Meet Janine Lovelace | Ohio Youth Development Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janine Lovelace and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janine, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting Ohio Youth Development was deeply personal, driven by my upbringing in a single-parent household in Cuyahoga County, where poverty, my brother’s cerebral palsy, and a lack of youth development services shaped my early experiences. Facing hunger and utility disconnections, I was determined to break the cycle of poverty that seemed destined to continue as I, too, experienced homelessness with my children. The turning point came with education; obtaining my Master of Business Administration illuminated the path to changing not just my family’s situation but also that of others facing similar hardships.

Co-founding Ohio Youth Development with Cheryl was a response to these challenges—a commitment to providing the resources and support I found lacking in my youth. Our goal is to empower children from underserved communities through education and holistic development, offering them the tools to achieve their full potential and break free from the cycle of poverty.

By sharing my journey, I aim to highlight the critical role of youth development services in fostering resilience, ambition, and success among children facing adversity. Ohio Youth Development embodies the belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their background.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our journey at the non-profit dedicated to youth development has been both inspiring and challenging, fueled by a passion for empowering the next generation through gaming and technology. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to harnessing the transformative power of these mediums to not only entertain but also educate and develop essential skills in young individuals. Our programs are designed to foster creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, integrating the fun of gaming with the seriousness of personal growth and professional readiness.

Getting to where we are today was not a smooth road. It required constant adaptation, learning, and a willingness to listen to the needs of the communities we serve. The challenges were numerous, from securing funding to designing programs that are both engaging and educational. Yet, through perseverance, a clear vision, and the support of an incredible team and community partners, we have made significant strides.

One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is the power of collaboration. By working together with educators, industry professionals, and families, we can create a more impactful and sustainable change. Additionally, the importance of resilience cannot be overstated—facing setbacks with a mindset of growth and opportunity for learning has been crucial.

We are most proud of the positive changes we see in the youth we work with increased confidence, a stronger sense of community, and excitement about their futures. We want the world to know that our organization is more than just a non-profit; it’s a movement toward creating a brighter future through the innovative use of technology and gaming. Our story is one of hope, determination, and the belief that every young person has the potential to achieve greatness.

As we look forward, we are excited about expanding our reach and impact, continually exploring new ways to enrich our programs and empower more young individuals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Explore the Short North Morning: Start with brunch at Fox in the Snow Café for some artisan pastries and coffee.
Afternoon: Head to the Short North Arts District for the Gallery Hop (if your visit coincides with the first Saturday of the month). Enjoy the eclectic mix of art, shopping, and street performers.
Evening: Dinner at The Guild House for creative, locally sourced dishes. Finish the night with craft cocktails at Denmark on High.

Day 2: A Day of Laughter and Relaxation
Morning: Grab a casual breakfast at Katalina’s, known for their pancake balls and unique twists on classic breakfast items.
Afternoon: Enjoy some leisure time at Goodale Park or take a scenic stroll down the Scioto Mile.
Evening: Catch a show at the Funny Bone Comedy Club for some laughs. Consider a late dinner or drinks nearby in the vibrant Arena District.

Day 3: Sports and Spirit at OSU
Morning: Breakfast at Hang Over Easy, then a campus tour of The Ohio State University to soak in the academic atmosphere.
Afternoon: Attend an OSU Women’s Basketball Game, cheering on the Buckeyes for an exciting sports experience.
Evening: Dinner at Way Down Yonder New Orleans Style Cuisine to enjoy hearty and flavorful Southern dishes.

Day 4: Nature and Science
Morning: Breakfast at Northstar Café, followed by a visit to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Afternoon: Explore COSI (Center of Science and Industry) for interactive science exhibits and activities.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, a taproom offering a fine selection of craft beers and exquisite food.

Day 5: History and Culture
Morning: Start with breakfast at German Village Coffee Shop, then walk through the charming streets of German Village.
Afternoon: Visit the Columbus Museum of Art and then explore the historic Ohio Theatre.
Evening: Dinner at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant for authentic German cuisine, followed by dessert at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

Day 6: Adventure and Shopping
Morning: Breakfast at Tommy’s Diner, then head out for a day trip to Hocking Hills State Park for hiking and exploring caves.
Evening: Back in Columbus, relax and enjoy a casual dinner at any local favorite spot in the Short North.

Day 7: Relax and Reflect
Morning: Brunch at Lindey’s, enjoy the patio if the weather’s nice.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely visit to the Columbus Park of Roses or the Topiary Park for a peaceful end to your trip.
Evening: Cap off the trip with a farewell dinner at Barcelona Restaurant and Bar for a taste of Spain in the heart of Columbus.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Starting Ohio Youth Development was deeply personal, driven by my upbringing in a single-parent household in Cuyahoga County, where poverty, my brother’s cerebral palsy, and a lack of youth development services shaped my early experiences. Facing hunger and utility disconnections, I was determined to break the cycle of poverty that seemed destined to continue as I, too, experienced homelessness with my children. The turning point came with education; obtaining my Master of Business Administration illuminated the path to changing not just my family’s situation but also that of others facing similar hardships.

Co-founding Ohio Youth Development with Cheryl was a response to these challenges—a commitment to providing the resources and support I found lacking in my youth. Our goal is to empower children from underserved communities through education and holistic development, offering them the tools to achieve their full potential and break free from the cycle of poverty.

By sharing my journey, I aim to highlight the critical role of youth development services in fostering resilience, ambition, and success among children facing adversity. Ohio Youth Development embodies the belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their background.

When Ohio Youth Development was merely an idea, it was brought to life through the tireless efforts of my co-founder, our children, and an extended family network that included grandchildren and great-nieces. Their unwavering support and volunteer work laid the foundation for our organization, navigating challenges ranging from funding shortfalls to the unprecedented difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

I realize that the success and resilience of Ohio Youth Development are as much a testament to their dedication as to the vision itself. If I haven’t said it often enough or loud enough, I want to express my profound gratitude to each team member: Thank you for believing in this cause, for your relentless support, and for helping to make a difference in the lives of so many. Your belief in our mission has been a constant source of motivation and strength, reminding us of all the impact we can have when we unite for a common purpose.

Website: https://oydkids.org

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ohioyouthdev

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/OhioYOuth4Change

Facebook: https://facebook.com/oydkids.org

Image Credits
Photo By Cheryl Hython