SEEDSof Hope
A Seat at the Table: When a Meal Becomes Therapy
Mid-morning on a Tuesday in Solon, the Rainbow Room at Solon Pointe is filled with the fresh, woodsy scent of mushroom duxelles, rosemary, crushed pine nuts, garlic, and lamb hitting a hot pan. The aromas and sounds resemble those of a fine restaurant.
But Solon Pointe is not a restaurant, and the person cooking is not a chef. He is a resident whose cooking has become part of his therapy.
David Frederick is happiest when creating culinary experiences for friends and family. But six years ago, multiple health complications forced him to leave behind his beloved kitchen and move into skilled nursing care at the relatively young age of 65.
He struggled through the first months with acceptance of his debilitating physical conditions, as well as some emotional challenges.
“It was a big change in my life,” he said. Before a stroke paralyzed his left arm and an above-knee
amputation left him without the use of his right leg, David had been a neurosurgeon, a researcher, and a virtuoso in the kitchen.
“Transitions into long-term care can be emotionally complex,” said OhioGuidestone therapist Dionna Adie, who has worked with David for a little over a year. “Many residents are grieving losses such as independence, familiar routines, and even a sense of identity, and that can show up as anxiety or depression.”
Dionna is part of an OhioGuidestone program that provides behavioral health therapy specifically for residents of long-term care and assisted-living facilities.
Together, Dionna and David worked to help him adjust to his new life and rediscover what he missed most: a sense of community and the ability to create joyful experiences for others.
FROM THE CEO
Spring is a season of growth and new beginnings, and that spirit is very much alive at OhioGuidestone. It is also home to Mental Health Awareness Month in May, a time to reflect on how we talk about mental health and the importance of continuing to reduce stigma around these conversations.
To help with those conversations, we invite you to listen to our new podcast, Let’s Talk About It with OhioGuidestone
Our expert clinicians share practical guidance on how to talk about behavioral health concerns with the people you care about whether they are 8 or 80.
We are also reflecting on the first year of our ReadyCare Walk-In Clinics for Behavioral Health, where nearly 1,000 Ohioans have received immediate care with no appointment and no wait required.
As we move into summer, we are expanding youth-focused services to support children and families beyond the classroom, helping them return in the fall with strengthened skills, tools, and resilience.
We are also reminded of the importance of meeting people where they are. One example is David, a long-term care facility client who has navigated significant physical and emotional challenges, but has rediscovered purpose and belonging through therapy and cooking.
Finally, we are so happy to welcome the staff and clients of New Horizons as they join OhioGuidestone, further strengthening our ability to serve communities across Ohio.
Brant Russell, President and CEO
Through one-on-one and group therapy, David explored ways to build on his unique strengths and reconnect with a sense of purpose. That purpose found a natural home within the Solon Pointe community.
David learned that many of his neighbors missed the flavors and comfort of meals they once enjoyed at their favorite restaurants. While the facility’s meals are substantial, they are designed to meet a wide range of dietary restrictions. “Like me, many of them also missed preparing those meals at home,” he said.
David could not recreate the past, but he could recreate the experience: community, conversation, and the delight of sharing a meal.
David used his skills and extensive culinary knowledge—along with support from his sister, Karla, help from fellow residents serving as “sous chefs,” and his personal spice collection—to partner with Dionna and the activity director at Solon Pointe. Together, they created “Cooking with David,” a monthly class where David cooks, teaches, and shares a special meal with other residents.
The class is not in David’s kitchen, or even a traditional kitchen. The food is prepared on a hot plate. But the result is what David missed most: his community.
David finds joy in showing up for others in meaningful ways. For example, the success of the cooking class motivated David to also develop an Audio Book Club Activity named the “Poet’s Society,” with fellow residents who may struggle with vision impairment. He still meets regularly with Dionna, but his favorite therapy happens in the Rainbow Room, where he serves as the maestro of a shared culinary experience, bringing people together through food, stories, and a renewed sense of belonging.
Let’s Talk About It A new podcast from OhioGuidestone
This May, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, OhioGuidestone launched Let’s Talk About It with OhioGuidestone, a new podcast focused on the thoughts people often have silently but rarely say out loud. Hosted by Derek Rader, Coordinator of Campus and Community Outreach for OhioGuidestone, the podcast creates space for honest, relatable discussions about behavioral health across every stage of life.
The podcast was created to encourage more open conversations around behavioral health and help reduce the stigma that often prevents people from seeking support. Through real-life experiences, expert insight, and practical guidance, the series reminds listeners that struggles with stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional health are more common than many people realize.
Throughout the month, the podcast explored how mental health affects individuals from early childhood through adulthood, with each episode focusing on a specific stage in life including young children learning emotional regulation, the challenges of the teen years, the pressures facing young adults, and the realities of burnout, stress, and life transitions in adulthood. Each episode features OhioGuidestone clinical experts who provide insight into what behaviors may be typical, what may signal concern, and when it may be time to seek support.
Designed to feel approachable rather than clinical, the podcast combines professional expertise with real-life experiences and practical takeaways listeners can use at home.
“There are things we all think, but don’t always say out loud,” Rader shared and continued “If you’ve ever wondered, ‘Am I the only one feeling this way?’ You’re not.”
Let’s Talk About It with OhioGuidestone is available on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Stay tuned for our new season launching in July, focusing on suicide, self-harm, and prevention.
To learn more, visit our website at: ohioguidestone.org/podcast
Residential Event Recap
Easter Egg Hunt
The halls of OhioGuidestone’s Youth Residential Treatment Center (RTC) in Berea, Ohio were filled with excitement and joy this spring as we celebrated a cherished annual tradition—The Easter Egg Hunt! Every year the Easter Bunny makes an early stop at the RTC to hide eggs across the campus. The children eagerly searched, exploring every nook and cranny to uncover hidden eggs filled with treats. The atmosphere was one of enthusiasm and energy—the kind that builds joyful lifelong memories. Following the egg hunt, the group gathered in the gym for a festive pizza lunch. The celebration continued with the distribution of thoughtfully prepared baskets of gifts, each containing age-appropriate items for the children to enjoy.
This meaningful event was made possible through the ongoing and generous support of St. John’s Cathedral. We extend our sincere gratitude to the volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to ensure the children we serve experienced a memorable holiday celebration. Their generosity and compassion helped make the afternoon truly special.
Traditions like these provide our residents with a sense of joy, connection, and belonging that is important to their growth and well-being. We are grateful for the continued support of our community and already look forward to next year’s celebration—including finding even more creative hiding spots for the treat-filled eggs.
Supporting Youth Through OhioGuidestone’s Summer Programs
Summer is one of the busiest times for OhioGuidestone’s youth behavioral health teams. When school-based services pause after the school year ends, OhioGuidestone’s summer programs help fill a critical gap by providing continued structure, positive engagement, and mental health support through compassionate, youth-centered care.
These programs help children and adolescents maintain emotional stability, strengthen life skills, and stay connected to supportive peers and trusted adults. Summer services focus on prevention, continuity of care, and healthy social development in a variety of settings.
OhioGuidestone offers several summer programs that combine clinical support, peer connection, and creative engagement, including skill building, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), summer day treatment, and Expressive HeARTs Day Camps across Ohio communities.
Skill Building
Skill building remains a cornerstone of OhioGuidestone’s summer programming. Skills introduced during the school year, including executive functioning, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and healthy decision-making, are reinforced throughout the summer. Continued support helps youth better manage unstructured time, family transitions, and increased social exposure.
Expressive HeARTS Day Camps
OhioGuidestone’s Expressive HeARTs Day Camps are especially effective for children who struggle with verbal expression. Art, music, writing, drama, and movement offer an engaging alternative for emotional processing and healing support during the summer months.
Youth are encouraged to express emotions, process stress or trauma, and build resilience in a creative, therapeutic environment.
Youth IOP
For youth needing more structured mental health support, OhioGuidestone offers Intensive Outpatient Programs throughout the summer. These services provide consistent therapeutic care while allowing adolescents to remain at home and connected to their communities.
IOP combines group counseling, individual therapy, and skills training to help prevent regression or crisis during the school break.
Summer Day Treatment
Day Treatment is our most intensive summer program that helps address the disruption of school routines and reduces isolation for youth with significant mental health needs. Led by OhioGuidestone’s licensed clinicians, day treatment goes beyond traditional programming by offering a safe, highly supervised therapeutic environment where individualized care is delivered through multiple evidence-based interventions.
By blending clinical therapy, creative engagement, and skill development, OhioGuidestone’s summer initiatives help youth return to school in the fall stronger, healthier, and more confident.
Celebrating 1 Year of
Last year during Mental Health Awareness Month, OhioGuidestone launched its ReadyCare Walk-In Clinics for Behavioral Health, expanding immediate access to mental health and substance use disorder care with no waitlists and no appointment required.
In the year since launch, ReadyCare has served nearly 1,000 clients who received care simply by walking in during designated hours. The clinics are designed for individuals who need timely support, recognizing that waiting for an appointment is not always an option.
OhioGuidestone has since expanded the program by increasing hours, adding services, and opening new locations in Franklin, Fairfield, and Lorain Counties.
ReadyCare is now available at 15 locations across 11 counties.
We’re Ready When You Are — No Appointment Required
ReadyCare Walk-In Clinics provide compassionate, expert care from licensed professionals when it is needed most. The program supports OhioGuidestone’s mission to empower individuals to take steps toward their healthiest futures by meeting people where they are and delivering the right level of care at the right time.
Services vary by location and may include:
• Behavioral health support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress
• Crisis intervention
• Mental health and substance use assessments
• Counseling and therapy
• Psychiatric services, including medication management
• Medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders (alcohol and opioids)
• Peer support and case management
These critical services are made possible through support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, State Opioid and Stimulant Response, and Center for Substance Abuse Treatment funding.
To learn more about ReadyCare Walk-In Clinics for Behavioral Health hours and services in your area, please visit our website at myreadycare.org.
Stronger Together in Fairfield County
April 30, 2026 will be remembered in OhioGuidestone’s 162-year history as the day we welcomed the staff and clients of New Horizons Mental Health Services in Fairfield County.
The long-serving behavioral health organization was winding down its operations and offered clients and staff a coordinated transition to OhioGuidestone.
The Fairfield County ADAMH Board endorsed the move to support the continued well-being of New Horizons staff, clients, and the broader community.
The transition allows OhioGuidestone to build on an already strong foundation in Fairfield County and prioritize continuity for both staff and clients of New Horizons.
“By coming together with the New Horizons staff, we are reinforcing individual stability and investing in the longterm health of Fairfield County,” said Amanda Wattenberg, OhioGuidestone Regional Vice President.
As part of this shared effort, OhioGuidestone directly hired New Horizons employees, honoring their years of service, preserving their roles, and maintaining the trusted relationships they have built with their clients.
The New Horizons transition also allows OhioGuidestone to offer new services and programs in Fairfield County— like supported employment services, new court programs, and adult mobile crisis care.
Mindfulness is the practice of living in the present moment, appreciating the here and now without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. While we can’t change what’s already happened or fully control what’s ahead, we can choose how we show up today. Focusing on the present moment can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and bring a greater sense of calm.
The Three C’s of Mindfulness Curiosity: Notice thoughts without judgment.
Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Courage: Sit with discomfort and move forward with intention.
Take a Mindful Minute
Pause for 60 seconds. Notice your breath, how does it feel to inhale and exhale. Place your hand on your chest or belly and feel the gentle rise and fall. Try this mantra: “Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile.”
Like bees in spring, use your cognitive abilities to navigate, learn, and communicate to enhance your mindfulness.
Learn more about the benefits of mindfulness.
Lancaster Eagle Gazette Features OhioGuidestone and New Horizons Transition
The Lancaster Eagle Gazette highlighted OhioGuidestone’s transition of New Horizons employees, helping to preserve access to behavioral healthcare services and continuity of care in Fairfield County.
OhioGuidestone Regional Director Appears on Fox 8’s New Day Cleveland to Discuss Perinatal Mental Health
OhioGuidestone’s Regional Director, Nicole Klimas-Morrison, joined Fox 8’s New Day Cleveland to discuss the importance of mental health and recovery support before, during, and after pregnancy.
Never Let Go Ministries’ Visit to OhioGuidestone’s Renewal Center
Featured in The Bryan Times
EVENTSand fundraising
Save the date for OhioGuidestone’s 2026 Promise Run!
Saturday, September 26 at Wallace Lake in Berea, Ohio
Lace up, join the fun, and help support life - changing programs in our community. This 10k, 5k, and 1 mile run/walk provides support for those served by OhioGuidestone’s programs and services.
The Bryan Times featured Never Let Go Ministries’ visit to OhioGuidestone’s Renewal Center in Napoleon, where residents in recovery received encouragement, door prizes, and messages of hope and support. Sign up for the Promise Run!
