VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation has purchased the building at 102 W. Main Street in Van Wert and plans to utilize the space as the agency's new Foster Care and Adoption Center.
The three story building will undergo several renovations in order to turn the main level into office and training space for The Marsh's growing foster care and adoption division. "As our agency continues to grow and serve more children, it became apparent that we needed additional space that was more accessible to the community," said Kim Mullins, executive director of Child and Family Services at The Marsh.
In recent months, The Marsh has been focused on recruiting more foster and adoptive families. The increase in efforts has brought several new families onboard. As a result, more training events are taking place, more treatment meetings are being held and more children are being placed in homes. "It is a great feeling to see our number of dedicated foster and adoptive families growing," said Melissa Gearhart, foster care and adoption supervisor. "This new office space will allow us to continue to grow and give us a convenient, accessible location to meet with prospective and current parents."
Formerly Next, the building will receive a facelift from Alexander & Bebout over the next several weeks. Contractors will work to create offices, training space as well as a conference room. A move-in date is planned for the first quarter of 2018 and an open house will be held for the public at that time.
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: The Marsh Foundation has purchased the building at 102 W. Main Street in Van Wert. Melissa Gearhart, foster care and adoption supervisor (L) and Kim Mullins, executive director of Child and Family Services at The Marsh, are pictured in front of the future home of the agency’s Foster Care and Adoption Center.
Governor Kasich Declares November Adoption Recognition and Recruitment Month in Ohio
VAN WERT, Ohio – National Adoption Month is an initiative to increase national awareness and bring attention to the need for permanent families for children and youth in the U.S. foster care system.
Each year, the initiative focuses its outreach and awareness-raising efforts around a new adoption-related theme. This year’s theme, “Teens Need Families, No Matter What,” highlights the importance of identifying well-prepared and committed families for the thousands of teenagers in foster care. Many of these young people are less likely to be adopted, often because of their age, and will too often age out of the system without a healthy, stable support system.
Having permanent family connections provides teenagers with the critical legal and emotional support that all young people need as they transition into adulthood and possibly continue their education, seek employment, start new relationships, and find their way.
Please see the attached proclamation from Governor Kasich declaring November 2017 ‘Adoption Recognition and Recruitment Month.’
National Adoption Month is an initiative sponsored by the Children's Bureau, in partnership with AdoptUSKids and Child Welfare Information Gateway. Each November, National Adoption Month brings awareness to the needs of children and youth waiting for a "forever family." This year the theme is building an effective local response system to support prospective families in the initial stages of considering a teen adoption—and the later stages of preparing for and adjusting to it—by offering support services at every step. Teenagers are often hard to place, but they are as much in need of permanency as younger children and risk exiting the foster care system without any legal or emotional ties. A young person bereft of any family ties lacks the foundational support and compass all youth need as they mature into adulthood.
There are many children, ages 0 -18, needing homes in Van Wert County and the surrounding areas. If you are interested in foster care or adoption, please call The Marsh Foundation at 419.238.1695 ext. 307 or visit www.marshfoundation.org/helpkids.
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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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 Thursday, Nov. 16 and can be picked up on Saturday, Dec.9 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Marsh Foundation Greenhouse
To order, complete an order form found online at www.marshfoundation.org, visit The Marsh’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MarshFoundation. Or, call Sherry Grone at 419.238.1695 ext. 270 for more information.
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: The Marsh Foundation youth are hosting their annual poinsettia sale. Orders are due November 16.
Print an order form HERE.
VAN WERT, Ohio – The foster care and adoption division at The Marsh Foundation continues to grow in order to meet the increasing number of children in care. Part of that growth is the hiring of a new consultant and licensing specialist, Breanna Zipfel, LSW.
Zipfel is a 2012 graduate of Tinora High School and a 2015 graduate of Defiance College where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in social work. She went on to become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW).
She brings with her a variety of experience from working with developmentally disabled individuals at Easy Living, domestic violence victims at the House of Ruth and mental health patients at Four County Family Center. Her position at The Marsh brings her back into the foster care system. She was an intern with a foster care agency during her senior year at Defiance College.
“I love being able to see foster families and the foster youth shape one another in positive ways,” she said. “I’m really happy to be back in the foster care setting,” she added.
In addition to consulting with current foster parents, Zipfel is tasked with conducting home studies and working toward licensing new foster and adoptive homes within The Marsh network. “I’ve really fallen in love with foster care,” she said.
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: The Marsh Foundation has hired Breanna Zipfel, LSW, in their foster care and adoption division as a consultant and licensing specialist.
VAN WERT, Ohio – The youth at The Marsh Foundation recently concluded their
summer equestrian program with a show for staff, trustees, families and guests. The program, which began in May, gave the youth opportunities to ride at least four times per week.
For the program, The Marsh leases horses from The University of Findlay and hires on-campus riding instructors, Stephanie Hall, Kathrine Singer, Abigail Neville and Alicia Rist. In addition to riding instruction, the youth also learn how to care for and demonstrate respect for the horses.
The program culminated with a horse show. Each youth had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills for the audience. Ribbons were given to the top placers in the various categories. All youth also received a participation gift from the instructors.
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: Youth participated in the annual horse show at The Marsh Foundation recently. They were able to showcase some of the skills they have learned this summer and compete for ribbons.
The Marsh Foundation was proud to be a sponsor of a recent collaborative training event in Mercer County. Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, who is well known for his clinical and basic neuroscience research. Dr. Perry’s clinical research and practice has focused on high-risk children. This work has examined the cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, and physiological effects of neglect and trauma in children, adolescents and adults. This work has been instrumental in describing how childhood experiences, including neglect and traumatic stress, change the biology of the brain - and, thereby, the health of the child.
According to Marsh’s clinical service’s supervisor, Annette Herrmann, LISW-S, the training was a great opportunity for Marsh staff to learn more about how the brain works and how events in the lives of children impact how they behave. In addition to sponsoring the event, The Marsh had several staff members in attendance. “He spoke about how life events affect the brain and how these things manifest into behaviors,” Herrmann said.
She said they took away more ways in which to work with the youth at The Marsh. “He shared tools that we can use to help kids with their coping skills, which is extremely helpful to us.”
Dr. Perry’s clinical research over the last ten years has been focused on integrating emerging principles of developmental neuroscience into clinical practice. This work has resulted in the development of innovative clinical practices and programs working with maltreated and traumatized children. These approaches to clinical problem solving have been integrated into the programs at dozens of large public and non-profit organizations serving at-risk children and their families.
In addition, his experience as a clinician and a researcher with traumatized children has led many community and governmental agencies to consult Dr. Perry following high-profile incidents involving traumatized children such as the Columbine school shootings, the September 11th terrorist attacks and the Sandy Hook Elementary school shootings.
“We were fortunate to have such an informative and educational opportunity so close to home,” she added. CEUs were also made available for Counseling, Social Work and Teaching. Other sponsors of the event included Mercer County Job and Family Services, the Tri County Mental Health Board, Mercer County D.D., Mercer County ESC, Kip and Mary Wright and Foundations.
Photo caption: Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, a well known clinician and researcher, recently presented to a group of local professionals regarding the effects of trauma on children and their brains. Dr. Perry’s experience has led him to be contacted for consultation following high-profile incidents involving traumatized children such as the Columbine school shootings, the September 11th terrorist attacks and the Sandy Hook Elementary school shootings.
Again this year, an egg hunt was the highlight of Easter weekend on The Marsh Foundation Campus. It was all made possible by the Shirley Haight family, who sponsored the festivities for the seventh 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.
This has become a tradition on campus that the youth thoroughly enjoy and the staff appreciates immensely. “The donations we receive from the Haight family make a dramatic impact on the kids we serve,” said Kim Mullins, executive director of Child & Family Services at The Marsh Foundation. “It has become an event that the entire campus looks forward to excitedly.”
The family’s generosity and creativity are always above par and this year was no different. In addition to decorated boxes containing gifts for each child, there were bags and fabric markers sent so that each child could decorate a bag and make it their own.
“They think of all the details and their generosity each year makes Easter an extra special holiday on our campus.”
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.
The Marsh Foundation School held its annual spring celebration on Wednesday, May 24. The day included piano recitals, a musical production of The Wizard of Oz, a graduation ceremony and a luncheon. Two students were honored for receiving their high school diplomas.
Many of the youth’s friends and families, as well as community members joined in the celebration. More than 40 students participated in the day’s festivities. Many received academic awards for their successes throughout the school year. Following the program in the auditorium, everyone in attendance enjoyed a luncheon in the cafeteria.
Photo caption: Marsh Foundation graduates Zoey and Caleb are pictured in their caps and gowns after receiving their diplomas.
Earlier this spring, the cultural diversity committee at The Marsh Foundation organized two guest panels during Women’s History Month. The focus was women in the workforce and featured females in traditionally male dominated fields.
The two panels featured professional women in our own community and included: Officer Brandi Dershem, Van Wert Police Department; Erin Patterson, Engineering Student; Beth Runnion, Retired School Principal; Judge Jill Leatherman, Van Wert Municipal Court; Eva Yarger, Van Wert County Prosecutor; and Cindy Hurless; Customer Services VP, Central Insurance Companies.
Staff had the opportunity to listen to the panel answer various questions regarding their experiences in the workplace and how their gender has played a part in their career paths. In addition to pre-written questions, audience members also had a chance to ask their own. The educational opportunity received positive feedback both from staff and panel members. Hurless, Central Insurance’s Vice President of Customer Services, thought that it was a worthwhile experience that gave her the chance to share her life path with others.
“It’s important for women to share their career path stories with others. Not just women but with men too. While we are similar – men and women have differences in approach and leadership styles that create solid and diverse workplaces. I think my daughters as well as my sons have benefitted from watching me pursue my professional passions,” Hurless said.
She went on to say that there is now more diversity and equality in the workplace. “I think we are raising a generation of women and men that respect their peers abilities and talents – regardless of gender,” she added.
Her favorite question of the day was ‘can women have it all?’ And, the panel’s answer was a resounding ‘no’!
“There are choices and priorities to contemplate and there are always trade-offs. Women spend too much time apologizing (in my opinion) for the choices we make,” she concluded.
The cultural diversity committee at The Marsh works hard to feature workshops throughout the year that focus on different populations each time.
One of the most meaningful things you can do in life to help a child is to become a foster parent. The Marsh Foundation celebrated Foster Care Appreciation Month throughout the month of May. The organization is consistently focused on recruiting additional families to help care for the many children in need.
To celebrate foster parents, and show our appreciation, each foster family was presented with a s’more supply kit as well as a restaurant gift card during May. The gift tag read, “We need s’more foster parents like you!”
The Marsh offers a continuum of care that includes a Foster Care Program. Last year, hundreds of 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 by a committed family.
If you have an interest in becoming a foster parent, please call 419.238.KIDS for more information. Inquiries can also be placed at www.marshfoundation.org/helpkids.
All foster parents receive extensive training. Certified foster parents are required to undergo continuing training to maintain their license.
Foster parents can be married couples or a single individual. Foster parents are substantially reimbursed for costs associated with caring for a foster child. Consultants are assigned to each foster family and are available 24 hours, seven days a week. Consultants help create the youth’s treatment plan, offer support and are available in crisis situations.