27-02-2025
People of the Scioto Renaissance: Maxine Malone
While there are still missions to be accomplished and hurdles to leap in the greater Portsmouth area, there is massive progress being made all over by everyday people who are either providing a service, volunteering, serving in office or donating to good causes. We frequently hear that we are in a renaissance, as new developments continue to pop up, new events are added to the annual calendar, and progress is made. But why? These things don't manifest themselves.
In a weekly column, for one year, I plan on writing about a different member of the community who strives to make this renaissance go. I'll be highlighting business owners, volunteers, faith-based leaders, professionals and more.
I am on column 21 into this journey, after highlighting 15 individuals, four couples and a set of volunteer dogs.
I had planned on dedicating every column in February to black community leaders making a difference, in honor of Black History Month, but I was late securing interviews, and I started two weeks ago with Drew Carter. I then highlighted Carla Womack. I will still be dedicating four columns to these individuals, however, and I now move onto someone who made my list for this feature series very early on.
Maxine Malone is pretty much a household name for this region, after a 40-year track record of making a difference. She has been a champion of the Northend community and children for decades, where she is highly respected. You can typically tell who has been touched by her many impacts, or who acknowledge them, when you hear them calling her 'Miss Maxine.'
Maxine is the founder and director of Wings of Hope Recovery, which has over a decade of work under its belt, where its mission is rooted in comprehensive training in drug, alcohol and behavioral health.
Malone is a Certified Family Peer Support Counselor, a Certified First Aid Mental Health Responder, recognized by the National Alliance of Mental Health, and a Qualified Mental Health Specialist. She has developed or operated programs such as the Catcher's Mitt program, 'Catch A Kid Before They Fall,' for disadvantaged youth; Operate Life on a Plate, a family reunification education and health wellness program; the Scioto County Re-Entry Program; the S.M.A.R.T. program (Senior Meals Arrive in Real Time); Alive and Kicking programs for ages 55 and over; Youth Weight and Health Fitness Program, 'Pump Iron for Life' and the Wings of Hope Summer Outreach Program.
She has also touched countless lives through the art company she directs and founded in 1985 called Rhythm Art and Drama Company, which highlights the talent and creativity of youth and adults in dance, music and drama.
For ten years, she touched thousands of lives as the director of the 14th Street Community Center, between 2010 and 2020.
Between 2007 and 2016, she was the executive director for the Portsmouth Inner City Development Corp. In this role, Malone led the Minority Contractors Business Assistance Program, promoting job creation and retention; managed loan and bonding programs in the Minority Business Development Division; and supported minority businesses with certification and procurement contracts.
For two years, Malone worked with A & I Enterprise Systems, Inc., where she supervised IT and construction management, developed policies and procedures, conducted quality control and organized programming initiatives. Finally, for 16 years, she was a senior project manager for John James Estes and Associates, Inc.
With a busy schedule, booked with programming and volunteerism, Malone has limited adding anymore participation in boards and committees.
'Nevertheless, I remain available to assist committees actively engaged in community initiatives as needed,' Malone said. 'I have been serving on the advisory committee for the Juvenile Drug Court program for over 15 years, collaborating with the Honorable Judge Kirsch and Judge Lemons. My work with these juveniles has profoundly influenced my perspective, instilling a deep compassion and commitment to the well-being of these youth and their successful integration into society.'
Malone is also actively involved with the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, which collaborates with Child Protective Services and the juvenile justice system.
'As a volunteer, I advocate for the safety and well-being of children who have experienced abuse and neglect,' Malone said. 'This initiative represents one of my deepest commitments to social justice and child welfare.'
A lot of Malone's time today is dedicated to Wings of Hope.
'Wings of Hope's main achievement is securing grant money for the overdue renovation of Bannon Park,' Malone explained. 'I am proud to say that my entire community, both near and far, is committed to the effort to beautify Northend.'
The work spearheaded by Wings of Hope, to reinvest in Bannon Park, received recognition for the community's efforts.
'On July 13, 2024, U.S. Senator Brown and his wife invited Wings of Hope to attend the Women Leadership Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio at Xavier University to receive the Canary Award. This award is given to individuals or organizations that uplift Ohio women and serve their communities. Bannon Park's revitalization, supported by our vision, aims to have a significant impact on our community. Ms. Sharon Davis, vice president, and our entire team are honored to receive the Canary Award. The impact of planting seeds of Love and hope and witnessing life-changing effects.'
However, one of Malone's favorite programs and personal impacts on the community is through programming.
'During the pandemic, the Catches Mitt Educational and Wellness Program launched the 'Catch A Kid Before They Fall' initiative to assist children who were falling behind in school, health, wellness and nutrition due to distance learning,' Malone recalled. 'Each day, the kids come to the community center to work on their Chromebooks and complete their assignments. Our goal is to enhance each child's abilities. The program is still active today at the Wings of Hope building. Our mission is to focus on conflict and anger management, creative thinking, awareness, active listening, positive responses to discipline and organizational skills.'
With such a busy schedule, Malone sees each day as an achievement in creating opportunities for kids who will take over her responsibilities in the future.
'My mission is very important to help people become leaders, build self-esteem, and motivate them to believe in themselves,' Malone said. 'This includes promoting values, drug-free lifestyles, safe decisions, and wellness in the community. It also focuses on building resilience, leadership, and life skills in disadvantaged youth while supporting adults and families with substance use or mental health challenges.'
Malone further expanded on the importance of such programming, stating, 'We must actively engage in our community if we want to thrive within it. Building a strong community involves fostering social connections and a sense of belonging. We need to have a voice in local decisions, as this allows us to shape the future of our community by teaching our youth that they do have a future. UJIMA, which means 'Collective Work and Responsibility,' emphasizes the importance of collaborating to build and maintain our community. We should view the problems of our brothers and sisters as our own and work together to find solutions.'
Malone continues playing an important role in the Northend and beyond, operating programming, building parks, directing artistic endeavors, impacting social services and more. She looks forward to watching the benefits from these initiatives grow and hopes for an inclusive future from it all.
'I hope to see a day when all people in Scioto County—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents—put aside their differences and come together for the betterment and growth of our city. It's not about political parties, rich or poor; it's about our community. By working together, we can create a positive impact that benefits everyone, a trickle-down effort. Remember, all people are created equal.'
