SEEDS
of Hope
Agency Newsletter | Winter 2024
Graduates Step into a Bright Future The young adults who walked the Sari Feldman Auditorium stage in Parma are the picture of resiliency, as they celebrated the determination and perseverance that brought them to and through OhioGuidestone’s Workforce 360° YouthBuild Program. They are part of YouthBuild’s graduating class of 2023. 12 are construction cohort graduates—all of them earning their OSHA 10 and NCCER (National Center of Construction Education and Research) certification, five graduates earned their CNA credential, and two earned their STNA certification through a partnership with Tri-C. What makes these accomplishments so impressive is that YouthBuild slots are limited and have rigorous requirements just to get in. Program Manager Jennifer Underwood said just being accepted into the YouthBuild program means
an individual has already achieved tremendous growth, as each candidate goes through a 2-week bootcamp called Mental Toughness, competing with other individuals for placement in the program. She said, “They are required to do daily workouts, practice conflict management, refresh their academic abilities, gain team skills, and interview with a room full of staff.” She added “they also need to learn a pledge of accountability to themselves and others.” Not only did the 2023 class complete Mental Toughness, followed by 6 months of training to earn industry recognized credentials, ten of the graduates put in extra hours outside of their classes to earn their high school diploma. The ceremony itself was emotional as the attendees cheered not just for their own loved ones, but for all of the graduates in cap and gown crossing continued on page 2
Graduates Step into a Bright Future, continued from page 1
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FROM THE CEO
Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were filled with warmth and good health. A new calendar year offers us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on 2023—and what an incredible year it was for OhioGuidestone. A year of growth and achievement, including new programs and innovations like our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, Behavioral Health Urgent Cares, Foster Care Expansion, Youth Resiliency Center, Paternal Depression Screenings, and Psychiatry First—all with a focus on expanding access to care and helping more people find their path to wellness. We also picked up some trophies in 2023: like the Best Website Redesign award for the new OhioGuidestone.org website, and the coveted NorthCoast 99 award naming OhioGuidestone a top place to work. Another remarkable success came with the 2023 Evolution Gala which raised over $600,000 to fund the vital services we provide—all thanks to our incredible supporters. Looking ahead, 2024 will be a momentous year for OhioGuidestone as we turn 160 years young! We are kicking off a yearlong birthday celebration with recognition of donors, employees, and clients who have had a significant impact on our history. In the meantime, my wish for you is that you may look back on 2023 with a feeling of satisfaction, and that 2024 will be a year of renewed hope, resilience, and mental wellbeing for you and your loved ones. Happy New Year from OhioGuidestone, where new paths begin.
Brant Russell, President and CEO
Seeds of Hope | Winter 2024
the stage. Anthony Brown, Youth Council President, and winner of the YouthBuild Leadership Award, spoke to his fellow graduates and their guests, saying he will always remember his YouthBuild experience. “Joining the YouthBuild family I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot and I hope that each and every one of us gets that dream job we’ve always wanted.” “Each young adult that walks through our doors comes with their own set of experiences, barriers and most importantly—resiliency” — Jennifer Underwood, YouthBuild Program Manager
The graduates were able to collect their awards and diplomas in front of their parents and friends, and for some, their own children. They also stood and cheered for one another, with one graduate saying he wishes he could do the whole graduation ceremony again. OhioGuidestone will continue to work with graduates through their first year of employment—offering guidance, coaching and support, reminding them to look within themselves for strength, and believe that anything is possible; they are far more powerful than any circumstance, situation, or condition. “Our clients work so hard to get to where they are,” said Career Coach, Paigelynn Jansen. “We hope they celebrate themselves every day as much as they celebrated with one another at the graduation ceremony and throughout the program.” Outreach Specialist, Jennifer Cholley added “The magic of YouthBuild lies in the relationships built in and out of the classroom. It was evident as students cheered for each other and introduced their OhioGuidestone friends to their loved ones. There is an unbreakable bond when students feel empowered and invested. It’s a beautiful reminder of why this work is so important!”
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Festive Acts of Kindness, A Heartwarming Recap of Holiday Generosity This holiday season OhioGuidestone was overwhelmed to witness extraordinary giving in so many different forms that brightened the holidays for our clients and paved the way for new paths in the coming year. The giving season began with a heartwarming Thanksgiving food drive across multiple counties. Collectively these nonperishable food donations were able to serve over 160 families with Thanksgiving meals. In the true spirit of the season, in-kind donations poured in to support our clients and programs. These donations supported a variety of program areas, from individuals in our Workforce and Behavioral Health programs to youth served by our Medina Youth Resiliency and Counseling Center. KeyBank provided a large donation of baby care items and Insight2Profit donated baby gates, car seats and strollers for clients in our Help Me Grow and Parents as Teachers programs. Women who reside in our Discovery Recovery house in Medina received a generous donation of hygiene items and members of the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce came together to donate gifts for our Discovery Recovery residents and clients served by our Youth Resiliency and Counseling Center. Palmer Holland and Corrigan-Krause donated gifts and Carhartt Crocker Park donated clothing for clients in our Workforce program. These thoughtful contributions provide an essential resource for young adults who are on their way to a bright future. Fostering Hope hosted a cheerful holiday “Gift ‘n Greet” for children in our residential treatment program, with a special visit to each cottage from Santa Claus, donating over $10,000 worth of toys. OhioGuidestone’s Associate Board bought gifts for our residential children and held a gift-wrapping party to make the season bright. Blue Technologies donated gifts for our clients and threw a festive party for our ProKids Program families, with hams for a holiday meal donated by Brian Russell and space provided by University Circle United Methodist Church.
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GIVING
Festive Acts of Kindness, A Heartwarming Recap of Holiday Generosity, continued from page 3
Honda of Middleburg Heights delivered enough toys to fill two delivery vans for the kids we serve.
and enables us to continue providing vital behavioral health services and support to those who need it most. We extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every donor, volunteer and supporter. You have made an impact that will endure far beyond the holiday season.
Beyond these heartfelt items, our supporters showcased their commitment to OhioGuidestone through the transformative power of monetary donations. Each contribution, regardless of size, is essential to fuel our programs and initiatives in the coming year and plays a crucial role in our mission to help people across the lifespan navigate the most difficult times of their lives.
As we step into the New Year, OhioGuidestone is committed to caring for the needs of the whole person empowering each client to take steps towards a healthier future. With your continued support, we look forward to expanding our impact, reaching more individuals with our evidence-based personcentered behavioral health care, and making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
Medical Mutual, on behalf of their brokers, provided a $10,000 donation to OhioGuidestone. Honda of Middleburg Heights and Westside Toyota made a donation of over $9,500. Westside Flea selected OhioGuidestone as the recipient for their December Holiday Bazaar raffle proceeds of over $800. Individual Donors provided nearly $100,000 in total towards our General Operating Fund and Holiday Giving. As the holiday season comes to a close, please know that the echoes of your giving resound within OhioGuidestone. Your generosity fuels our mission
Blue Christmas Bliss In a heartwarming tradition spanning nearly two decades, Blue Technologies has once again illuminated the holiday season for OhioGuidestone and its clients sharing multiple truckloads of toys, bikes, jackets and more. Blue Technologies hosted a special holiday party for over 150 clients and family members from our ProKids and Families Program featuring food, gifts, and a magical visit from Santa himself! ProKids is a juvenile court diversion program that focuses on empowering parents and enhancing young people’s social skills.
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RESILIENCE
A New Path Begins Expressions of gratitude from our clients come in so many ways, but the most unique is in our relationship with Maria Brenders, who someday we expect will join the OhioGuidestone team. Maria, owner of Three Girls Cupcake Shoppe in Berea, credits OhioGuidestone School Services for helping Maria and her children recover from a life altering tragedy. Maria’s husband and father of their three children, died by suicide in 2017. The loss hit Maria’s 11-year-old daughter especially hard. She was suffering beyond any comfort Maria could provide, and needed the professional help OhioGuidestone offers.
daughter’s life to her therapist,” Maria said, “without her support and guidance, I truly believe my daughter would have lost her battle to live.”
“Her therapist was able to help her find light in her darkest times,” Maria said. “As her mother I am so fortunate that I didn’t have to fight alone to keep my child alive and healthy.”
Now that Maria and her family have been able to reclaim some joy within their lives, Maria has started a new journey. It has little to do with cupcakes, and everything to do with the comfort her cupcakes provide.
Still deep in her own grief, and experiencing a second loved one dying of suicide, Maria fought hard to stay strong, positive, and grateful for OhioGuidestone’s support for her children, which she believes was lifesaving.
Maria is working on a degree in child psychology. She says every loss has taught her how to help others, and she is turning her pain into purpose. The downside is that with a demanding education schedule, Maria had to close Three Girls Cupcake Shoppe and stop making her cupcakes—with one exception.
Maria’s gratitude came in the form of cupcakes. Three Girls Cupcake Shoppe soon became one of OhioGuidestone’s most enthusiastic and popular supporters and partners.
The birthday cupcakes for the children in OhioGuidestone’s residential care will continue. Maria plans to make them at home, ensuring every child there has a chance to be celebrated.
Maria created one-of-a-kind cupcakes to celebrate OhioGuidestone events and milestones, even donating 50-percent of the proceeds to us. She also shared her story with local media crediting OhioGuidestone for her family’s recovery.
“It’s not really about the cupcakes,” she said. “It’s about creating that beautiful moment they remember forever because of something someone did for them.”
But her most meaningful, heartfelt contribution is the cupcakes she makes to celebrate every birthday and happy occasion for the children at OhioGuidestone’s residential campus.
A degree in Child Psychology will allow Maria to help children on a level that goes beyond birthdays and cupcakes. Her mission is to help them find the joy and healing she has found through OhioGuidestone.
“I would do anything for OhioGuidestone—I owe my OhioGuidestone.org
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INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS Diagnosing FASD—It Takes a Village Of the many behavioral health services and programs OhioGuidestone offers, none are as specific, unique, and acclaimed as our Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) clinic, known as DoubleARC. One of the country’s oldest FASD treatment centers, and one of only three in Ohio, parents and caregivers often travel long distances for their child’s assessment and treatment. Brianna Megyesi, Clinical Supervisor for DoubleARC says nothing in the process is simple or inexpensive. “Finalizing a FASD diagnosis is a lengthy process involving multiple steps,” she said, “most are not covered by insurance, including Medicaid.” Brianna said, “at our FASD clinic in Perrysburg, our diagnostic team includes neuropsychologists from University of Toledo Medical Center, occupational and speech therapists and a developmental pediatrician from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, who all volunteer their time.” Caregivers also complete their own assessments of their child’s behavioral and adaptive challenges. Then OhioGuidestone DoubleARC team members, including Brianna, FASD diagnostic administrator Terra Smith, and FASD interns, coordinate with the diagnostic team, caregivers, and the client, to send all the information collected to the developmental pediatrician who can then finalize a FASD diagnosis. Brianna said the diagnosis process costs about $2,600, more than many caregivers can afford, and why funding is so crucial to DoubleARC’s work. “Early diagnosis and intervention can make an enormous difference in the quality of life for our clients and their families,” she said. With a diagnosis of FASD, OhioGuidestone can open a floodgate of support for everyone involved in the client’s care, including school, medical, and other professionals, as well as the family.
Brushstrokes Bring Joy Students from the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) volunteered a Sunday and their artistic skills to add Holiday cheer to our residential campus in Berea. The young artists painted festive murals on the residential building windows to bring joy and delight to the many wonderful kiddos who live on our campus. The team painted Santa and his reindeer, elves and presents, snowmen and more! The designs bring a festive and joyous holiday atmosphere to the hallways and lunchroom! They knocked it out of the park!
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CareSource Funds Two New Cutting-Edge Programs
OhioGuidestone educates in series of powerful workshops
OhioGuidestone has partnered with CareSource to integrate two new cutting-edge programs into our care model, furthering our mission to place individuals at the forefront of personalized and effective treatment. Both programs focus on reducing depression, but within two distinct groups—new fathers and LGBTQ+ individuals. AFFIRM is an evidence-based eight-session program that provides culturally responsive care to reduce depression and improve coping and identity cognition for LGBTQ+ youth and adults. It’s offered through OhioGuidestone’s school services program, with sessions for adults provided in the community. The Yates Paternal Depression Screening Tool, developed by our own Institute of Family and Community Impact ®, identifies symptoms of paternal perinatal depression unique to men and often overlooked. The program integrates depression screenings for male fathers (biological and non-biological) into our maternal and early childhood programming. These programs further OhioGuidestone’s mission to expand access to whole person care and provide pathways to lasting well-being and would not be possible without the funding and partnership of CareSource.
Intern Scholars in Franklin County Two OhioGuidestone interns won scholarships from The Provider Leadership Association, an association of mental health and AOD service providers in Franklin County. Jackie Plunkett, a Graduate Student at Walden University; and Blessing Famule, a Graduate Student at Case Western Reserve University, each won honors for their work in behavioral health care. “Jackie and Blessing have both contributed so much to our agency, staff, and clients,” said Adam Peltier, Regional Director of Operations at OhioGuidestone. “These awards honor the hard work, dedication, and care they embody in their internship.”
OhioGuidestone has been diligently working to connect with clinical professionals, students, community leaders, and faculty members across Ohio. And one way we do this best is with our Certified Educational Unit (CEU) Workshops. We recently hosted a CEU Workshop on Trauma and Toxic Stress, part of a series of events hosted at universities and community centers. It’s a free workshop open to the community, university faculty, and students. The workshop delved into one of our top areas of expertise — the science behind trauma and toxic stress — providing an applied overview that not only educates but also empowers attendees to make a positive impact as they learn more about how to understand and approach these difficult topics. Discussions centered on reducing behavioral health stigma, a crucial step in fostering a more compassionate and understanding community. What made this workshop truly special was the collaborative approach. Attendees engaged in sessions aimed at developing strategies to raise awareness of behavioral health needs, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the behavioral health conversation. We strongly believe that by working together, we can create a more supportive environment for individuals, families, and communities.
Each year OhioGuidestone has nearly 100 interns from more than 55 schools and organizations.
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OhioGuidestone WHERE NEW PATHS BEGIN
Our Promise
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID CLEVELAND, OHIO PERMIT NO. XXXX
343 W Bagley Rd Berea, Ohio 44017-1370 844-6CALLOG (844.622.5564) OhioGuidestone.org
DATED MATERIAL
Seeds of Hope is a publication of OhioGuidestone
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 We heal the heart, soothe the soul, engage the spirit, and expand the mind.
EVENTS
and fundraising
OhioGuidestone turns 160 this year! OhioGuidestone is celebrating its rich history of 160 years of transformative impact! We began as an orphanage for nine children during the Civil War and have evolved into a pillar of support for mental well-being, providing services to over 26,000 individuals annually. As we commemorate this milestone, we honor our roots and reflect on the countless stories of hope, resilience, and compassion. With gratitude for the past and determination for the future, we continue our mission of empowering individuals to take steps towards a healthier future. Be on the lookout throughout the year for ways you can celebrate our 160th birthday with us! We invite you to join the celebration by making a donation today! Visit our website at https://ohioguidestone.org/donate/ and select OhioGuidestone’s 160th Birthday! in the drop-down menu. Your support not only helps us continue our mission but also adds a touch of joy to our birthday festivities.
Licenses and Certifications Ohio Department of Job and Family Services | Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Approved Health & Welfare Organization of the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church