Fred Rogers, affectionately known as “Mister Rogers,” once said, “Anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me.”
Fred Rogers, affectionately known as “Mister Rogers,” once said, “Anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me.”
Under that definition, Geauga County has many heroes, particularly in the nonprofit organization called Hope for Kids Geauga, which helps childrenwho come from difficult home environments of abuse and neglect or who may be at risk.
“As a social worker for 30 years who has worked with many kids over the years, I know how important it is for kids who come from a difficult home life to feel as if they are like all the other kids,” said Hope for Kids President Stephanie Weemhoff. “Many of these kids are not able to have normal childhood experiences. These experiences on many levels are what might break the cycle of dysfunction and make a big difference in a child’s life.”
This group works to add those missing experiences.
Previously known as Friends of CASA, the organization — which renamed itself in January 2017 and expanded its mission — has 16 board members who meet every other month at Highway Auto Center, 8410 E. Washington St., Bainbridge Township.
Hope for Kids has donated more than $66,000 to help provide kids with normal childhood activities in an effort to enhance their lives.
“Geauga County is a great area in which to live, but there are families struggling with a variety of difficulties, which impact the lives of the children involved,” said board member Amy Shepard. “By raising funds to supplement the county agency resources used to help these families, my hope is that we may make a difference in as many of these children’s lives as possible.”
Financial contributions made to Hope for Kids Geauga fund activities that improve children’s self-esteem, self-confidence, academics and development.
The organization has paid for camps, tutoring, pay-to-play sports, haircuts, art classes and milestone events such as prom and school trips. These experiences promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of kids who have been identified as abused, neglected or at risk.
“For me, I was afforded a lot of great opportunities as a child and believe it’s important to help bring that type of normalcy to the at-risk children of Geauga County,” said James Althans Jr., a board member from Bainbridge Township.
Weemhoff said substance abuse and the heroin and opioid epidemic are affecting more parents, as well as mental health concerns and domestic violence. As a result, the board decided to expand its reach beyond just serving children involved in the court system.
She said Hope for Kids Geauga is not a court-based program and is not in any way taking the place of the Court Appointed Special Advocates program.
Hope for Kids Geauga currently has formal agreements with Geauga County Job and Family Services’ child protective services and special services, as well as the Geauga Family First Council to fund the needs of abused and neglected children or children identified as at-risk and served by Geauga County agencies.
“One thing that I think is important for people to understand is that all children who are abused, neglected or may be at risk are brought to the attention of job and family services or other Geauga agencies before they get involved with the court system,” Weemhoff said.“In reality, Hope for Kids Geauga has been able to make sure that every child who may need the support that is offered by the Hope for Kids funding, including those who are involved in the court system, has that chance.”
Weemhoff was involved with Friends of CASA and the CASA program from its inception, working with the late Geauga County Juvenile Court Judge Charles “Chip” Henry and a small board back in 1997. She remained on for a few years as its director.
Chip brought the CASA for KIDS program to the Geauga County Juvenile Court to recruit, train and support community advocates to represent the best interest of abused and neglected children in the court system.
Board member Michael Henry, nephew of Chip Henry, said he has always wanted to make a difference for children in need.
“Over 500 cases of abuse and neglect are reported to JFS each year and a high percentage of those cases are related to alcohol and drugs,” Michael said. “This cause was one that was extremely important to Judge Henry. He worked diligently to provide safe homes for abused and neglected children. He was responsible for bringing CASA program to Geauga County.The positive life experiences that we help provide to these children can make a life-long difference.”
Upcoming Fundraisers:
- Aug. 6 Golf for Kids at the Chagrin Valley Country Club. Goal is to raise $40,000. Anyone interested in playing or becoming a sponsor can visit Hopeforkidsgeauga.org and register by July 23.
- July 28, 5-8 p.m., Chagrin Valley Palooza’s Free Music in the Park event at River Road Park. Hope for Kids Geauga will be the featured charity
