Welcome to the Lorain County Urban League

The Lorain County Urban League stands as a cornerstone of the civil rights movement, committed to advancing economic empowerment and enhancing the quality of life within historically marginalized urban communities.

Our mission is clear: to empower African Americans and underserved individuals to not just survive, but thrive, through a trifecta of direct service, collaborative efforts, and unyielding advocacy.

Envisioning an equitable community where opportunities are limitless for all, our core values of Empowerment, Equity, Integrity, and Collaboration propel us forward.

For 46 years, the Lorain County Urban League has been a tireless force in fortifying and uplifting the local African American community. Since our inception in 1978, we have steadfastly worked to empower African Americans and other disadvantaged groups, facilitating their integration into the economic and social fabric of our society.

From our roots in the civil rights movement to our enduring partnerships with governmental and public agencies, the Lorain County Urban League has remained a beacon of hope and a catalyst for transformative change in Lorain County.

As a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization (Charity Number 34-1263379), we operate independently of tax support, governed by a dedicated Board of Directors committed to our mission and vision.

Board of Directors

John Monteleone

Chairperson

School Principal

Lorain City Schools

Marisa Vernon White, Ph.D

Vice Chair Person

Vice President

Enrollment Management and Student Services

Lorain County Community College

Steve C. Harmon

Treasurer/Finance Committee Chair

Assistant Vice President

Community Development Relationship Manager

Huntington Bank

Willaim Lee Rivera

Secretary

Bank Manager

Dollar Bank

Ben Kosewski, MS, MBA

President and CEO

Lorain County Health and Dentistry

Brittany Lovett

President

Young Professional

Eva Vickers 

President

Lorain County Urban League Guild

Julie Cruz-Blair

Best Class of 2017

Nataile Matthews 

Assistant Superintendent

Elyria City Schools

Tia Taylor 

Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, HR Services

Nordson Corporation

Timothy J. Frashure

Director, Central Engineering & PPL

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC

Wanda Ewing 

Clinical Research Quality Assurance Auditor Senior 

UH Seidman Cancer Center

Our Team

Parris M. Smith

President and CEO

Suzie Dills

Accountant

Dee Baker

Director of Outreach and Community Engagement

Achilles Morales

Director of Education and Youth Development and Health

Latrice Williams

Housing Intake Specialist

Ruthie Wilson

Administrative Assistant

Angela Lee

Program Manager

Damien Calvert

Lead Outreach Worker

Walter Atwood

Violence Interrupter

Jermain Johnson

Violence Interrupter

Cierra Dillard

Violence Interrupter

Louis Baker

Outreach Worker

What Is The Guild?

The Lorain County Urban League Guild is comprised of community volunteers, civic leaders, business and professional men and women committed to improving the quality of life for African-Americans and others. Guilders contribute hundreds of volunteer hours annually and play a pivotal role connecting the Urban League to our communities. We raise funds that allow the Urban League to deliver programs that help pave the path to empower people in our communities.  The Guild are ambassadors of the Lorain County Urban League affiliate and a member of the National Council of Urban Guilds, which comprises several chapters nationwide.

The Guild meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at the Urban League offices located at 200 Middle Ave Suite 200, Elyria, Ohio 44035. Annual membership is $85.00. Click here to fill out your membership form. For more information email guild@lcul.org or call 440-323-3364. 

What Is The LCULYP?

The Lorain County Urban League YP’s are a diverse group of young professionals ranging in ages from 21 to 40 and the most valued asset we have is our members. White collar? Blue collar? No Collar? It doesn’t matter! As long as you are proficient in your profession, we want you! We are about developing leaders and making a positive impact in our community, and we want you to be a part of the LCULYP family. The YP’s are an auxiliary that serves as ambassadors for the Lorain County affiliate and the National Council of Urban League. Young Professionals.

Membership dues are $85.00 annual. Click here for upcoming events and email yp@lcul.org for more information.

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Affiliations

Founded in 1910 and headquartered in New York City, the National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research, and advocacy. Today, the National Urban League has 92 affiliates serving 300 communities in 37 states and the District of Columbia, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than two million people nationwide.

Financial Review & Reports

Financial Review & ReportsThe Lorain County Urban League has strong financial systems and controls that have produced clean audit opinions. The Lorain County Urban League’s financial reports reflect its revenue, expenses, and financial status to reflect the work of both our programs and services. Our Annual Reports, IRS 990 and Audits can be found here. If you have any questions about our annual financial statements email cfo@lcul.org.