SEEDSof Hope
Building a New Life Through OhioGuidestone
Beneath his royal blue graduation cap, Kaden grinned and held tightly to a certificate that officially opens the door to a career in construction.
The usually shy 18-year-old is part of OhioGuidestone’s latest YouthBuild Construction cohort, a pre-apprenticeship, job training and educational program for youth and young adults.
Getting into the program isn’t easy.
Kaden went through the rigorous Mental Toughness screening and physical challenges to prove he is dedicated enough to complete the coursework and the intense hands-on training YouthBuild requires.
Out of pure determination to change his life, Kaden succeeded.
“I’m excited that I made it this far,” Kaden said, “a few years ago things were bad, really bad.”
A few years ago, Kaden was serving time for aggravated robbery, committed when he was a juvenile. At 14 he had run away from a violent home and survived on the streets until he was arrested and sent to a juvenile correctional facility.
At the facility Kaden learned he could overcome the poverty and dysfunction of his childhood by accepting help from the adults around him.
“I could see how resilient he is,” said Amissha Bell, Reentry Case Manager for OhioGuidestone’s juvenile reentry program. “He’s quiet, but well-liked, very kind, and hard working,” she said, “all qualities that made him a good fit for the program.”
The program is a 14-week intensive curriculum designed to help individuals like Kaden develop essential life and emotional skills, equipping them to succeed once they leave the correctional facility.
FROM THE CEO
We are closing the chapter on a terrific summer of celebrations and exciting new projects at OhioGuidestone.
Our Promise Run is one for the record books! We raised more funds and had more participants than ever before, AND enjoyed a beautiful day together with friends, family, and dogs. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen.
We have also extended services within two unique communities. Older adults in three assisted living facilities have access to screening and treatment for depression, anxiety, SUD, and other mental health concerns; and we have new services for individuals in the Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community.
Finally, our giant ribbon-cutting scissors are getting a workout. Working with two ADAMHS boards, we cut ribbons to celebrate the completion of two new residential treatment facilities; The STARLight Center in Fairfield County, and Stillwater Crossing in Tuscarawas County. Both are first of their kind options for these regions. We are excited to see both in full operation soon.
In the meantime, I hope you can get outside and enjoy fall, the most beautiful time of the year in our state.
Brant Russell, President and CEO
“It requires a lot of trust, open and honest discussion, and emotional work,” Amissha said, “I wasn’t sure Kaden would go for it, but he did.”
After successfully completing the program and upon his release, Kaden left the facility with a starter kit containing new clothes, some toiletries, gift cards, and his classroom workbook which he treasures and still uses.
Kaden said he no longer feels like he is alone. Fortified with a team of OhioGuidestone staff, he said “I have like eight mentors including Amissha. They all told me to reach out to them when I need help.”
It was one of them who suggested he apply to YouthBuild, where Kaden could earn a paycheck while he pursued his interest in construction.
In YouthBuild, Kaden enjoyed the shared team experience. They bonded as they endured long days in the summer while they learned how to renovate a building, replace flooring, and build other structures, to perfect the skills that will become their livelihood.
Kaden says they are more of a family than a cohort, as he jokingly introduced a classmate as his cousin, before admitting “he’s not blood, but he should be.”
After the graduation ceremony Kaden hugged and cheered with all sixteen cap-and-gown clad construction graduates celebrating the friendships they’ve developed and the beginning of their careers in construction.
For Kaden it’s also the beginning of a new challenge—for the first time he’ll experience life on the outside as an adult, without a structured OhioGuidestone program.
But he said he’ll be okay because even after graduation, he knows his mentors at OhioGuidestone will still be there for him, or as Amissha lovingly reminded him “you got us for life baby.”
Kaden’s next step is to become a construction apprentice, and someday, a mentor himself.
Cutting the Ribbon to Two New Treatment Centers
Thanks to strong partnerships with alcohol, drug and mental health boards across the state, OhioGuidestone is expanding to meet the behavioral health needs of smaller communities often overlooked in favor of larger more densely populated areas.
OhioGuidestone joined forces with the Fairfield County ADAMH Board and the ADAMHS Board of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties, opening two new residential treatment centers so that residents there can find behavioral health treatment without having to travel outside of the region.
Together they cut the ribbon to the STARLight Center in Lancaster, and Stillwater Crossing Treatment Center in Dennison.
STARLight is the first facility of its kind in Fairfield County, offering intensive, short-term residential care for adult mental health crisis stabilization and substance use treatment.
The newly constructed center is a safe and welcoming environment for men and women, staffed 24-7. Eight individuals at a time can receive 3-5 days of mental health stabilization, and up to 12 individuals can undergo 30 days of substance use treatment.
Amanda Wattenberg, OhioGuidestone Regional Vice President has been part of the six-year endeavor to bring a mental health crisis and substance use disorder stabilization center to Fairfield County.
Amanda said, “It’s wonderful to see our vision become
a reality; STARLight will help light the way for so many to find stabilization, treatment and recovery services under one roof in Fairfield County.”
Stillwater Crossing is the result of a 20-year effort between OhioGuidestone and ADAMHS Board of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties to develop a local non-profit, residential substance use treatment center for men. A similar facility for women already exists and is operated by OhioGuidestone.
Pam Trimmer, OhioGuidestone Regional Vice President has been part of Stillwater Crossing since its inception. She says it will close a gap in residential treatment options for men in the region.
“The goal is to offer a high-quality, effective treatment option within our region, which will ease the transition to local services and support when residential treatment is complete.”
The $2.7 million facility opened in Dennison, with 7900 square feet, and the capacity to offer residential care to 16 men at a time.
Providing resources to help individuals reclaim their lives, without leaving their communities, both Stillwater Crossing and the STARLight Center are expected to have a significant impact on the quality of behavioral health care available in Central and East Central Ohio.
Both offer a plan to achieve lasting recovery, and the path to a better future.
Filling a Workforce Gap by Empowering IDD Community
OhioGuidestone is expanding services to help Youth and Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) find a job, keep a job, learn skills for a job, and get to and from their job.
The empowerment program also includes personalized care plans, therapeutic services, and community integration activities.
“OhioGuidestone focuses on whole person care and leads the state in community behavioral health, it’s crucial that we include members of the IDD community,” said OhioGuidestone President and CEO Brant Russell.
OhioGuidestone offers employment specialists and job coaches who help individuals with IDD identify and develop their strengths so they can find a pathway to a fulfilling career.
In addition to non-medical transportation to and from a job site, the program offers training for effective communication with supervisors and coworkers, and how to follow directions and manage tasks.
The workforce services are offered within a defined timeline, where specific outcomes are expected and
measured by the individual and their
team.
OhioGuidestone Executive Director of Workforce Programs, Kiersten Watkins said, “our goal is to empower youth and adults by offering tailored services that help them build a fulfilling career.” Kiersten explained “It’s about broadening the community we support, while strengthening the workforce.”
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive,” Russell added. “The unique abilities of the IDD community can only improve the quality of the workforce, and at the same time, being part of the workforce will improve the quality of life for individuals with IDD.”
Celebrating Our Back-to-Back NorthCoast 99 Wins
We are thrilled to announce that we’ve won the NorthCoast 99 award for the second consecutive year! This honor from the Employers Resource Council (ERC) recognizes our exceptional workplace culture, driven by our incredible employees. ERC’s evaluation process assesses our approach to top-performer attraction, development, and retention across several key areas. President and CEO, Brant Russell, credits this award to the hard work and dedication of our employees. Brant says, “Their passion and commitment truly set us apart, reaffirming that our employees are the heart of our success.”
OhioGuidestone
Compassionate Behavioral Health Services for Seniors
Accessibility to outstanding behavioral health care is the top priority at OhioGuidestone.
We strive to knock down barriers so we can meet our clients where they are and across their lifespan, including the later stages of life and in the long-term care facilities where they may live.
The National Council on Aging reports, “up to 25% percent of adults 65 and older are living with a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression,” and “substance use has been on the rise among older adults for many years.” Yet access remains a growing concern with less than half of older adults receiving treatment.
OhioGuidestone has added services and community partnerships tailored to meet the mental health and substance use treatment needs of the older adult population, including partnerships with three new Cuyahoga County long term care facilities.
That number will likely increase as OhioGuidestone’s program is showing positive outcomes and the population needing senior services is growing.
By 2040, Ohioans, ages 60 and older, will make up 25% of Ohio’s total population, and the proportion of Ohio’s total population, ages 85 and older, is projected to increase at an even greater rate, growing 51% from 2020 to 2040.
Improved behavioral health for the senior population has been listed as a priority in Ohio’s 2024-2027 State Plan on Aging.
Ellen Falvo, Assistant Director of Community Counseling at OhioGuidestone, said much like their younger counterparts, the senior population can face depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. But they also have the added stress of age-related aches and pains, sometimes the loneliness and grief of losing
a spouse, and a loss of freedom without means of transportation.
“Our team has specialized education and training on the specific needs of seniors, especially those who live in long term care facilities,” Ellen said.
“Our therapists, case managers, and peer recovery supporters come to clients where they live so they do not have to get anywhere for an appointment,” She added, “and we can assist clients needing to do tasks in the community.”
OhioGuidestone support also helps a client’s family by assuring that their loved one has healthy coping skills and an improved sense of meaning and purpose in their life.
“Our premise is that it is never too late, any day is a great day—to make a positive change, to get some help, and feel better about yourself,” Ellen said. “We help with anything that can impact thoughts, feelings, and functioning.”
Staff at the long-term care facilities involved in OhioGuidestone’s program reported improvement in quality of life and a reduction in mental health symptoms for their residents.
One for the Record Books
The bi-annual OhioGuidestone Promise Run was a resounding success, breaking records in funds raised and in the number of participants.
The event raised over $100,000 for OhioGuidestone, surpassing the previous Promise Run fundraiser by $30,000, and we registered a record 442 participants.
Runners and walkers enjoyed a beautiful day at Berea’s Wallace Lake, with its wooded and picturesque 10K, 5K, and 1-mile courses.
Attendees were treated to a pre-race yoga warm–up, followed by a lively performance by the Westlake High School Demon Marching Band drumline at the start and finish line.
Food trucks, games and activities dotted the family–friendly celebration as the runners and walkers, many with their dogs—came off the course and waited for the awards ceremony.
The Cleveland Browns sent their own dog, “Chomps”
the Browns mascot, to add to the fun, while the BereaMidpark High School Cheerleading squad performed.
OhioGuidestone President and CEO, Brant Russell kicked off the awards ceremony with a thank you, saying, “just by being here today, you are making life better for someone who is going through a difficult time.”
Brant also thanked Promise Run title sponsor, Blue Technologies, as well as additional sponsors Sherwin-Williams, Credit First National Association, Fleet Response, The Cleveland Guardians, APEC Engineering, Medic Management Group, PwC, Tucker Ellis, and USI.
The Promise Run coincided with the end of National Suicide Prevention week, a week dedicated to highlighting resources and raising awareness for suicide prevention, which is at the heart of OhioGuidestone’s work.
Celebrating the Transformative Power of Art
OhioGuidestone’s Expressive Arts program continues to thrive as the innovative therapy inspired a powerful art show, exhibiting remarkable works created through Expressive Arts therapy.
The artists behind the exhibit are OhioGuidestone clients who generously shared deep, powerful, and personal art pieces they created as they shed emotions that came from trauma.
Katie Spalding, an outpatient therapist who runs the Expressive Arts program in Findlay said, “whether it’s creating a visual representation of an emotion or an event, or the coping skills needed to deal with something heavy or traumatic, creating art is a really cool tool to process emotions.”
Exciting News: We’re Going Digital!
Starting in 2025, Seeds of Hope will transition from print to fully digital. This shift will enable us to enhance your reading experience with engaging video content, including success stories and in-depth news articles.
The new, fully digital format will offer a more interactive experience to connect with OhioGuidestone on our innovation, growth, impact and so much more.
The September 12th art show at the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum featured a collection of 30 art pieces. The event showcased the effectiveness of expressive arts and the beauty of the healing process.
“By providing a safe and supportive space for creative expression, this program helps clients process emotions, build self-esteem,
and develop better coping strategies,” said Shelly Kepford, OhioGuidestone Expressive Arts Program Director.
Shelly said many clients choose to paint on canvas, but emotion can be expressed through any of the arts—like the client who chose to write and recite a poem that expressed the journey of recovery and healing.
The art show and the expansion of expressive arts programming to the Findlay area were sponsored by grants from the FindlayHancock County Community Foundation and the ADAMHS Board of Hancock County.
You will continue to receive notifications when the next Seeds of Hope is available, in the same manner you do now. If you are currently receiving Seeds of Hope by mail, you will receive a postcard notifying you the issue is available with a QR code to scan and access the publication. If you currently receive the publication by email, we will continue to send you the publication digitally on a quarterly basis.
We look forward to providing you with more immersive content and a way to connect with us in 2025!
Our Promise
Our Mission
To provide pathways for growth, achievement and lifelong success.
Our Vision
We are the state’s leader in community behavioral health.
Our Motto
OhioGuidestone
343 W Bagley Rd Berea, Ohio 44017-1370
844-6CALLOG (844.622.5564) OhioGuidestone.org
Seeds of Hope is a publication of OhioGuidestone
We heal the heart, soothe the soul, engage the spirit, and expand the mind.
EVENTSand fundraising
Donate Holiday Gifts for our Clients
OhioGuidestone’s Holiday Shops are a great way to support the people we serve during the holidays. Our client-serving staff members visit the shops and select donated items to provide to their clients during the holiday season. In addition to our annual shop in Cleveland, we’re hosting two new shops in the Columbus and Toledo areas.
Gifts for all ages are desired, and monetary donations are welcomed so staff members can purchase specific items of need.
Visit ohioguidestone.org/donate to make a monetary donation (choose holiday giving in the dropdown), or email donations@ohioguidestone.org to learn about drop-off dates and locations. Thank you, and Happy Holidays!
Licenses and Certifications
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services | Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
