VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation has hired Brenna Hayes, LSW, to join the Foster Care and Adoption Division as a licensing specialist and consultant. Hayes is a recent graduate of Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in psychology.

Hayes brings with her a variety of experiences and goals for helping children and families. As a licensed social worker, she says that she has a heart for kids and wants to help meet the needs in foster care. “I am very family-oriented and what it comes down to is that I want to help. If I can help a youth find a home or be positive influence in their lives, I’m happy.”

Through her internship at Terra State Community College, Hayes worked with the Disability Services office and the counseling center. Among her accomplishments were starting the first support group on campus. “We mostly worked one-on-one with individuals, developing success plans, including goals and objectives, and coordinating services on and off campus services,” she said.

Hayes said that she has worked with youth and young adults with ‘exceptionalities’ in various settings. “For clarification, “exceptionalities” is a term that I have really enjoyed using in place of “disabilities.” I heard it once from a colleague and student and I think it is more empowering.”

There are several goals Hayes has set for herself in her new position; mostly, she said she wants to help. “I want to help families and youth have a supportive environment. In my new role, I hope to help train prospective foster parents and really make sure that youth coming into our environments and our families feel supported and connected. In the end, we’re here to make a difference, so I want to do just that, whether it’s something small or something bigger,” she concluded.

In her free time, Hayes loves to travel and cook and makes a great chicken parmesan. She credits her family for their continued support of her goals. “My family, parents and grandparents have always been very supportive in my endeavors and impacted my appreciation for family systems.”

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides services in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, family foster care (ages 0-17), an intensive treatment program, adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster care children and community members

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Photo caption: The Marsh Foundation has hired Brenna Hayes, LSW, to join the Foster Care and Adoption Division as a licensing specialist and consultant.

VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation School held its annual spring celebration on Wednesday, June 5. The day included a musical production of The Wizard of Oz, a graduation ceremony and luncheon for the students and their families. Four students earned and received their diplomas.

Many of the youth’s friends and families, as well as community members joined in on the celebration. More than 40 students participated in the day’s activities.

Many received academic awards for their successes throughout the school year. This year’s event was extra special because Ms. Suzie Hall was recognized for her retirement and 32 years in education; and the Bagley Auditorium was officially named in honor of past director Mr. Ron Bagley.

Marsh Foundation Principal, Robbie Breese, recognized and congratulated teacher, Ms. Suzie Hall, on her retirement.  Ms. Hall taught for 32 years, with 25 of those years being at The Marsh Foundation School. She will be greatly missed.  On behalf of The Marsh, Breese presented Hall with a plaque during the ceremony expressing gratitude for all she’s given to the students she’s taught.

This year, Marsh Foundation Historian, Ron Bagley, served as an honorary guest at the graduation ceremony and spoke to the students during the ceremony.  Mr. Bagley served The Marsh Foundation from 1962-1991 as a teacher, principal and director.  He spoke about some history of the Marsh Foundation, Hilinda Marsh’s resolutions to lead a better life, and challenged the Marsh students and graduates “to be the best that you can be.”

A surprise announcement was made at the 2018 Marsh Foundation Christmas party that the Administration Building’s auditorium was to be renamed Bagley Auditorium in Ron’s honor. It is now official and naming plaques have been hung.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides services in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, family foster care (ages 0-17), an intensive treatment program, adoption and independent living. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 36 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster care children and community members.

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Photo caption: Suzie Hall, center, is surrounded by Marsh Foundation School teachers and staff. She was recognized for 32 years in education and presented with a plaque recognizing her retirement at the recent graduation ceremony.

VAN WERT, Ohio – A key concept within the Family Teaching Model is called self-government, and it’s a way to help youths at The Marsh Foundation set certain rules and guidelines while holding themselves and their peers accountable.

It’s an inclusive process that promotes family cohesiveness, helps develop relationships and teaches responsibility, leadership and problem-solving skills.

One of the crucial components is the family conference and according to Emery Rogers, lead family teacher at Marsh Hall, it’s held three times a week.

“The purpose of the family conference is they (the youths) pick topics from the house, then self-govern,” Rogers explained. “It isn’t always the staff correcting behaviors or deciding what the rules are. What we find is kids are a little harsher than we would be.”

“What it does is help the kids invest in their own future. What we (family teachers) try to do is maintain the order of it, so if someone gets mad or gets out of hand, we back it up. We don’t solve the problem, except to ask how to handle it, then they come up with the solution.”

“Family conference is super important as it is the main vessel for youths to have more control over the everyday decisions that directly affect their daily life, Marsh Hall’s program manager, Ben Marsee said. “When done properly, the self-government process can be very effective. Youths learn to problem solve alone and in a group of their peers, and this knowledge transfers directly into the job market and provides them with skills they might not otherwise develop.”

A rotating manager is chosen on a weekly basis by peers to run the meeting, with notes taken by an assistant and during the meetings, youths have the opportunity to voice concerns and make suggestions.

“It is amazing to see a youth’s confidence grow as he becomes part of the managerial system,” Marsee said. “The youth then take that confidence with them to school and other parts of their life and are able to be more assertive and successful.”

At a recent family conference, one of the topics centered around changing the day of weekly elections of manager and assistant manager. After a group discussion, which included advantages and disadvantages of a change, the decision was made to keep weekly elections on Sundays.

“You’re not supposed to have dishes in your room,” one youth pointed out. “You’re not supposed to eat or drink in your room and it’s common sense those things attract bugs.”

“That’s exactly what the family conference is supposed to do, address how the house itself is run,” Rogers said. “If they understand the other kids don’t approve, they’re more apt to internalize it and change it.”

“It has a secondary effect to their cognitive skills,” Rogers continued. “What happens is most kids feel alone in the world, but when they have these meetings they understand they’re part of something and they begin to believe they’re part of something and part of a family.”

The use of regular family conferences and self-government also helps teach children at The Marsh Foundation the importance of listening, taking turns, giving and receiving constructive criticism, as well as group problem solving, lessons that are meant to be lifelong.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides services in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, family foster care (ages 0-17), an intensive treatment program, adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster care children and community members.

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VAN WERT, Ohio – Today, The Marsh Foundation Trustees and Directors broke ground in conjunction with Peterson Construction on a new fitness and dining facility. The new building will be connected to and located northwest of the Administration Building on their campus in Van Wert.

The 15,000-foot structure will house a gymnasium, locker rooms, restrooms, kitchen, dining area, staff offices and storage areas. Jeff Grothouse, executive secretary and treasurer, acknowledged the legacy of The Marsh family. “I believe it is appropriate to thank George, Hilinda and Katie Marsh for their vision of The Marsh Foundation in the early 1900s,” he said. “It is also appropriate to thank all past and present Trustees for their wisdom, guidance, service and stewardship to The Marsh Foundation.  Their foresight and fiscal planning made this project possible,” Grothouse continued.

Director of The Marsh School, Robbie Breese, noted that the new facility will help accomplish many Marsh Foundation goals. “This project will help us expand the services that we provide to our youth and create more flexible learning spaces to help meet their varying needs,” he said. Breese also noted the increase in handicap accessibility as well as better fitness opportunities for both youth and staff.

“The number of Ohio youth that are in need of services is consistently growing,” Breese said. “This addition to our campus will put us in a position to be able to serve more children and families in need.”

Perhaps most importantly, Fanning Howey Architecture has been able to design a structure that will not only have a modern interior but match the style and majesty of the existing buildings on campus on the exterior. “Maintaining the integrity of our historical campus was extremely important to all of us as we went through this process,” said Kim Mullins, executive director, Child and Family Services. “I believe the end result is something that The Marsh family and all of our alumni will be proud of.”

Construction is expected to last a minimum of 12 months with occupancy expected by early to mid-summer of 2020.  Future plans include renovation of the newly vacated space in the basement of the Administration Building into a fitness center with space for cardio equipment, weight lifting and aerobic exercise.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides services in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, family foster care (ages 0-17), an intensive treatment program, adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster care children and community members.

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Photo caption: Marsh Foundation Trustees and Directors break ground for the new fitness and dining facility; (l to r): Bob Gamble, Gary Clay, Robbie Breese, Kim Mullins, Jeff Grothouse and Gary Corcoran.

VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation Trustees and Directors have announced a groundbreaking ceremony to be held on Monday, May 6 at 1 p.m. The event will coincide with the start of construction of the new fitness and dining facility. The 15,000-foot structure will house a gymnasium, locker rooms, restrooms, kitchen, dining area, staff offices and storage areas.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony which will be held in the parking lot directly behind the Administration Building. Marsh Foundation leadership will be on hand as well as key project representatives from Peterson Construction and Fanning Howey Architecture.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides services in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, family foster care (ages 0-17), an intensive treatment program, adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster care children and community members.

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VAN WERT, Ohio – One year ago, The Marsh Foundation opened its Foster Care and Adoption Center on Main Street in downtown Van Wert. With the goal of being more accessible to the community, the new facility has been successful in helping The Marsh to achieve its main goal; helping more children and families.

Becoming more visible and accessible has helped The Marsh recruit additional foster families. “We have added eight more homes in Van Wert County alone,” said Melissa Snyder, foster care supervisor. That translates to helping 10 more kids each day than the foster care division was helping last year at this time.

According to Kim Mullins, executive director of Child and Family Services, agrees that the new location has been largely impactful on the foster care program at The Marsh. “This move downtown has given us new possibilities in serving foster children,” she said. “There is no greater gift to give a child than a family.”

Since opening one year ago, The Marsh has been able to give a home, and a family, to 90 children. “It is a great feeling to see our number of dedicated foster and adoptive families growing,” said Snyder. “We are thrilled about our expansion over the past year and look forward to even more future growth.”

The Foster Care and Adoption Center currently employs five full-time employees and is contains office space that is for used for trainings, meetings, family visits and more.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides services in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, family foster care (ages 0-17), an intensive treatment program, adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster care children and community members.

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Photo caption:

One year ago, The Marsh Foundation opened their Foster Care and Adoption Center on Main Street in downtown Van Wert.

VAN WERT, Ohio – Tim Slusher, owner of TAG Menswear in Van Wert, recently reached out to The Marsh Foundation about making a clothing donation. The men’s clothing presented to The Marsh includes sweaters, dress pants, dress shirts, jackets, t-shirts and more and is valued at more than $12,000.

To say that The Marsh is grateful is a massive understatement. The clothing will be used to help boys in Vance and Marsh Halls on The Marsh Campus. These two homes hold 20 boys together. They were very excited to be presented with some new items. “These are awesome! I feel like I can sleep in this jacket, it’s so comfortable,” said one boy.

Program manager at Vance Hall, MacKenzie Basil said that this donation benefits the youth by more than just providing them with clothing. “At times our kids come to us with nothing and this donation will provide them with quality clothes that they may never have had in the past. This will give them a sense of pride and self-confidence.”

The Marsh was proud to accept such a significant donation from a small business in our own community. Ben Marsee, program manager at Marsh Hall added, “I think it’s wonderful that many people in this community have noticed the important mission of The Marsh Foundation and find it worth donating to help continue that mission.”

Oftentimes, youth in care lack self-worth and pride. “This generous donation is not only a reflection of how our community cares for our kids, but a direct expression to our youth their value within the community,” said Megan Tuttle, director of residential services.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides services in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, family foster care (ages 0-17), an intensive treatment program, adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster care children and community members.

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Photo captions: Marsh Foundation representatives accept a sizeable clothing donation from TAG Menswear. Left to right: Christy Thees, Marsh Program Manager; Tim Slusher, TAG owner; MacKenzie Basil, Marsh Program Manager; Marcus Boatman, Marsh Consultant; and Megan Tuttle, Marsh Director of Residential Services.

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Boys at Marsh Hall excitedly go through some of the clothing items donated by TAG Menswear in Van Wert.

VAN WERT, Ohio – In an effort to raise awareness and funds to fight child abuse, The Marsh Foundation is teaming up with the Family and Children First Council of Van Wert County to host a ‘Run to End Child Abuse.’ All proceeds of this event will be donated to the Van Wert FCFC to help end child abuse in Van Wert County.

“We see the after effects of child abuse daily in the youth that we serve and are passionate about helping to put an end to abuse and neglect in our communities,” said Kim Mullins, executive director of Child and Family Services. “April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and we are hoping we can raise some awareness and help combat this serious issue.”

The event will feature a 5K walk/run as well as a one-mile fun run for kids. It will be held on Saturday, April 27 on The Marsh Foundation’s beautiful campus in Van Wert. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.; with the fun run beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K at 10 a.m. Registration will be held at the Recreation Hall on the northeast side of campus.

“The Marsh is excited to spearhead this event,” said foster care supervisor Melissa Snyder. “Child abuse is a serious issue in Van Wert and surrounding communities. We are honored to be able to help combat it in anyway that we can.”

For registration forms and information, see The Marsh website or Facebook page. Questions regarding the event can be directed toward Snyder at 419.238.1695 ext. 307.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides services in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, family foster care (ages 0-17), an intensive treatment program, adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 30 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster care children and community members.

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Photo caption: Pictured above is the design that will be featured on the T-shirts given to participants in the Run to End Child Abuse on Saturday, April 27.

VAN WERT, Ohio – Megan Tuttle, LISW-S, has joined The Marsh Foundation as the new director of residential services. No stranger to The Marsh, Tuttle first worked on campus as a family teacher, then program manager of Clymer Hall.

“We are thrilled to have Megan rejoin our staff at The Marsh Foundation” said Kim Mullins, executive director, Marsh Foundation Child and Family Services. “She brings with her great skill and a real knowledge about the children and families we serve.”

Tuttle holds a master’s degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University. For the past six years, she’s worked as a therapist at Westwood Behavioral Health. She’s also a certified trauma specialist. Tuttle said she is passionate about helping children and is glad to be returning to The Marsh.

“I look forward to living out the mission, to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families,” Tuttle said.  “Each piece of this mission is such an integral part into shaping these children and giving their hopes and dreams back to them.”

Tuttle said it is so rewarding for her to work with children and witness them improve their lives. “I love working with youth when they feel life cannot get better and they are just stuck, then you teach and care for them, then a light bulb comes on and they get that their life can be better, and they get to be a part of making it better.  This light bulb moment, this spark is such a special time and it’s a privilege to get to walk alongside a youth and experience this with them.”

It is Tuttle’s hope, she said, to contribute to the exceptional services The Marsh offers to the youth they serve. “It is one of my desires to continue to strive for excellence with every youth that we are able to serve,” she said.

Tuttle lives in Van Wert with her husband Matt and their two children.

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Photo caption: Megan Tuttle is the new director of residential services at The Marsh Foundation.

VAN WERT, Ohio – A surprise announcement was made at the 2018 Marsh Foundation Christmas party when the Administration Building’s auditorium was renamed Bagley Auditorium. The name change is in honor of past director, Ronald R. Bagley.

Bagley was born November 26, 1937. On July 1, 1962 he was employed at The Marsh Foundation at the age of 25 as a teacher. On June 23, 1972, he was named Director of The Marsh Foundation School where he served until his resignation on August 23, 1991. This capped 29 years of employment with The Marsh.

Bagley currently volunteers to serve as the official Marsh Historian and has starred in various videos and historical documentaries about The Marsh Foundation.

“I believe Ron has an incredible respect for Mrs. Hilinda Marsh and her Christian life and values,” said Jeff Grothouse, executive secretary/treasurer.  “Mr. Bagley has the undeniable and much deserved respect of the Marsh Alumni and students that were in his care.” So much appreciation that they presented Bagley with a plaque at the 2015 Marsh Alumni Reunion stating this.

There is no greater purpose in this life than to change the life of a child for the better. Bagley has lived his entire life for this purpose.

The Marsh Foundation recognizes both Ron and Linda Bagley for their service to mankind and to The Marsh Foundation.  On Thursday, November 29, 2018, The Trustees of The Marsh Foundation by unanimous vote – changed the name of The Marsh Auditorium to “Bagley Auditorium.” From this date forward, all correspondence, events, mailings will refer to The Marsh Foundation’s “Bagley Auditorium.”   The first event to be held in the new Bagley Auditorium was the winter program and graduation last week.

“I am humbled and honored to be the one selected to represent all of the dedicated and hard-working staff members at The Marsh Foundation Home and School,” Bagley said of the announcement.

Congratulations Ron and Linda, and thank you for your commitment and years of service to The Marsh!

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides services in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, family foster care (ages 0-17), an intensive treatment program, adoption and independent living. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization’s group homes are licensed for up to 36 children ages 7 – 17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster care children and community members.

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Photo caption: Mr. Ron Bagley, past director of The Marsh Foundation School, and his wife Linda were surprised to learn at the recent Marsh Christmas party that the auditorium in the Administration Building has been renamed Bagley Auditorium in honor of his lifelong service to the organization.