SEEDSof Hope
From Darkness to Light: How OhioGuidestone Helped a Young Mother Reclaim Her Life
Cathrine Snyder has a job she loves, a strong support system, and a renewed relationship with her family and children, but it wasn’t always this way. Cathrine journeyed through substance use, heartbreak, family estrangement, depression, and jail before she found the help that put her on a better path.
“I had a great childhood,” Cathrine said. “Other than an up-and-down relationship with my dad, I got along great with my family. My mom, my sisters, and I were close.”
It wasn’t until high school that Cathrine became mixed up with the wrong crowd. “I just wanted to fit in,” she said. “I met a boyfriend who introduced me to drugs. I felt that we were in love and we would get married and have a perfect life with our kids.”
Instead, the “perfect life” she was promised came with an unexpected pregnancy, abandonment,
severe depression, a suicide attempt, and more drugs as her boyfriend introduced methamphetamines into their relationship.
Cathrine then lost everything, including her family. “My family disowned me, and I lost my kids, so I kept using meth to numb the pain of losing them.”
Cathrine’s turning point came in an unlikely placejail. “My mom and my sisters were sad that I ended up there, but admitted they were also relieved because I was safe.” Cathrine added, “hearing my oldest son on the phone broke me, and it made me finally want to change.”
Her path to change came in the form of OhioGuidestone, where, in addition to substance use counseling, Cathrine took classes about recovery, learned coping skills, and “They showed me I’m not the only one going through this situation,
FROM THE CEO
As we head into the holiday season, I’m filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible momentum we’ve built at OhioGuidestone. This time of year reminds us of the importance of joy, generosity, and connection, values we see reflected daily in the work we do.
A highlight this fall was earning our third consecutive NorthCoast 99 award, recognizing OhioGuidestone as a top workplace for talent. This honor reflects the culture of excellence and care our teams bring to every corner of the state.
Our Trunk or Treat celebrations expanded this year, with staff and families across our regions creating safe, festive experiences for children. The creativity and community spirit were truly inspiring.
Speaking of community, I was proud to join fellow Northeast Ohio leaders in Habitat for Humanity’s CEO Build, lending a hand to support safe, stable housing for local families.
We also marked the success of our Evolution Gala at Hotel Cleveland, celebrating our clients as everyday superheroes and honoring the champions who support our mission. It was a powerful evening of purpose and pride.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to see the continued growth of our Holiday Shops, providing gifts for clients and children in need, an act of compassion that reflects the heart of our mission.
Brant Russell, President and CEO
and when I’m feeling tempted and triggered, an amazing counselor is there for me and available to talk 24/7,” Cathrine said.
“OhioGuidestone taught me that the bottom isn’t where I had to stay, I could get back everything I lost— and I did!”
“I’m handling everything surprisingly well,” Cathrine added. “I have a great support system, I have my family, my friends, my kids, my job, and my OhioGuidestone counselor, all keeping me strong.”
Cathrine doesn’t want her story to end with just her own recovery. She dreams of becoming an OhioGuidestone peer support counselor, saying, “I want to help others who started where I did.”
Her advice for anyone struggling with recovery? “Keep the five coping skills in mind. And if those don’t work, call someone who wants to see you succeed. Someone who will hold you accountable.”
Through OhioGuidestone, Cathrine found the tools to heal. Her journey illustrates the transformative power of compassion, community, and professional support, and now she’s ready to help others do the same.
Watch Cathrine’s inspirational story here.
From the Boardroom to the Build Site
OhioGuidestone’s CEO Brant Russell Joins Habitat for Humanity to Support Affordable Housing
OhioGuidestone President and CEO Brant Russell recently traded his usual business attire for a hard hat and work gloves to participate in the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity CEO Build. This special event united leaders from across Northeast Ohio’s business and nonprofit communities in Cleveland’s BuckeyeWoodhill neighborhood with one shared mission: to help construct safe, stable, and affordable homes for families in need.
Working side by side on the build site, Brant joined other community leaders to install drywall, hurricane ties, and house wrap, contributing not only time and effort, but also a shared sense of purpose. Each home built through Habitat represents far more than four walls; it provides a foundation of strength, stability, and self-reliance for families working toward a brighter, more secure future.
Reflecting on the experience, Brant shared, “There’s something deeply powerful about building a home with your own hands, knowing it will give a family a safe place to grow and thrive. This work reminds me why community matters and why at OhioGuidestone we focus on giving people the tools and opportunities to create the lives they want.”
OhioGuidestone’s collaboration with Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity extends beyond the CEO Build. Participants in our Workforce 360° Construction program, which helps individuals earn their high school diploma while training for sustainable careers in construction, also contributed to the building of a Habitat home. This hands-on experience provided Workforce 360° participants with valuable job training while supporting Habitat’s mission to strengthen communities through affordable housing.
When asked about the partnership, Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity’s President and CEO John Litten said, “OhioGuidestone is one of our newest nonprofit partners, so we were so happy to see Brant get involved immediately through the CEO Build! It says a lot about him and the organization. We’ve also welcomed OhioGuidestone’s Workforce 360° students to a Habitat worksite and look forward to having them back soon!”
Together, OhioGuidestone, Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity, and dozens of other Northeast Ohio organizations are building more than just homes. They’re building opportunity, confidence, and connection. Through shared commitment and collaboration, these efforts are creating stronger, healthier communities across our region and giving families a place they can proudly call home.
Brant alongside fellow Northeast Ohio leaders at Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity CEO Build Day.
OhioGuidestone’s Evolution Gala Raises nearly $600,000 for Behavioral Health
More than 300 guests gathered at Cleveland’s historic Hotel Cleveland for OhioGuidestone’s annual Evolution Gala, presented by Blue Technologies. With the theme “Superheroes,” the evening celebrated the resilience of clients whose strength and transformation inspired everyone in the room.
Beloved WKYC Chief Meteorologist Betsy Kling emceed the event, welcoming guests with genuine admiration: “At OhioGuidestone, the clients are the real superheroes. Tonight, we honor their strength and the champions who help them rise.”
Thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors, the gala raised an incredible $585,000 to support OhioGuidestone’s behavioral health services across Ohio.
President and CEO Brant Russell shared recent milestones, including the expansion of ReadyCare walk-in clinics for behavioral health, the launch of Primary Care services in Lorain County, and OhioGuidestone’s designation as a state youth mobile crisis services provider in three regions across the state.
“Because of supporters like you, we continue to lead Ohio in whole-person, community-based care,” Russell said.
The evening also recognized outstanding leaders and supporters. Governor Mike DeWine received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership in expanding behavioral health access throughout Ohio. Longtime philanthropists Ron and Diane McKinley were honored for their decades of generous, quiet support.
One of the most moving moments came when OhioGuidestone Therapist Megan Loesch introduced Myia, the evening’s Client Champion Honoree. “Myia is a true champion,” said Loesch. “She fought to overcome trauma and substance use and now approaches motherhood with unshakable love.”
Guests enjoyed a lively evening filled with raffles, games, a live auction, and dancing to Monica Robins and The Whiskey Kings. The night ended with a dazzling prize drawing for a $10,000 custom-designed diamond necklace from Rivchun Jewelers.
Board Chair Nancy Shaw Goldsmith closed the program with a heartfelt message:
“Tonight is more than a celebration. It’s a tribute to the strength, resilience, and courage of the people we serve. Whether you’re a client, staff member, volunteer, supporter, or friend—you’re part of this success story.”
The 2025 Evolution Gala was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when compassion, community, and commitment come together. Every story shared, every dollar raised, and every hand lifted in support is helping OhioGuidestone clients on their path to a healthier future.
Trunk or Treat
Each fall, OhioGuidestone’s Trunk or Treat events bring joy, creativity, and community spirit to families across Ohio. What began in 2022 as a single gathering has grown into a cherished annual tradition that reflects our commitment to providing safe, family-friendly spaces where young people can celebrate together and connect.
This year we reached an exciting milestone by hosting Trunk or Treat at five locations, each offering its own unique twist and success story. Our season kicked off at a new site, the Adams Street office in Toledo, where we welcomed 150 young people and their families. Returning events in Medina and Lancaster each drew around 50 community members, while youth in Residential and Foster Care once again enjoyed the festivities at Marston Farms for the second consecutive year.
Finally, our signature event in Cuyahoga County set a new record, bringing together more than 300 community members for an afternoon of spirited fun, connection, and creativity.
Each year, we look forward to growing these initiatives, welcoming new and returning families to our offices, and strengthening the bonds between our staff and the communities we serve. We’re already looking forward to next year’s festivities! of being a top workplace in Northeast Ohio
Celebrating
One of Just Eleven in Ohio:
Catherine Crawford’s Work with DBT is Changing Lives
At OhioGuidestone, we’re proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Catherine Crawford, Clinical Manager, who has earned the prestigious DBT-Linehan Board Certification™ (DBT-LBC™). Fewer than 600 clinicians worldwide, and only 11 in Ohio, hold this advanced certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a treatment model designed to support people facing intense emotional struggles.
This certification isn’t just a credential; it reflects years of dedication, rigorous training, and a deep commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. Catherine’s expertise in DBT has made a real difference in the lives of trauma survivors and individuals living with severe emotional dysregulation and chronic mental health conditions.
“DBT is more than therapy; it’s a lifestyle,” Catherine shares. “At OhioGuidestone, we’ve built a team that stays true to the model because we believe everyone deserves access to care that can truly change their lives.”
Thanks to Catherine’s leadership, OhioGuidestone’s DBT program has become a model of personalized, outcomes-focused care. She’s helped expand access across Ohio by training clinicians, leading educational workshops, and developing tools to ensure every person receives the highest standard of treatment.
Her work doesn’t just meet clinical standards; it brings hope to individuals who may have felt healing was out of reach.
We’re grateful for Catherine’s vision, expertise, and the countless lives she continues to impact.
FINDING THE “THANKS” IN THANKSGIVING
The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and connection, but they can also bring plenty of stress. Taking a moment to count your blessings, big or small, can help calm your mind and lift your spirits.
Here are a few simple ways to find more “thanks” in your Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season:
• Be present. Savor the little things: the taste of your favorite dish, the sound of laughter, or the warmth of a hug. Focusing on the moment helps quiet stress and makes gratitude come naturally.
• Share your thanks. Write a quick note, send a text, or tell someone how much they mean to you. Around the Thanksgiving table, take a moment to express appreciation for the meal, the company, or just being together.
• Be kind to yourself. If you’re feeling grief, anxiety, or sadness this season, know that it’s okay. Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring hard emotions; it means giving yourself grace and recognizing the good that still exists alongside the challenges.
• Reach out for support. If stress feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. OhioGuidestone’s compassionate professionals are here to help you find balance, build coping tools, and rediscover moments of joy.
This holiday season, may you find peace in the present, warmth in connection, and gratitude in the simple things that make life meaningful.
OhioGuidestone’s 2025 Evolution Gala Featured in Currents Magazine
Currents Magazine’s October 16th issue highlighted OhioGuidestone’s 2025 Evolution Gala, honoring the clients at the heart of our mission and the supporters who empower their journeys toward brighter futures.
Jillian Cleary Featured on Spectrum News 1
Spectrum News 1 shined a spotlight on OhioGuidestone’s STARLight Center, alongside the Fairfield County ADAMH Board, where Regional Director Jillian Cleary shared how the center is bridging critical gaps in care for local residents.
OhioGuidestone Partnership Featured in Hometown Stations
Hometown Stations shared the announcement of OhioGuidestone’s new partnership with Bluffton University, offering tuition discounts for employees and their families, a joint effort aimed at strengthening the workforce and encouraging educational development opportunities for staff.
EVENTSand fundraising
Holiday Shops
Now Accepting Donations Through December 12th!
OhioGuidestone’s Holiday Shops spread cheer to our clients during December. Donations from individuals and groups help stock the shops, allowing staff to select items based on each person’s needs.
Supporters can contribute financially by selecting Holiday Giving on the online donation form, or arrange drop off by contacting donations@ohioguidestone.org.
