VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters need volunteers to be a ‘Big’ for the Supper Club Program. There are several youth from The Marsh Foundation looking forward to spending some time with a special friend a couple of times a month from November until May. Without enough volunteers, some youth may not be able to participate in the program.
You could become that special friend for one of the youth! Last year, one participant said one of his best days was when he got his Big. You could help give another youth the same experience.
The program begins in November. The Supper Club Program consists of the ‘Bigs’ and ‘Littles’ get together on the first and third Thursdays of the month for supper and an activity. This year, the theme is “Experience Life”. Some of the things planned include a Christmas party and feast, all group birthday party, restaurant trips, service projects, making meals, match art project and a lot of other fun activities.
The volunteers also visit their ‘Little’ at the youth’s group home once a month on a weekend day of their choosing for a couple of hours.
To participate in this program or for more information, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 419.394.2990, 1.866.670.BBBS or e-mail: . You may also contact Sherry Grone, activities coordinator at The Marsh Foundation, at 419.605.2512 or .
It doesn’t take a lot to make a BIG difference in a life of a youth at The Marsh Foundation. Contact BBBS or The Marsh Foundation today to start something!
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, or their CARF accreditation, visit www.marshfoundation.org or call 419.238.1695.
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VAN WERT, Ohio – This fall, The Marsh Foundation is making a concerted effort to grow its Foster Care Program by recruiting more foster families. Throughout the state of Ohio, there are more than 22,000 children in the foster care system. Last year, The Marsh alone, turned away more than 100 kids because of a lack of placement options.
In an effort to serve more children, The Marsh Foundation has developed an advertising campaign to attract more families that can help care for these children. A video and television commercial are currently being viewed on area cable networks. The videos can also be viewed on The Marsh website at https://www.marshfoundation.org/about-us/video/.
In addition, billboards have been developed to draw attention to the fact that many children don’t have parents to help them make normal, lasting childhood memories. “Foster parenting is filled with opportunities to care for children who can greatly benefit from the love and support of a family. We are looking for people who can be good parents, not perfect parents, but good parents who are willing to share their home and family with a child in need,” said Kim Mullins, executive director of Child and Family Services at The Marsh.
If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities to foster, visit https://www.marshfoundation.org/helpkids. By visiting the website, you can learn more about the basic requirements and the many rewarding benefits to fostering. “If you know someone who is willing to consider sharing their home and family with a foster child, please encourage them to call or visit our web site. We would very much like to answer questions or chat with anyone interested,” said Mullins.
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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Photo caption: You may see The Marsh Foundation billboards in the tri-county area.
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, Katie Singer and Erin Calvelage. 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. Fun contests were also held such as seeing if they could trot while holding an egg on a spoon in one hand. Medals were given to the top placers in the various categories. All youth also received a participation gift from the instructors.
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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Photo caption: A Marsh Hall youth carefully balances an egg while guiding his horse.
VAN WERT, Ohio – The number of children in Ohio that are in need of foster families is extraordinary. And, one of the most meaningful things you can do in life to help a child is to become a foster parent. However, it is a decision that requires a large commitment.
That is why The Marsh Foundation established a speaker’s bureau. Those experienced in the foster care system, and those that have been foster parents themselves, would like to speak to you or your group about the rewarding commitment you can make to help children.
The Marsh Foundation offers family foster care for youth throughout the state of Ohio. Foster families receive several hours of training, 24/7 consultation and substantial reimbursement. You, or someone you know, may make an excellent foster parent and this is an opportunity to learn more about the process.
The Marsh Foundation speaker’s bureau is available to speak to community groups, church groups, Sunday school classes, etc. There is no group too big, or too small. If you are interested, please call 419.238.1695 ext. 233 to schedule a presentation. There is no charge for this service.
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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VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation School held its annual spring celebration on Wednesday, May 22. The day included piano recitals, a musical production of The Wizard of Oz, an awards program and a luncheon. In addition, a total of six 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 30 students were honored for their accomplishments throughout the school year. Following the festivities in the auditorium, everyone in attendance enjoyed a luncheon in the cafeteria.
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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Photo caption:
A youth is congratulated by Marsh Foundation Trustee Bob Gamble after receiving his academic awards.
VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation ‘Marsh Grown’ garden program will be holding their annual spring plant sale on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in The Marsh Foundation greenhouse. All proceeds will go to the campus youth garden program. The historic Marsh Homestead will also be open for public tours at noon, 1 and 2 p.m.
For sale will be:
- hanging petunia baskets;
- one quart size annuals;
- tomato plants; and
- various succulent and house plants.
The Marsh Grown youth garden program is dedicated to helping young people develop a sense of land stewardship and learn the importance of healthy food. Participants are taught valuable gardening skills throughout the season. In addition, the program serves as a catalyst for youth to develop important job skills for future employment. Throughout the summer, the garden crew grows vegetables and sells them at the farmer’s market for income.
Participants in Marsh Grown garden crew are youth who are a part of The Marsh Foundation’s Independent Living Group. They are all 15 ½ years of age or older and are working on skills that will help them be successful as adults. The garden program is an opportunity for them to interact with peers and adults, develop quality job skills and learn how to grow healthy food.
Ron Bagley, former Marsh Director and current Marsh Foundation Historian, will be giving public tours of the Marsh Family Homestead. Tours are open to anyone interested in learning more about the history of The Marsh Foundation and seeing the home where George, Hilinda and Katie lived. Tours are free and will be provided on a first come, first served basis. They will last approximately 30 minutes. The home itself was completed in 1865 and has been a visual icon in Van Wert ever since. The interior has been preserved to look much like it did when the Marsh family occupied it in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
For more information, please contact activities coordinator, Sherry Grone at 419.238.1695 ext. 270 or via e-mail 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, 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 care children and community members.
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VAN WERT, Ohio – Since the December shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, people across the nation have been sending donations and doing kind deeds in honor of those killed. On a national level, NBC has been specifically promoting doing 26 acts of kindness in honor of the 26 victims.
When discussing the tragedy with activities coordinator Sherry Grone, the youth at The Marsh Foundation felt like this was something they could do to make a small difference. So, from February through May, the youth will complete a total of 26 acts of kindness on campus and in the community.
“The youth on campus have been challenged to do two or three service projects each month,” said Grone. “The kids have been very energetic and hopefully the projects are working to instill a sense of compassion and empathy.”
There are three group homes on campus and each has worked together to choose monthly projects. Already, the youth have made a pie for the maintenance staff and delivered cookies to administrative staff. By the end of the school year, next month, all 26 acts will be complete.
The girls at Clymer Hall have adopted a soldier and are sending him letters until he returns home from overseas. They also spent time at Wal-Mart gathering and cleaning up shopping carts in the parking lot. One weekend, some boys on campus made and entire meal and took it to the firemen at the Van Wert Fire Department.
“I’m really proud of the projects they’ve chosen and the way that they are making a positive impact in our community,” Grone added.
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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VAN WERT, Ohio – Employees at The Marsh Foundation recently concluded a 14-week weight loss competition on campus. More than 205 pounds were lost by 14 participating staff members.
Each year, The Marsh Foundation staff undergo a health assessment provided by the organization’s insurance carrier. The informational assessment provides statistics about employee weight, cholesterol, sugar and other health risks. As with most segments of society, being overweight is a common problem.
In an effort to encourage healthier, more active lifestyles, staff and trustees developed a weight loss competition to be held on campus for employees. The program began in January and included weekly weigh-ins for participants. All staff were invited to participate and those who did were charged an entry fee and small fees if they gained weight at the weekly weigh-ins. Money collected was matched by The Marsh Trustees as an incentive.
Two monetary prizes were given to the top participants. Katrina Rupert won first place for losing 16 percent of her body weight. Joy Gordon won second place for her loss of 15.22 percent. Rupert won 70 percent of the money collected and Gordon won the other 30 percent.
Losing weight can be very difficult, especially when you’re doing it alone. This program provided a challenge including friendly competition but also accountability and motivation by reward. The program was celebrated by participants with a lunch at the Willow Bend Country Club.
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 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.
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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 the homeless and the hungry. This year they did the same.
Three groups visited the Lima Rescue Mission and the West Ohio Food Bank for tours and to help out. Youth packed nearly 200 boxes of food for area seniors. Two other groups served two separate meals at the Lima Rescue Mission to more than 70 men.
Activities coordinator Sherry Grone tied these projects with lessons and discussions about the statistics surrounding homelessness and hunger. In addition, some smaller service projects were completed like stuffing eggs for the Van Wert Parks Department Easter egg hunt and serving the weekly bread and bowl meal at the First United Methodist Church in Van Wert.
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, 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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Photo caption: Marsh Foundation youth and staff pack senior food boxes at the West Ohio Food Bank.
VAN WERT, Ohio – Over the Easter weekend, a family now living in Charlotte, NC returned to Van Wert to give back to an organization that helped their own family many years ago. In the 1940s Shirley Haight came to live at The Marsh. For the third straight year, her daughters and grandson returned to campus to give back.
Cindy and Ian Henderson, Lori Linser and Cathy and Don Anderson were all at The Marsh Foundation on Easter Sunday to enjoy a meal and provide Easter baskets and an egg hunt for the youth.
Although Haight passed away in 1988, Henderson never forgot how much The Marsh had meant to her. The generosity started three years ago as Ian’s spring service project for school. This year, he is a senior but the family insists they will be back again next year. “We get so much more out of this than you all do,” shared Cindy Henderson.
In addition to the meal and hiding Easter eggs, the family also enjoyed a tour of Clymer Hall while they were on campus. Clymer is where Haight lived when she was here in the 40s.
It was a memorable day and enjoyed tremendously by Marsh Foundation youth. In years past, the family’s visit has been on Saturday. This year, they were able to be on campus on Easter Sunday and enjoy the holiday meal and fellowship with all the youth on campus. “What a blessing it was to be able to spend Easter Sunday with all of you,” Cindy Henderson said.
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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Photo captions
- Ian Henderson and his aunt, Lori Linser, read handmade thank you cards given to them by Marsh Foundation youth.
- A youth opens the eggs she found during the hunt.