VAN WERT, Ohio – For the past several years, the youth at The Marsh Foundation have completed service projects during their spring break that revolve around the theme of serving others. This year, they continued their efforts.
Activities coordinator Sherry Grone coordinated the week’s projects. To start, a group of independent living aged youth prepared and served the meal Good Friday evening at the Van Wert Bread & Bowl at First United Methodist.
The Marsh girls spent time helping with the Van Wert City Easter Egg Hunt and a small group also volunteered at the Humane Society’s Animal Shelter, cleaning and socializing animals in need of extra care. During the week, they also took a trip to Ft. Wayne and worked at Miss Virginia’s Food Pantry, serving a record high 388 individuals.
One group of boys volunteered at the Lima Rescue Mission, serving dinner to homeless men and cleaning up after the meal. Another group went to Habitat for Humanity Restore in Lima and learned about how the organization builds homes and empowers people in need. The boys then helped to clean and organize the supply area in the store.
Service is a strong component of The Marsh program that works to instill a sense of stewardship in its youth.
George, Hilinda and Katie Marsh left a strong legacy by being compassionate and helping the less fortunate in the Van Wert community. Hilinda, especially, left behind writings that were very spiritual in nature. In her funeral memorial it was quoted, “Many were the days when she went about in her well-provisioned carriage, helping the sick and needy, in the very joy of her Master who went about doing good. In the church [she was] a humble and conscientious follower of the Christ; a leader for years in the Ladies’ Society of the church. Our sense of loss is deep; we shall ever hold her services in grateful remembrance.” The Marsh Foundation continues to build on and carry out that legacy and this is the inspiration behind these service projects.
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, foster care, an intensive treatment program 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 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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VAN WERT, Ohio – Again this year, an egg hunt was the highlight of Easter Sunday on The Marsh Foundation Campus. It was all made possible by the Shirley Haight family, who sponsored the festivities for the sixth straight year. Haight’s daughter, Cindy Henderson, went above and beyond again this year to make Easter even more special for youth currently residing at The Marsh Foundation.
In the 1940s, Shirley Haight came to live at The Marsh. Now, her daughters and grandson continue to give back to the campus at Easter time. The family provided eggs, baskets and gifts for all of the youth on campus. Although Haight passed away in 1988, her family has made a tradition out of donating. It was a memorable day and enjoyed tremendously by Marsh Foundation youth.
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, foster care, an intensive treatment program 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 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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VAN WERT, Ohio – For the fourth year in a row, Project Believe has helped to make Christmas a little brighter for youth at The Marsh Foundation. The organization, which originated in 2007, has grown from serving 10 kids at Christmas to more than 200 at seven facilities in two states.
Tammie Rafferty, the group’s founder, was inspired to help others by her own daughter’s circumstances. Their mission is to enrich the lives of youth and their caregivers in residential treatment centers. They provide gifts at Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter and back-to-school time at various facilities.
Christmas gifts include things like pajamas, blankets, books, board games, art sets and journals. Each group home also received a bag of items to share among the house and staff were treated to homemade cookies.
This year, two Marsh Foundation employees decided to attend the organization’s wrap party and help organize and wrap donated gifts. “It was a spur of the moment decision,” said Julie Hess, Senior Hall Program Manager. She and Naomi Robertson were in the area visiting another youth and decided it was a stop they should make. “We were so glad that we were able to attend and had a great time. It was awesome to be able to give back a little to an organization that has helped us and our kids so much,” Hess said.
You can learn more about Project Believe by visiting their website at www.projectbelive.net. Or, you can contact Rafferty directly at .
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, 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 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.
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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Photo caption: (L to R) Minda Springer, Project Believe board member is pictured with Kim Mullins, Marsh Foundation Executive Director of Child and Family Services in front of Clymer Hall’s Christmas gifts.
VAN WERT, Ohio – Youth at The Marsh Foundation are once again selling poinsettias for the holiday season. All proceeds from the sale will go to the campus’ Marsh Grown gardening program. The plants make beautiful decorations and/or holiday gifts.
There are three sizes available. The multi-bloom plants are available in 4.5 inches for $3.50, 6.5 inches for $8 and 8.5 inches for $15. The 4.5” plant is available in red, white or pink. The 6.5” and 8.5” plants are available in red, white, pink, burgundy, marble (pink and cream) or jingle bells (red with white speckles). All proceeds will go to the Marsh Grown program for The Marsh Foundation youth. Orders must be placed before Saturday, Nov. 14 and can be picked up on Saturday, Dec.5 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. during the greenhouse holiday open house.
To order, complete an order form found online at www.marshfoundation.org. Or, call Sherry Grone at 419.238.1695 ext. 270 to place your order.
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, 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 a total of 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.
CLICK THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD AN ORDER FORM!
VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation is holding a public open house this Sunday, Sept. 13 from 1 – 3 p.m. The beautiful historic campus will be open to the public for free tours. Giveaways and refreshments will be provided.
Individuals will be able to tour the group homes, historic Homestead, school building, greenhouse and more. There will be information provided about the services currently provided by The Marsh, as well as information about opportunities to get involved with the youth.
For more information, contact Dawn Berryman at 419.238.1695 ext. 233 or at .
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, 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 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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VAN WERT, Ohio – Once every five years, The Marsh Foundation celebrates its history and invites back the hundreds of alumni who once called the campus home. Recently, more than 400 past students, employees and their families visited The Marsh campus for a memorable weekend.
Established as an orphanage and children’s home in 1922, The Marsh Foundation programs have evolved over the past 90+ years. The Marsh continues to serve children who need a home but has expanded its services to include counseling and a more comprehensive treatment program.
These reunion events are reserved for former students and employees. A public open house will be held on campus on Sept. 13. More details will be announced soon.
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, foster care, an intensive treatment program 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 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. To see more photos from the weekend, click here.
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Photo captions: A group photo of alumni was taken on Saturday and again on Sunday.
VAN WERT, Ohio – Once every five years, The Marsh Foundation celebrates its history and invites back the hundreds of alumni who once called the campus home. This coming weekend, on August 1 and 2, The Marsh campus will once again host past students, employees and their families. More than 400 visitors are expected to attend this weekend.
“It’s important to The Marsh to continue the tradition of the alumni reunions,” said Kim Mullins, executive director at The Marsh. “Many alumni consider each other family and we’d like to help them maintain that connection if we can.”
The alumni and guests will enjoy meal and a campus-wide open house. Many enjoy touring the homes that they once lived or worked in to see how they’ve changed, or how they haven’t. Most importantly, it is a time for past students and employees to reconnect and spend time together.
Established as an orphanage and children’s home in 1922, The Marsh Foundation programs have evolved over the past 90+ years. The Marsh continues to serve children who need a home but has expanded its services to include counseling and a more comprehensive treatment program.
This weekend’s events are reserved for former students and employees. A public open house will be held on campus on Sept. 13. More details will be announced soon.
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, foster care, an intensive treatment program 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 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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VAN WERT, Ohio – CARF International recently announced that The Marsh Foundation has been reaccredited for a period of three years for its Case Management/Services Coordination: Mental Health (Children and Adolescents); Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health (Adults); and Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health (Children and Adolescents) programs. The latest accreditation is the fourth consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body has awarded to The Marsh Foundation.
This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable and accountable.
Some of The Marsh’s strengths, as noted by CARF, are:
- “The staff members of The Marsh Foundation demonstrate clear dedication and passion in providing quality services to the children and families served. All staff members go above and beyond to meet the needs of the organization and the persons served.”
- “The Marsh Foundation provides a safe environment to the persons served that is very welcoming, clean, and comfortable.”
- “Staff members consistently focus on empowerment, recovery, wellness, and healing in the lives of the persons served and their families. The persons served are treated with dignity and respect.”
CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. The mission of CARF is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966, CARF assists service providers in improving the quality of their services, demonstrating value, and meeting internationally recognized organizational and program standards. More information about CARF International can be found at www.carf.org.
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, foster care, an intensive treatment program 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 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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VAN WERT, Ohio – The youth of The Marsh Foundation had a new experience this year with the implementation of a Spring Formal. Thanks to the oversight of the director of residential services, Kathleen Davis, and a core committee of seniors led by principal Robbie Breese, the dream became a reality.
The spring formal was recently held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Van Wert. The evening featured music, a disk jockey, snacks and a promenade. “We wanted to give our kids the experience of attending a mainstream high school prom,” Davis said. “Thanks to some generous donations, and a lot of individuals stepping up to help, I think we were able to accomplish that.”
Fettig’s Flowers in Van Wert donated a portion of the cost for boutonnieres and corsages. Andy Gearhart, of Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, provided a limousine to transport youth to the dance. His daughters served as designated chauffeurs, opening the car doors for them to exit.
The theme for the evening was ‘Hollywood’ complete with decorations including their own red carpet and walk of fame. The chaperones dressed as paparazzi and spent the evening photographing the happenings. Van Wert High School graciously allowed The Marsh to use some of the prom decorations that they no longer needed.
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, foster care, an intensive treatment program 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 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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VAN WERT, Ohio – One of the most meaningful things you can do in life to help a child is to become a foster parent. Last week, The Marsh Foundation honored several families who’ve done just that. The annual Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner was graciously hosted by The First Church of God in Van Wert. May is Foster Care Appreciation Month.
A total of ten families were recognized for their dedication to The Marsh foster care team. Some were recognized for their first year of service, while others have been with the program for more than seven.
“Our foster parents are much appreciated for their hard work and the care that they provide every day for our children,” said Laura Beckett-Avery, foster care supervisor. “As our foster care division continues to grow, foster parents are badly needed to provide children in need with wonderful families.”
The Marsh Foundation in Van Wert offers a continuum of care that includes a Foster Care Program. Last year, more than 100 children were turned away from our program because of a lack of foster homes. The Marsh believes that all children have the right to love, protection and to be cared for a by a committed family. If you have an interest in becoming a foster parent, please call 419.238.KIDS for more information or visit www.marshfoundation.org/helpkids.
All foster parents go through extensive training before a child is placed and are required to undergo continuing training to maintain their license. Foster parents can be married couples or single individuals. Consultants are assigned to each foster parent and are available 24 hours, seven days a week. They help create the youth’s treatment plan, offer support and are available in crisis situations. Foster parents are substantially reimbursed for costs associated with caring for a foster child.
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, foster care, an intensive treatment program 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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