Celebrating Our 159th!

OhioGuidestone is celebrating a big day! Our community behavioral health organization turns 159 years old this month! OhioGuidestone is Where New Paths Begin, and all New Paths must start somewhere. For us, that path started back in 1864. Our humble origins began as an orphanage in Berea, Ohio, to help children in need of a home following the aftermath of the American Civil War.

In some ways, we haven’t changed, our mission is still to help people across the lifespan navigate the most difficult times of their lives, focusing on the needs of the whole person and empowering them to take steps towards a healthier future. In other ways, things sure look different. Where we once were a small home taking care of children, our services have expanded to a full continuum of prevention and mental health and substance use disorder services, workforce development, foster care and research. And as our organization grew, access grew to schools, community centers, clients’ homes, and even on screens you carry in your pocket with telehealth services available and expanding every day. Imagine explaining that back in 1864.

Birthdays are a time for looking back at what you appreciate, taking stock of where you are now, and looking forward to the future. At 159, we’re a little too old to be checking our height against the door frame, but it’s no mystery we’ve grown. And we’ll continue to grow in the future. But we need your support to do it.

OhioGuidestone’s mission is only possible because of the generosity of others. It’s quite literally how we started. If you want to help us make this the best birthday yet, consider donating. We’re excited to show you all the wonderful things we have coming on the horizon.