Richard’s Second Chance at Fatherhood
Sometimes second chances come from unexpected places. For Richard Wyche, it came from a meeting with OhioGuidestone Clinical Supervisor Cheryl Hines and her staff.
Richard was seeking a chance to reclaim his role as a father to his 6-year-old son who was in foster care under permanent custody. Richard had lost custody when his substance use led to a prison sentence.
Now in recovery, Richard joined OhioGuidestone’s parent mentoring program. The personalized, oneon-one program addresses case-specific needs of each parent, which is how he met Cheryl Hines.
When OhioGuidestone first became involved in his case, Richard wasn’t receiving regular or consistent time with his son. Hines and her staff encouraged Richard to advocate for his rights as a parent and he did.
“It’s not often that we see fathers fight so persistently for their children,” Hines said. “Richard’s determination to reunite with his son was nothing short of inspiring—especially with the humility and gentleness he demonstrated, he absolutely deserved a second chance, and ultimately everyone came to agree.”
He said he is grateful for the loving foster care his son received saying, “They did for me what I couldn’t do at the time.”
He looks back on what he used to believe was good parenting. “My actions, though illegal and destructive, were actually driven by my misguided sense of duty as a father and provider,” Richard said. “My estrangement from my son was never intentional.”
Removing himself from a toxic environment and gaining education on healthier alternatives enabled
FROM THE CEO
Welcome to the first digital version of Seeds of Hope, our 2025 winter edition.
It’s the first time we can share videos and other supporting documents in this publication, so I encourage you to explore by clicking on the links provided throughout the issue.
This winter we’ve made some large strides towards new services and branding initiatives that will further advance our mission to provide more responsive, person-centered care.
First, we’re excited to launch ReadyCare, a new umbrella brand for our 10+ locations that offer walk-in care services for mental health, substance use (SUD) and medication assisted treatment (MAT).
Second, primary care services will soon be available at our Lorain County location as we work towards designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Construction is underway to reconfigure the space so that we can offer quality primary and behavioral health care all under one roof with a planned opening this summer.
Other new developments in this issue include a new address for our MOMs program in northwest Ohio, a new website and an online store for our Institute of Family and Community Impact (IFCI), the celebration of Donna Keegan’s retirement after 47 years of service, and a heartwarming reunification story from our Parent Mentoring Program.
Enjoy!
Brant Russell, President and CEO
Richard to change his behavior and mindset.
The court increased Richard’s visitation time with his son, and progress quickly followed. He secured independent housing, which was the final step to getting his son back permanently.
Hines said, “Richard’s journey was not an easy one. Historically, like many marginalized individuals, he was profoundly impacted by his circumstances. Substance use and time in prison cost him his son.”
“When you know better, you do better,” said Richard regarding his emotional growth through OhioGuidestone’s parent mentoring, which he said made him a gentle and intentional father.
“It’s an incredibly humbling experience to witness a parent persevere through their darkest days, weary and separated from their children, yet refusing to give up,” Hines said.
Richard cherishes the time he has with his son, recognizing it as a gift not to be taken for granted. His is a rare case of reunification, reversing a court ordered permanent custody case. Even more remarkable, he has made his son’s foster family a regular part of their lives.
Richard said. “I want to teach my son how to be grateful, responsible, respectful, and kind; to be smart and not make excuses; to take care of himself and to work hard for what he wants in life. My goal is to be the best father that I’m supposed to be.”
Hines credits Richard’s commitment to his son, and his faith in God for his transformation and joyful reunification, adding that she and the OhioGuidestone staff are honored and inspired just to have witnessed it.
New Website and a Digital Store for IFCI
OhioGuidestone’s Institute of Family and Community Impact (IFCI), a renowned center of excellence for clinical research and best practices, has unveiled a new website to enhance its digital presence and accessibility to research-backed behavioral health training manuals.
The new website offers links so that anyone studying psychological sciences and best practices for behavioral health can purchase the same materials OhioGuidestone staff use in their clinical practices. The series of books and training manuals are the result of years of research by IFCI.
Brittany Pope, AVP, Applied Clinical Sciences & Research at OhioGuidestone, said “the initiative will address the growing demand for more traumainformed care services in communities, and by removing barriers, professional care providers can access the high-quality continuing education tools OhioGuidestone offers.”
This important work, led by Pope, is a clear differentiator from other behavioral organizations and allows us to be an innovator within the behavioral health space.
One of those innovations is OhioGuidestone’s novel paternal mental health screening tool, which aims to become a gold standard in recognizing and addressing paternal mental health needs.
Reinhild Boehme, Clinical Institute Fellow and Author of the training series, is an expert in behavioral health care, trauma-informed practices, and teaching professionals to use evidence-based practices.
Boehme said, “The manuals are packed with easyto-understand explanations, along with ready-to-use interventions offering practical therapeutic techniques for individual or group applications by a wide range of behavioral health professionals.”
Pope added, “Making these resources more broadly accessible can widen the use of behavioral health interventions that are responsive to the everyday needs of individuals.”
Digital advancements like the IFCI website and training links are playing a crucial role in expanding OhioGuidestone’s reach and effectiveness. The mental health and wellness training series can be purchased online through the Products page under the Resources tab.
Holiday Shop Expands
The OhioGuidestone Holiday Shop in Berea was created as a unique opportunity to ensure clients receive a gift during the holidays, as the season can be a financial and emotional struggle for some, especially those with children.
Thanks to our incredibly generous supporters and staff, we were able to create two additional Holiday Shops for the 2024 season, one in Toledo, and one in Columbus.
Victoria Graham, OhioGuidestone regional director of operations, explained how important the shops are for clients.
“There’s so much need,” she said, “Some of our clients really struggle with being able to get resources, and there’s a lot of anxiety. So, what’s really nice is that the gifts are hand-picked and delivered right to them by the people they see all the time.”
Behavioral Health Specialist, Carly Ferguson, who works with children and adults, connects with her clients to understand their needs and gift preferences. “I keep tabs on them and learn what they’re struggling with,” she said. “I’m very, very excited to show up and help them out a little bit.”
Donations to the three shops allowed 103 of our OhioGuidestone staff to choose gifts for 902 clients, tripling the number of gifts given last year.
Hot Wheels, board games, and Legos were the most popular gifts, followed by arts and crafts supplies, gift cards for baby clothes, winter gear, and the bicycles donated each year by Blue Technologies.
Planning is already in place for the 2025 holiday season with a goal to provide some holiday joy to even more clients.
Unmasking The Stigma
On Saturday, February 1st Unmasking the Stigma brought over 180 attendees together at Rustic Ridge Wedding Barn in New Philadelphia to support youth mental health programs in the Tuscarawas and Carroll regions. With a powerful keynote from Tony Coder of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, the event raised approximately $37,300, including over $22,000 from silent and live auctions. The proceeds will help launch Expressive Arts Therapy as an intervention for at-risk youth. Special thanks to ProVia, our Auxiliary Board, and guests for making this night a success.
Introducing ReadyCare Clinics
OhioGuidestone is proud to announce the launch of ReadyCare. This initiative serves as the umbrella for our comprehensive array of walk-in services across 10+ ReadyCare locations. The introduction of ReadyCare aims to simplify and streamline the process of seeking behavioral health services while expanding access to quality, person-centered care.
The ReadyCare brand is designed to be recognizable, creating a broader understanding of what services OhioGuidestone offers and who we are. By unifying all walk-in services under one cohesive identity, we aim to remove barriers to care and make it easier for community members to identify where they can turn for support.
Our ReadyCare clinics uplift OhioGuidestone’s purpose—to empower our clients to take steps towards a healthier future. These clinics are equipped to address a range of immediate needs, from managing mental health crises to initiating treatment for substance use disorders. Each service is tailored to meet individuals where they are, providing them with the right level of care at the right time.
ReadyCare Services Include:
• Behavioral Health Assessment
• Care Coordination
• Crisis Intervention
• Counseling/Therapy
• Medication to Treat Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder
• Psychiatric Services
• Specialized Services for Youth and Families
• And More
Across the nation, communities are being confronted with increasing rates of mental health challenges and substance use while barriers to obtaining mental health treatment continue to persist nationwide. ReadyCare is designed to respond to this urgent need for behavioral health services by offering walk-in options that reduce wait times and eliminate the need for scheduled appointments. This model of service ensures that those seeking help can access support without delay, a critical factor in achieving positive outcomes.
The national mental health crisis underscores the importance of initiatives like ReadyCare. Nearly 60 million adults experienced a mental illness in the past year, with nearly 13 million reporting serious thoughts of suicide. These statistics highlight the need for accessible and immediate behavioral health services. ReadyCare clinics are a working step to reverse these data trends.
As we roll out ReadyCare clinics across Ohio, we are inspired by the potential to create lasting change. This initiative furthers OhioGuidestone’s dedication to expanding access to cares and strengthening communities. We are excited to see how ReadyCare enhances our ability to serve those in need and provide a pathway to healing.
ReadyCare is more than a name; it’s a promise to be there, ready to help, when it’s needed.
To learn more about our 10+ ReadyCare locations visit our website: myreadycare.org
Findlay Center Opening
Anyone familiar with The Family Center located at 1800 N Blanchard St in Findlay can understand how exciting it is that OhioGuidestone can now add it to our lengthy list of service locations.
The Family Center is unique; one of only a few hundred facilities nationwide to offer a safe, onestop-shop space where nonprofit groups provide services for families in need.
Suite 102 at the Family Center is now home to OhioGuidestone’s newly expanded Maternal Opiate Medical Support (MOMS) program, along with other behavioral health services.
The MOMS program offers substance use treatment for pregnant or postpartum mothers, and includes group and individual therapy, case management, peer support, and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
Victoria Graham, regional director of operations, said, “We are especially focused on the MOMS program. We want this to feel like a home away from home, and not so much like a doctor’s office.”
The outer reception area features artwork, a colorful rug, flower pillows, toys, books and artwork, with private appointments held in a separate room.
medical
“These services focus on the family; we support the individual as well as family members to make sure everyone receives the support they need.”
“We’ve received a lot more referrals since moving into the Family Center, and we think it’s giving a lot more visibility to the program,” Graham added.
Hancock County ADAMHS board members provided the funds to bring the MOMS program to the Family Center and continues to support OhioGuidestone’s expansion to this site. Other health care providers at the Family Center include the Children’s Mentoring Connection, the Hancock County Metropolitan Housing Authority, Community Action, Legal Aid, and WIC.
MOMS
provider, Nurse Practioner Jerilyn Neeper said,
Celebrating Donna Keegan’s 47 Year Legacy
Donna Keegan was a high school junior exploring career possibilities when she first set foot on OhioGuidestone’s residential campus in Berea. Never did she imagine that 47 years later she would be retiring as OhioGuidestone’s Chief Program Officer and looking back on a wonderful career.
Donna has dedicated her adult life and professional career to helping children in circumstances worlds apart from her own upbringing.
“My first day in the classroom was an eye-opening experience,” she said, “meeting kids who were acting out in ways that I had never imagined, coming from situations I couldn’t comprehend.”
Back when residential children went home for the holidays, Donna would bring children without a place to go to her own home to celebrate. That is just who she is—the heart of OhioGuidestone.
— Joe Ziegler, Chief Financial Officer
That’s when Donna knew she wanted to have a positive impact on the lives of the children she had met, and by the summer of her senior year, she was working at the residential campus.
Over her 47-year tenure at the Berea campus, Donna saw the staff of 50 grow to where we are now; the state’s leader in community behavioral health, with over a thousand employees across more than 40 counties in Ohio.
“OhioGuidestone taught me to believe in the magic that can happen when you take smart, loyal, clear-headed individuals with a common mission and give them the room to create and implement,” she said.
Best of luck in retirement, Donna. Thank you for 47 years!
Leading the Way
We are thrilled to announce that OhioGuidestone has been named one of Northeast Ohio’s 50 Smartest Companies for 2024 by Smart Business Magazine, a business management journal. The Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Awards serve to recognize the top 50 executives of Northeast Ohio and the companies they lead.
OhioGuidestone CEO Brant Russell was recognized for his “remarkable vision, strategic acumen and a commitment to excellence” in behavioral health.
“This award is really a testament to the hard work and dedication of all of our employees who live our mission every single day and positively impact the lives of so many,” Russell said of the award. “Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our success, and to Smart Business for this recognition.”
Receiving this award is an acknowledgement of OhioGuidestone’s commitment to innovation, impact, and sustainability in behavioral health under Russell’s leadership. These commitments have driven OhioGuidestone’s strategic plan leading to a more efficient and effective organization through the introduction of tools such as LEAN training, Kaizen-style exercises, and change management training to the organization.
OhioGuidestone is honored to be recognized as we continue to find smarter, faster, and more efficient ways to help our clients take steps towards healthier futures.
Donna Keegan (pictured center in red shirt), along with other longtime OhioGuidestone employees.
OhioGuidestone on Sound of Ideas, Navigating Holiday Conversations
OhioGuidestone’s Dr. Kathleen Kern joined Ideastream Public Media’s Sound of Ideas to discuss handling tough holiday conversations. Dr. Kern shared tips on managing stress, setting boundaries, and navigating tricky topics with family. Watch or listen here.
Pam Trimmer Previews Unmasking the Stigma on The Overpriced Podcast
Regional Vice President Pam Trimmer joined The Overpriced Podcast to discuss Unmasking the Stigma, an event benefiting Tuscarawas County clients. Pam highlighted the importance of providing support within the community and details on the event. Watch the episode here.
OhioGuidestone’s Findlay Expansion
Featured in The Courier
OhioGuidestone’s new office at The Family Center in Findlay was highlighted in The Courier, showcasing expanded behavioral health services. This expansion focuses on pregnant and postpartum mothers through the MOMS program and helps enhance care for Hancock County families. Learn more here.
Watch the video here.
OhioGuidestone Takes Center Court for Mental Health Awareness
OhioGuidestone was featured in the Cavs Community Corner on the Humongotron at Rocket Arena for Mental Health Awareness Night on January 8, 2025. Just like basketball, we know that behavioral health care is a team effort— watch the video on YouTube and see how we’re helping Cleveland win, together!
EVENTSand fundraising
Save the Date!
2025 Evolution Gala
September 20, 2025
Hotel Cleveland
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s OhioGuidestone’s 2025
Evolution Gala at the new Hotel Cleveland! Join us to support OhioGuidstone’s mission to provide pathways to growth, achievement, and lifelong success. Just like superheroes, OhioGuidestone’s clients are empowered to overcome life’s obstacles and take steps towards a healthier future. To learn more about the gala and sponsorship opportunities, visit our website
