One Month in at OBCDC

I’ve been at Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation for about a month now, and so far, my job has mostly been to listen, learn, and get oriented.

Before coming to OBCDC, I worked in another Cleveland neighborhood, so community development work itself isn’t new to me. What is new is learning the specifics of this neighborhood; what programs exist, how information moves, and how OBCDC shows up day to day for residents and businesses. A lot of my first month has been spent reviewing past projects, reading through materials, and getting a better understanding of the work that’s already happening.

One of the things I’m learning in this role is how much of OBCDC’s work depends on systems most people never see. From the outside, it might look like events, programs, or small business support simply happen. In reality, each of those efforts is shaped by where funding comes from, what it allows us to do, and what it does not. Understanding those limits is just as important as understanding the opportunities, because it affects how we show up for the neighborhood and what kind of projects we can realistically take on.

Right now, I’m focused on learning how OBCDC communicates; what information people need most, where things can be clearer, and how we can make it easier for residents, business owners, and neighbors to stay connected. My role isn’t to reinvent anything overnight, but to support the work already being done and help tell those stories in a way that feels accessible and useful.

One of the things that’s stood out to me so far is just how much history and pride are wrapped up in Old Brooklyn, and I’m excited to continue to learn and have conversations with the community.

I’m glad to be here, and I’m excited to keep learning what makes Old Brooklyn work. If you’re interested in telling your story or ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at nicolef@oldbrooklyn.

-Nicole Farley, Communications & Events Manager