About ART TATUM ZONE
Transforming Community through BOLD acts of Love!
Mission
The Art Tatum Zone exists to create a comprehensive, integrated framework of programs and services that will serve to bring hope and help to children and families. The work will be built upon a foundation of existing strengths and assets within the zone to help transform a community guaranteeing that children, youth, and their families achieve academic excellence, family and housing stability and economic self-sufficiency. We seek to transform our community through bold acts of love.
Vision
The vision of the Art Tatum Zone is to create a healthy and safe community where every child excels and every family succeeds, and where every community member is self-sufficient living in a neighborhood that they are proud to call their permanent home.
Values
Compassion John 13:34 Assuming the best of others.
Collaboration Eph 4:16 We can't do it alone.
Innovation John 3:16 Love finds a way.
Excellence John 15:12 Unselfishly seek the best for others.
Learning Proverbs 12:1 The more you know the better you can do for others.
Meet The Team
Dr. Calvin Sweeney is the President of the Art Tatum Zone
Dr. Calvin Sweeney is the Lead Pastor of The Tabernacle, as well as the President and founder of the Art Tatum Zone. He is committed to efforts that bring individual and collective transformation.
Dr. Sweeney earned his doctorate in Education and Leadership from the University of Toledo in 2012, and has extensive experience in initiatives and programming that foster community and family engagement. Additionally, he is an expert in helping leaders with vision formation, communication, and execution.
Dr. Sweeney is passionate about City Transformation and is respected as a leader’s leader by many local influencers. Dr. Sweeney was a professor at the University of Toledo, as well as a teachers with Toledo Public schools for nearly 20 years, before he took the position as the Lead Pastor at The Tabernacle.
Dr. Sweeney has been married to his wife Christine for 24 years. They are the proud parents of six children and reside in Toledo, Ohio.
Christine Sweeney is the Executive Director of the Art Tatum Zone. Christine Sweeney was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, and is proud to call the city home. She graduated from the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and dedicated her life to the education of children as a teacher with Toledo Public Schools for more than 19 years. She recently retired and has stepped into full time leadership as the Executive
Director of the Art Tatum Zone, a nonprofit focused on strategically and systematically assisting students and families in the Junction Neighborhood.
Christine served in numerous capacities within the schools in which she taught, including, but not limited to, as a member of the Intervention Response Team, Building Leadership Team, Positive Behavior team, as well as many other leadership roles. Because of her extensive educational experience and her experience as a parent and a member of a faith-based organization, Christine brings a unique paradigm to conversations regarding education, family
and community, and she is a sought-after consultant, working with high level leaders in for-profit and nonprofit sectors.
Christine works extensively with the leaders and staff of the Art Tatum Zone overseeing the organization’s day to day operations. She also serves faithfully as part of the pastoral staff at the Tabernacle, a thriving and growing church situated in the heart of the city with her husband, Dr. Calvin Sweeney. She finds fulfillment in using her God-given ability to help others identify and fulfill their purpose, and to thrive in their God-given gifts.
Christine and Calvin have been married for 22 years and are the proud parents of four children, Christina, Calvin Jr., Caroline, and Heaven, who are by far the proudest accomplishments of their lives.
Dewey Foster, Student Support Coordinator
Dewey L. Foster serves as Chaplain at the Lucas County Jail in Toledo, Ohio. There, he shares a message of hope, encouragement and God’s love to many who may not realize that God has a plan, a purpose and a destiny for everyone. Dewey has over 30 years of experience in direct sales, sales management and business ownership. As Founder and President of Covenant Sales Group LLC, he emphasizes customer service and relationship building based on the core values of integrity, professionalism and Godly character.
At first glance, these two vocations may not seem to be connected – that is, until you understand Dewey’s story. He is a former University of Toledo football player, a walk-on, who earned a scholarship. He earned a degree in Psychology and Business from Ohio University, graduating with honors. He coached football at Toledo Libbey High School and speaks to a variety of people in business environments, institutions, rehabilitation facilities and college classrooms.
Dewey’s life experiences include time spent as multi-sport athlete, class vice president, football captain, sales manager and business owner – and a cocaine addict. When he evaluates his accomplishments, the greatest is deliverance from cocaine. Dewey describes his journey “to Hell and back” in a concise and truthful manner, including the good, the bad and the ugly.
Dewey is active in The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), where he served as Chaplain for Rogers High School Football Team. He sits on the Board of Directors for Focus Federal Credit Union, and Acts 2 Ministries. Dewey is married to Sheila Foster, and they live in Toledo, Ohio.
Lisa Cramer, Executive Assistant
Amber Morris, Program Director
Heidy Eckel, Jones Leadership and Business HUB liaison
Aloee Jackson, Pickett HUB liaison
Roz Goodwin, Senior Community Support, Pinewood Place
Our Partners
