Marsh Foundation Undergoes Strategic Planning Process

VAN WERT, Ohio – In recent months, The Marsh Foundation has been undergoing an internal strategic planning process. After studying varying areas of need within the organization, four committees were developed to help strengthen and grow different Marsh Foundation programming and work systems.

The four committees are:

• aftercare/transition/independent living;
• communication;
• performance improvement/outcomes; and
• foster care.

According to Child & Family Services executive director Kim Mullins, the strategic planning process is critical to the success of the organization. “Each committee has worked extremely hard studying the needs and growth potential. They’ve created some very detailed and exciting initiatives and action steps,” she said. The committees developed specific initiatives based on internal and external feedback from consumers.

Each committee is made up of a combination of administration and front line staff. Employees not sitting on a committee have been surveyed for input and suggestions. The initiatives developed work to incorporate all departments and staff levels on campus. The overall goal is to work more effectively and serve children and families in the best, most caring way possible.

Initiatives address things like better communication between departments, recruitment of additional foster families, better utilizing statewide statistical data and extending support to youth who have aged out of or left The Marsh’s on-campus programming.

“The strategic planning process takes place every couple of years and it gives us an opportunity to take a step back and really look at the areas in which we’re doing well and the areas where there is room for improvement,” said Mullins. “It is great to have so many staff involved in the process, from brainstorming down to implementation.”

The committees are currently compiling all of their initiatives to be presented to The Marsh’s Board of Trustees. After approval, work will begin on specific initiatives and action steps later this spring.

Serving children and families since 1922, The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides behavioral treatment in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, treatment and family foster care, an intensive treatment program and independent living. 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 children and community members.

The mission of The Marsh Foundation is to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families. For more information about The Marsh, visit www.marshfoundation.org.

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