Each month, Zepf Center leadership gathers at the Ashland location to receive monthly updates from Executive Leadership, share important information about their departments, weigh in on agency-wide decisions and connect with peers and co-workers.
This meeting, formally known as Leadership Council, is critical for all staff in leadership positions to attend. Month after month, staff go the extra mile to prioritize these meetings and take the information back to their teams. Because of their dedication and consistent support, Executive Leadership crafted a special experience for staff attending the November Leadership Council meeting.
As staff trickled into the Belvedere Room at the Toledo Club on a sunny Thursday afternoon, the smell of roast turkey filled the air. Dressed in their holiday best, leadership staff enjoyed a Thanksgiving-style lunch followed by a short program from CEO Deb Flores.
Departing from the usual slide deck and reports from Executive Leadership, Flores took the opportunity to specifically thank the staff in attendance and recognize the hard work they put in every day at Zepf Center. In addition to expressing her immense gratitude, Flores surprised those who had attended every Leadership Meeting in 2023 with a gift card.
“I truly enjoyed our November leadership meeting and changing our location,” said Street Outreach Program Coordinator Kristin McKinley. “It was refreshing to get out of the office and get to know people outside my own department.”
Following her short presentation, Flores shared information about Zepf Center's 50th anniversary which will be celebrated in 2024. Staff were then encouraged to work with those sitting at their table to brainstorm events and guest speakers they would like to see included. The exercise took up the remainder of the meeting time as staff worked together to get their creativity flowing.
“Getting out of the 'office' and minimizing work-related distractions was a great way to experience Leadership Council as a community,” said Director of Contracts and Grants Rachel Freeman. “Sharing creative visions for our 50th Anniversary Celebration was a great ice breaker and a way to discover new authors, activists, celebrities, and local Toledo treasures. Thank you, Leaders, for all you do!”
Recommendations collected at the meeting will be shared with the 50th Anniversary planning committee which will begin meeting later this year. Click here to view the full photo gallery from this event!
As staff members prepare for the holidays, please note that Zepf Center will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24. 24-hour operations will be open and available. Zepf Center Crisis Care can be reached 24/7 at 419-904-CARE and Detox can be reached at 419-754-3869 if you need help. Regular hours will resume on Monday, Nov. 27.