About Us
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
Sharon Furcron
Chairperson
Director, Supply Chain Planning, WINN NA
Fortune Brands Innovations
Linda Hoptry
Secretary
Director Regional PMO
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
Ben Kosewski, MS, MBA
Director, Oncology Service Line
Mercy Health — Lorain and Youngstown
Brittany Lovett
President
Young Professional
Lee Rivera
Bank Manager
Dollar Bank
Marisa Vernon White, Ph.D
Vice President
Enrollment Management and Student Services
Lorain County Community College
Steve C. Harmon
Finance Committee Chair
Assistant Vice President
Community Development Relationship Manager
Huntington Bank
Melissa Kobasher
Judge
Lorain County Common Pleas Court
Representative
President
Lorain County Urban League Guild
John Monteleone
Vice Chair Person
School Principal
Lorain City Schools
Tia Taylor
Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, HR Services
Nordson Corporation
Mike Thomas
Sales Representative
Lowes
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
Latrice Williams
Housing Intake Specialist
Ruthie Wilson
Administrative Assistant
Samairia Atkinson
Administrative Assistant
Blake Furcron
Education and Youth Development Coordinator
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.
.
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.
Another HighFive Website.