longtime Chatfield board member, Maureen recently joined our group of volunteer mentors who accompany our scholars at every step of their educational journeys. Read more here about how Maureen is paying forward the support she received from Sr. Agatha as a Chatfield mentor!
Help Us Find Our Next Cohort of Students
Did you know that The Chatfield Edge offers its services to students FREE of charge? Through the generosity of our donors, we are helping students attain post-secondary education at more than 19 colleges, universities, trade schools, and certificate programs.
Do you know of a student who could benefit from our services? Help us spread the word by sharing this link today!
