Before residents have the courage or ability to speak their trauma stories, art gives them a way to communicate safely.
Art connects and communicates
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Smooth transitions
Transitioning to new routines can be stressful for kids (and for parents). For kids from hard places, it’s especially important to establish routines and consistent transitions that not only accomplish the goal of getting to school successfully but promoting security while doing it.
Being the hands, feet and heart of Jesus
We have the best staff. Kind, selfless, encouraging, compassionate—all for the sake of life change for kids from hard places. Those qualities are making a difference on our Wooster campus. Here’s what one of our residential team members, Cindy Lechner, recently shared on her social media page.
Golfing for kids
Thank you for being a part of the 26th Annual Caring4Kids Golf Classic which helps bring healing to children overcoming trauma as they discover their incredible worth! As with most things this year, we have made some adjustments to the golf event to maintain the safety and well-being of all who participate.
Shining stars in the classroom
In today’s blog, CCHO Elementary Teacher Samantha Ponting shares about two shining stars in the classroom who made incredible strides in reading this past year. Let’s celebrate the hard work of students and staff and commit to making it a great year for learning for all of our kids.
Residential staff FAQ
It’s an exciting time to join our residential team. With the increase in applications and conversations around working at CCHO, here are some FAQs answered by our human resources team to help you get to know our program and organizational culture.
Learning to trust
Today we celebrate a special seven-year-old girl who learned to trust again after years of brokenness and abuse. She learned at CCHO that she is worthy of love and is worthy of being taken care of.
Dignity and respect
We love hearing from former residents. Sometimes we receive an email, other times a phone call. God has a special way of surprising us with their stories.
Summer joy!
Our residential program team loves investing in the lives of children all year round, but summer show off hours of planning and preparation in previous months.
Cottage reopens for tween girls
We are excited to share the news that our children’s residential center is expanding. Cottage two will be opening this fall as a place of safety, respite and treatment to tween girls who have experienced abuse and trauma. Learn more about the reopening of this space and join us in anticipation of hope and healing for hurting kids.
A new summer tradition
Summer is filled with special moments. Longer days and more time outside of the classroom offer opportunities for special events and unique connections. Today’s blog post comes from CCHO Advancement Coordinator Jenny Myers. She’s always had a soft spot for in her heart for children who’ve come from abuse and neglect. Here is her story.
Child and family integration plan for long-term success
CCHO is filling the gap in services between a child’s stay on campus and their step-down placement to a foster, adopted or biological family. Preparing the resident for the family and the family for the resident is important for long-term success. Here’s our plan.
Trauma therapy goes outdoors
The summer months are a great time for our art and trauma therapy program to try different ventures with our youth. The warmer weather gives participants the opportunity to explore outdoor art activities and gardening projects.
A salute to Sons of God Motorcycle Club
For the past several years, summer at CCHO also means a visit from the Sons of God Motorcycle Club. Because of COVID-19, the difficult decision was made to keep everyone safe by not gathering this year. This blog post is a salute to their amazing volunteer work.
Experience your potential
Our children’s residential center is expanding, and we’d love for you to consider a career in youth ministry at CCHO. In today’s blog post, one of our executive team members shares his vocational journey.
Teen boys love summer
Our teen boys cottage has strong feelings about summertime. Here’s what they love and look forward to.
Celebrate summer
We’re starting a fun new series on the CCHO blog to celebrate summer even though this year looks a little different for all of us. We invite you to check in throughout July to read fun stories and smile.
Workplace culture and growth
Kevin Hewitt, CCHO President and CEO was recently asked to be a part of the Best Christian Workplace Institute’s (BCWI) podcast: The Flourishing Culture. If you would like to know more about our workplace culture at CCHO and how God is working through each employee and board member to fulfill our purpose, we invite you to listen in.
Music reaches youth in the midst of their hurt
We are pleased to share about our new music therapy program within our children’s residential center. Here’s insight into the nature of music therapy and its ability to reach kids in the midst of their pain and trauma.
Let’s be social
We love connecting with you and sharing our heart. We desire to help more people experience their worth in Christ and that includes you!
Cultural competency
The unique cultures and experiences of our residents are an important part of who they are and how we serve them. Our hope is to help them experience their worth in Christ through relationships and services.
We lament
We lament when individuals are not treated in the way that Christ created them and loved them. This includes lamenting the lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.
More than a suitcase
Children often arrive on our residential campus with their few belongings in plastic bags. Many times, these kids have left their prior home situation in crisis mode. Here’s one opportunity to show them that they matter.
Grill season is here
Plans for our 8th Annual Great Grill Off virtual event and online auction are coming together. Learn who the 2020 grill teams are and make plans to join us.
A strong academic year
The 2019-2020 school year is coming to a close across our country in a very different way than it started. Our hearts go out to students, parents and staff who have made major adjustments in their education format. Here’s an updated on our first year education partnership with Norwayne Local School District
Compost available
Visits to the big red barn in the center of campus give hurting individuals an interactive experience with a horse they have specifically chosen. Equine therapy builds a bond between a child and a horse with the support of a licensed clinician. God uses their time together for amazing life change.
As we collectively persevere
Rebecca Ryder, MA, NCC, LPCC-S, Encompass Assistant Regional Program Director, shares her thoughts on mental health and persevering during this challenging time.
National Foster Care Month
National Foster Care Month is a great time for us to celebrate Encourage Foster Care families and all that they do to help kids heal from neglect, abuse and trauma. We invite you to visit the Encourage blog where we’ve started a new series called “Blessings Found in Fostering” to share what they are learning and the sweet God moments along the way.
Art benefits mental health
As we continue in Mental Health Awareness Month, we turn our focus to art therapy as a resource for helping individuals process emotion and trauma.
Summer event update
CCHO and our family of ministries continue to monitor health regulations with regard to COVID-19. We will follow these guidelines closely for the safety of our clients, staff, volunteers and guests. This will affect our summer event calendar.
Insight into youth mental health
Mental Health Month is a time to raise awareness for the challenges faced by our residents and their families. It’s a time to acknowledge their pain and show support for their wellbeing. Emily Frazier, LISW-S, Clinical Director of our Children’s Residential Center, gives us insight into youth mental health and how we can surround young lives with the best treatment.
“I would love for you to pray for my next stage in my life”
The kids on our campus have already had their lives disrupted by the abuse and neglect they have experienced. Now, their routines have been altered even more by this health crisis. Would you pray for these specific requests shared by our young residents?
Pray that “my dad…will be nice and not call me names”
The kids on our campus have already had their lives disrupted by the abuse and neglect they have experienced. Now, their routines have been altered even more by this health crisis. Would you pray for these specific requests shared by our young residents?
We miss you
Here’s a message from Campus Pastor Tim Hartzler to our volunteer family while wait for better days ahead.
“Please pray…I will go back home”
The kids on our campus have already had their lives disrupted by the abuse and neglect they have experienced. Now, their routines have been altered even more by this health crisis. Would you pray for these specific requests shared by our young residents?
“Pray for my family to get better”
The kids on our campus have already had their lives disrupted by the abuse and neglect they have experienced. Now, their routines have been altered even more by this health crisis. Would you pray for these specific requests shared by our young residents?
How you can help today
In the midst of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, we remain committed to helping the children in our residential program experience their worth in Christ. However, we continue to make difficult financial decisions to keep our young residents and staff as safe as possible.
You are not alone
As we continue in this challenging time, we are incredibly grateful for your prayers and support. We want to be a resource of hope and encouragement to you as well. The changes brought on because of the health crisis will affect each of us differently. You are navigating uncharted territory. But you are not alone.
Protect your family
While it is our ministry to help hurting kids, we equally believe that child abuse and neglect is preventable. As we continue in Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, Emily Frazier, LISW-S, Clinical Director of our Children’s Residential Center shares what individuals and families need to be healthy and safe.
Counseling Awareness Month
CCHO and our family of ministries is filled with licensed professional counselors who help children and adults achieve their goals through empathy, insight and faith. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of our agency’s counselors throughout the year and acknowledge them especially this month in observance of Counseling Awareness Month.
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month
The month of April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month here in Ohio. Making sure kids are safe is the reason Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO) exists. We asked Emily Frazier, LISW-S, Clinical Director of our Children’s Residential Center a few questions to help you better understand the affects of abuse, what CCHO does to help them heal and how you can be eyes and ears for children in your community.
Keeping CCHO safe
Our organization is working hard to protect our staff and clients, following CDC guidelines, implementing safety protocols and distributing tools. Like many, we have a limited supply of personal protective equipment. And we turn to you, our friends and supporters, to use your crafting abilities to help us keep CCHO as safe as possible.
Changing routines due to COVID-19
As mental and behavioral health providers, our operations remain open, and we are focused more than ever on helping people experience their worth in Christ. As you can imagine, this is an anxious time for kids. Here’s what’s happening in our children’s residential center as routines are changing due to the restrictions of COVID-19.
A letter of encouragement
Dear church partners, I would like to start right away with my desired purpose for this letter. In the midst of one of the most uncertain times in our lives, I want to instill hope, calm, and peace in each of you, our cherished church partners. I wish I could sit down with each of you, and allay your concerns and fears. But in reality, I can’t instill those qualities. I can only model and point to the One Who instills those qualities in me, Jesus Christ.
Frontline workers caring for others
As Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO) and our family of ministries remain open during this uncharted time, our staff are among the frontline workers caring for others.
Heart for the Home Cancelled
In response to the latest updates on the Coronavirus, as well as recommendations made by federal and state officials, we have decided to cancel the Heart for the Home event previously scheduled for this Saturday, March 14. As much as we desire to celebrate all that God is doing here at CCHO and our family of ministries with you and other faithful supporters this weekend, we also desire to be good neighbors and responsible citizens.
Certified Best Christian Workplace 2020
Celebrate with us! For the fourth straight year, CCHO and our family of ministries is once again a Best Christian Workplace, Certified for 2020!
Your bid helps kids overcome trauma
Our Heart for the Home celebration begins with a fun silent auction with more than 50 bundles on which to bid! Auction proceeds help kids receive treatment in a safe place so they can overcome the negative effects of trauma. Many local businesses who care about kids and families have donated items for your bidding pleasure. We are grateful for their support.
Worship and celebration
Heart for the Home 2020 is coming next month! Worship is a special part of our annual celebration and benefit. We look forward to gathering together on Saturday, March 14 to acknowledge the greatness and goodness of our God. He loves us fiercely and guides our ministry. He is worthy of all our praise.
Resident on the rise
James from our teen boys cottage is one heart on the rise. He will soon graduate from our program and move on to independent living. When asked what he will take away from CCHO and what he liked about the program, here’s what James replied.
I ❤ CCHO
Let’s have a little fun to celebrate the heart of our God and His mighty ability to change lives. If you see our logo heart, or another heart shape as you are out and about at work, home, school or play, take a photo and upload it to social media and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a CCHO heart logo mug and a coffee gift card to fill it up.
Parenting from the heart
Encompass Christian Counseling, a ministry of CCHO, is hosting a four-week parenting series called Parenting from the Heart with a focus on topics relevant to raising today’s kids. We hope you’ll join us!
Shower of blessing
Today we’re celebrating the kindness and generosity of the women’s ministry at First Christian Church in Canton.
Volunteer in our family of ministries
What would it look like for you to personally and tangibly help more people experience their worth in Christ in 2020? We’d love to have you become a volunteer in our family of ministries. Our kids would love to get to know you too.
More than making Christmas wishes come true
Through the Christmas Wish List, you are helping young lives feel heard, seen and valued. You are giving them a positive memory
and helping them experience their worth in Christ.
Heart winner
Instead of winning ribbons, Carbon now wins over the hearts of any person that he interacts with.
Saying thanks and praying for more
We ask, Lord, that Your presence always graces us, that our words and actions reflect Your heart for people. We ask that You give us eyes to see the hurting and the broken, to see people as You do. May You give us the opportunity to reach even more people for You in the coming decades.
Generations of life-changing ministry (Story 50 of 50)
Karon first stepped foot on CCHO’s Wooster campus in November of 1981 when her parents, Tim and Pat McKelley, were hired as house parents in Cottage 2. This year, Karon celebrated her 25th work anniversary. What a way to wrap up our story series!
There from the start (Story 49 of 50)
I continue to be involved with CCHO in volunteer capacities. I co-chair the mission team at Orrville Christian Church, which is supporting church of CCHO. CCHO will always have a special place in my heart.
TBT: 50 photos from 50 years (Story 48 of 50)
As we prepared to celebrate our 50th anniversary here at CCHO and our family of ministries, we started poring through old photo albums filled with rich, wonderful history. As this 50th year winds down, please enjoy 50 photos from our five decades of ministry.
End-of-year giving tips
End-of-year gifts help even more kids and families experience their worth in Christ. Your donations create environments for individuals to feel safe and receive help to make positive changes in their lives. To make your gift count towards tax-year 2019, here are some tips to keep in mind.
The hope of Esperanza de Ana (Story 47 of 50)
Today, we invite you to learn more about Esperanza de Ana, an affiliated ministry based in western South America, in story #47 of our 50 Stories for 50 Years of Ministry series.
New path and new heart
Emily’s heading down a new path that’s healthy and filled with hope. Her emotional wellbeing looks much different than when she arrived on the CCHO campus in May. Her heart has been transformed because of Jesus, because of safety and mental health treatment, because of your support.
Christmas wishes come true (Story 46 of 50)
The youth in our residential center may not wake up in their own homes with their own families on Christmas morning, but because of kind and loyal supporters, they do wake up to an astonishing example of love.
The hope of home this Christmas
This year, we wanted to share a sweet Christmas picture from a resident in our young boys cottage. Ryan’s drawing shows the hope of home this holiday season.
Loving in the in between (Story 45 of 50)
Amidst the heartache of grief and loss in the foster care system, our staff at Encourage has had the opportunity to witness the joy of adoption with many families throughout the last year. In fact, 12 children will finalize adoptions this year.
Thank you from Katie (Story 44 of 50)
Katie needed to feel safe. She needed to feel loved. Thanks to donors like you, Katie found the support, therapy and love she needed at CCHO. She was baptized during her time at CCHO, and today she lives with a new foster family. Katie wanted to say “thank you” for all you’ve done for her!
All-star players awarded for trustworthiness
The countdown to the big game has begun. The annual Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is fierce. It’s an exciting time for players and fans. We don’t have a formal football team on our residential campus so you won’t see a young teen run the ball for a 50-yard touchdown. Quarterback sacks will be limited to video-game time earned through positive behavior.
Challenging and rewarding (Story 43 of 50)
I was told that this was a place where I would feel loved not just by the staff, but by God. Individual therapy sessions, group therapy, wish circles, rules to be followed (and broken at times), boundaries to be aware of, sharing a cottage with eight teenagers. Some days — many days — it was more than I could handle.
Life is cool in the pool
CCHO has had a swimming pool on our campus for 23 years. In addition to traditional therapeutic treatment, physical recreation is an essential part of our residential center. After two decades of use and weather impact, the concrete pad surrounding the pool began showing several cracked areas. For safety reasons, this project needed our attention.
Tools for today, hope for tomorrow (Story 42 of 50)
In story #42 of our 50 Stories for 50 Years of Ministry series, Kristina Fryson (MSW, LSW, CTT) shows the powerful difference that effective trauma treatment can make in someone’s life.
Barn princess
Each horse at One Heart Stables brings a unique personality to their role in equine therapy as they serve the children in our residential program as well as adults and children in the general public through Encompass Christian Counseling.
Friendly rivalry and connection builder
On October 30, our children’s residential center (CRC) held its fourth annual fall decorating contest. The cottage competition has grown beyond mere decorations to entire themed productions complete with costumes, performances and edible treats.
The unexpected story God writes (Story 41 of 50)
Not every season and every case are created equal, but if given the opportunity to build a bridge with bio families, I encourage you to take the first step. It has drawn a map straight to our hearts about forgiveness, redemption and purpose in the pain.
Celebrating our amazing volunteers
On October 17, 2019, Christian Children’s Home of Ohio hosted our first volunteer appreciation reception. It was a great time of fellowship, fun and reflection where CCHO recognized the hard work, dedication and love of our amazing volunteers.
He’d been there all along (Story 40 of 50)
I entered foster care at age four. By the time I was 15, I already had 13 homes including a failed adoption under my belt. Bouncing from home to home, I was subjected to physical and sexual abuse by several abusers. When I was 15, I finally found the courage to tell someone, and doing so unleashed a massive amount of fear and trauma that I’d been holding in for years.
A loyal friend
One Heart Stables is home to a select group of horses that offer clients struggling with depression, low self-esteem or anxiety the opportunity to engage in authentic connection.
Planting, watering, growing and blooming (Story 39 of 50)
CCHO has been a part of my life for at least 20 years. During that time, God has filled this relationship with a combination of wonder, trial, excitement and purpose.
The transformative path (Story 38 of 50)
Since leaving CCHO, I graduated high school and then served four years in the Marines. I started a family and transitioned into a new career. I became an electrician, but I didn’t stop there.
Compelled by extravagant love (Story 37 of 50)
The man against whom this girl testified and had to face had gone free. Naturally, this invoked some pretty intense behaviors such as self-harm and running away, but guess who was there with her walking down the road, asking to stay with her and showing her unconditional love all the same. Rebekah!
Help open Ryan’s eyes to a hopeful future
Let me tell you more about Ryan and how you can help him to see his life as a gift from his loving Creator.
The Ziegler Family (Story 36 of 50)
James 1:27 calls God’s people to meet the needs of children living as orphans. Brian and Julie Ziegler answered that call by joining the Encourage Foster Care network. Learn more about their story and how Encourage equips them with the support and resources they need as foster and adoptive parents.
Blessings from Meadow View (Story 35 of 50)
As a first-time VBS director this year for Meadow View Church of Christ, I was asked to choose a mission to support with our VBS donations. My associate minister suggested that I look into CCHO as a choice and was told our church may also be planning a mission trip there at the end of the summer.
Grateful for a great staff (Story 34 of 50)
How do you show appreciation to staff who consistently fight for the highest good of others? Who walk alongside those in pain, laughing with some, groaning with others, but connecting through it all? Who help others experience their worth in Christ? These are difficult questions to answer because it is impossible to accurately depict how much we – how much I – appreciate our staff.
There’s more to life than surviving (Story 33 of 50)
As an intensive trauma therapist in the Thrive Trauma Recovery program at Encompass Christian Counseling, it’s standard to work with clients for a week or two and then wish them well on their recovery journey as they return to ongoing mental health services. Although all clients have a special story and are memorable, some clients’ stories stick with you long after their treatment in the program has ended.
VBS programs win MVP award (Story 32 of 50)
We are so grateful for the collection of caring churches that have supported CCHO and our family of ministries over the past five decades. Without the fundraising dollars they’ve contributed, the hours upon hours of volunteer help they’ve provided, the steady stream of prayers they’ve lifted on our behalf, and all the other ways they have been involved, there would be countless children, adults and families who were never given an opportunity to find hope and healing on the other side of their pain.
Small and mighty
Caramel is the smallest therapy horse in the barn. He is often described as “small but mighty” because he is brave, energetic, and enjoys going for long trail rides.
Proud to be a BBB accredited charity
CCHO and our family of ministries have recently achieved Charity Accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This significant achievement affirms that we are committed to integrity and best practices as a nonprofit organization.
Back to school
It’s back-to-school time! We’re looking forward to kicking off the new school year for the youth in our residential center. In the early days of CCHO, student-age residents attended public school locally. In more recent years, we have provided classrooms with licensed teachers right here on our Wooster campus.
25 years of drives, chips and putts (Story 31 of 50)
What started in 1994 as a small fundraiser for CCHO in our 25th year of ministry has now become an annual event, 25 years later, that allows our family of ministries to continue providing services and support for children, adults and families in need.
Supportive golf swings (Story 30 of 50)
On Monday, August 26 at 8:00 in the morning, 15 teams will tee off for the first of 36 holes at our Caring4Kids Golf Outing. As we head into the final months of our year-long 50th anniversary celebration, it’s only fitting that this marks the 25th edition of our annual golf outing.
Riding high with Sons of God (Story 29 of 50)
In 1981, Gary Shire was given a vision from God that became Sons of God Motorcycle Club Ministry. Since our humble beginnings in Mansfield, Ohio, the SOGMC has grown across the United States and Canada, with multiple chapters spread throughout 25 states and Canada.
Trust, treatment, transformation (Story 28 of 50)
I believe that God directed the county to choose CCHO because it was what my son needed to help him become the man God created him to be. He learned that love is unconditional and that moms can be trusted.
Encourage a generation
Without the encouragement from caring CCHO staff, Brent and Mia may not have gotten baptized. Both of these young residents carried many years of severe abuse and trauma with them when they came to our campus last year.
Cool cars and warm hearts (Story 27 of 50)
During the early months of 2010, the Mid-Ohio Corvette Club (MOCC) met to discuss our largest endeavor of the year. We had always chosen our yearly fundraiser on the basis of the recipient’s overall need. After learning that Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO) was focused on nurturing young girls and boys who may never have received warmth from a home environment otherwise, we were excited to pick CCHO.
The ultimate storyteller (Story 26 of 50)
On July 11, 1997, a little girl was born to a single mom. That young mom was a former CCHO resident. Due to many circumstances, this baby came to live with my wife Susan and me only a few weeks after being born.
Connect 2 Kids Individual
Connect 2 Kids is growing! We asked Emily Frazier, LISW-S, Clinical Director of our Children’s Residential Center to share more about this volunteer program and the new way to give of your time and talents.
Baptism joy (Story 25 of 50)
That was the first time I saw Brent cry. He regretted that he would leave CCHO without being baptized. Then his peer spoke up, “That’s no problem. You’ll just get baptized with me!”
Help rewrite Emily’s story
Despite her history of abuse and rejection, Emily is a friendly 10-year-old girl who does well in school and enjoys drawing, dancing and painting her nails. Sadly, years of traumatic experiences have made it extremely difficult for Emily to form meaningful relationships with other children her age. Without effective therapy to address her PTSD and other symptoms, she may always struggle relationally.
Working all things for good (Story 24 of 50)
I’d like to take you on a trip back to 2008. I had just earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Malone College and was applying for nursing jobs close to home. One Sunday morning, Gary Porter, CCHO’s longtime Executive Director, spoke at my church about the mission, growth and needs of Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO). I had never heard of CCHO but I felt a tugging in my spirit that day.
Sensitive therapist
We’ve come to believe that people will pick the horse they truly need, and in turn our clients are able to engage in an honest, non-judgmental relationship with their horse.
Answering a community calling (Story 23 of 50)
Our group from Fairlawn Mennonite Church in Apple Creek, Ohio has been regularly volunteering with CCHO since June 2018. We have been coming one or two Saturdays each month to spend time playing with the kids and sharing devotions and prayer with them. We love supporting CCHO because we are able to see the growth in the kids from month to month, and we know they are seeing Christ in the work of the staff and volunteers.
Getting close enough to listen (Story 22 of 50)
Once upon a time…. Probably the most famous opening line of a story.
CCHO: The Next 50 Years (Story 21 of 50)
Several CCHO employees share their vision for what’s ahead for our family of ministries and what “More” might look like over the next 50 years.
How Motley Lou became Pastor Louie (Story 20 of 50)
Late in my sophomore year I learned that my foster parents were moving to Florida. As a I ward of the state, I would not be moving with them. Toward the end of that school year, my caseworker told me, “If we do not find some place for you soon, we will have to place you in a juvenile correction facility.” I had done nothing to deserve being placed in a correctional facility. I was five-foot nothing tall, weighed 87 pounds, and the thought of being placed in a correctional facility terrified me.
The Kandel Family (Story 19 of 50)
When Julie Kandel and her husband Ron began their foster and adoption journey in 1991, they couldn’t have imagined they would one day have 18 children (including three biological daughters). Theirs is an incredible story of answering God’s call for their lives and their family, of trusting during each step of the process, and of persevering through incredible tragedy to provide a safe haven for young children in need of a loving home.
A guided imagery narrative (Story 18 of 50)
When new residents arrive at CCHO, our therapy team writes a guided imagery narrative from the perspective of the child. These narratives are designed to take the reader on a journey through each child’s past while describing their fears, abuse and trauma in detail. Listening to the guided imagery helps CCHO’s residential staff fully understand what the child has been through so they can approach negative behaviors with empathy and compassion.
A new day for Ashley (Story 17 of 50)
It is an honor to walk alongside people like Ashley, who has found health and healing for herself and her family during her time as an Encompass Christian Counseling client.
Fifty years in one big weekend (Story 16 of 50)
What a way to commemorate five decades of ministry! More than 1500 people attended our three-day celebration on June 7-9, a weekend-long series of events designed to look back on all the ways God has blessed CCHO through 50 years of ministry while looking ahead in anticipation of what may be next.
The greatest Great Grill Off yet
Our jam-packed 50th Anniversary Weekend concluded with the seventh annual Great Grill Off on our Wooster campus. This fun family event has quickly become the place to be in Wayne County on the second Sunday in June, and this year people came in record numbers!
A powerful night, a powerful God
How do you pack five decades of life-changing ministry into one night of celebration? That’s exactly what happened on Saturday, June 8 as more than 200 people gathered at the Shisler Conference Center in Wooster to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO) and our family of ministries.
A ceremonial start to our 50th Anniversary Weekend
Our weekend-long 50th Anniversary Celebration kicked off on Friday, June 7 with the official ribbon cutting for our new Children’s Leadership & Recreation Center (CLRC). Consisting of a middle school-sized gymnasium, commercial kitchen, cafeteria, classrooms and therapy spaces, the CLRC on our Wooster campus was made possible by generous Promise Project donors.
Partners in legacy (Story 15 of 50)
As we prepare to gather for our 50th celebration this weekend, we are especially grateful for our community partners who support our mission. They play an important role in helping individuals and families find healing throughout our family of ministries.
Our logo, then and now (Story 14 of 50)
A lot changes in one decade, let alone five. The world is fundamentally different today in so many ways than it was when CCHO started in a single farmhouse in 1969.
Leading with kindness (Story 13 of 50)
Helping meet the needs of our residential youth takes a lot of hands and partners. We are especially grateful for the kindness of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. There are good days and growing days in our children’s residential center. With the often unpredictable behavior of youth with trauma, there are times when the sheriff’s office makes frequent visits to campus.
Memories from our second resident (Story 12 of 50)
I came to CCHO in August 1971 and lived there until I graduated [high school] in June 1975. I was the second resident in the program and still go back often just to visit. I feel that CCHO’s work then and now was and is very helpful to so many. My memories are numerous but here are a few.
Fill the Gap
At our 2017 Heart for the Home Celebration, Brandon took the stage with a performance about fatherhood. Here’s a clip from that night, and be sure to join us on June 8 for Brandon’s next performance. You won’t want to miss it!
See the possibility (Story 11 of 50)
When you hear people talk about foster care and adoption, you often hear about a broken system, damaged children and a whole litany of all the challenges, difficulties and reasons to stay away rather than get involved. At Encourage we see the heartache our foster parents experience when they grieve the loss of separation from a foster child they loved as their own.
Trading worthlessness for faithfulness (Story 10 of 50)
I met Mia last summer when she first became a resident in our Young Girls Cottage. I was working as a treatment specialist in a different cottage at the time, so I only got to see her every so often. I was immediately struck by Mia’s kindness, openness and her bright, vibrant personality.
The gentle giant
Adam is known as the “gentle giant” of the barn. While many are intimidated by his large size, he can quickly gain one’s trust and confidence with his calm and pleasant nature.
Life lessons learned (Story 9 of 50)
I was 16 years old when I came to CCHO. I was a lost, angry teenager, but the love and support of CCHO helped mold me into the woman I am today.
A faithful foundation (Story 8 of 50)
Fifty years ago today, on a Tuesday evening at Rittman First Church of Christ, 12 men were selected as members of the interim Board of Directors for Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO). Several months later, one of those men would become CCHO’s first executive director while also serving with his wife as the organization’s first set of house parents.
Josie’s triumph (Story 7 of 50)
When I first met Josie, I met a powerhouse of a young woman; she presented as a strong, independent teenager with something to prove to the world. She was fluent in psychology, philosophy, and teenager, and she had an opinion about every current issue facing our nation.
Certified Best Christian Workplace 2019
We are excited to announce for the third straight year, CCHO and our family of ministries have been certified as a 2019 Best Christian Workplace by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI).
Healing for a kindergartener’s heart (Story 6 of 50)
Joey was a kindergarten student when I started working with him. He had the typical chubby cheeks of a kindergartener. He was missing his two front teeth and had the most stunning eye color.
Decades with Discover (Story 5 of 50)
As the Discipleship Minister at Discover Christian Church in Dublin, Ohio, I have led our annual CCHO men’s mission trip for the past 10 years. Our senior minister and I discussed how long Discover has been involved with CCHO. While neither of us can remember when it all started, we know it’s been at least 20 years!
The class clown
One Heart Stables is home to a select group of horses. Each of their distinctive personalities contributes to their role as “equine therapists” as they serve the children in our residential program as well as adults and children in the general public through Encompass Christian Counseling.
Minister to hurting kids
The character and commitment of our staff members are critical to us serving our clients well. Treatment specialists, a key position within our children’s residential center team, directly care for the needs and safety of our youth clients. This role offers the unique opportunity to build relationships with kids and teens and model for them what a healthy adult looks like.
One Heart, One Family of Ministries (Story 4 of 50)
From the first employee hired in 1969 to our most recent group of new hires, thousands of men and women have served at CCHO and our family of ministries. They have served by caring enough to step into the pain and hurt of life to offer hope and peace.
Perfect love casts out fear (Story 3 of 50)
It’s not easy being a foster parent. In fact, many foster parents would say opening their hearts and homes to children in need is the hardest thing they’ve ever done.
“I don’t want you to love me” (Story 2 of 50)
Each day, employees of our family of ministries aim to uphold our three core values: relentless commitment, selflessness and kindness. We believe our interactions with the children, adults and families we serve throughout our three ministries, as well as our interactions with fellow employees, should be infused with these values.
National Social Work Month
We are deeply grateful for the countless contributions of our agency’s social workers throughout the year and acknowledge them especially this month in observance of National Social Work Month.
A place where kids and God can meet (Story 1 of 50)
A farmhouse, small barn and old tenant house sat on 175 acres of land in Wooster, OH. A group of caring individuals with a vision to create a place where kids and God could meet tried to purchase the property, but no local banks would give them a loan. Incredibly, a family from Orrville Christian Church stepped up and bought the farm for $65,000 so CCHO could begin its ministry.
Calling all bidders!
We’re introducing the Promise Project Auction, where you can impact the lives of children, adults and families throughout Ohio by bidding on items, making cash donations or simply sharing the Promise Project Auction across your social media channels.
Foster parents are invaluable
Foster parents are invaluable to CCHO’s ministry in helping kids experience their worth in Christ. They provide safety, security, love, compassion and support for children when they need it the most.
Slow and steady wins the race
Blue is the true definition of “slow and steady wins the race” and can often be found napping in his stall at One Heart Stables.
Cottage family nights
Our children’s residential center gives kids the opportunity to experience how a healthy family functions. Perhaps for you, some of your favorite childhood memories include family nights—nights to simply stay home with your loved ones and enjoy your favorite foods and movies or games. Each weekend our cottages do just that.
2018 Donor Impact Report: A season of growth
As we embark on our 50th year of ministry in 2019, we also would like to reflect back on our previous fiscal year. As you’ll see in our 2018 Donor Impact Report, we could not have done any of this without the incredible support of people like you!
Trusting in a better plan
As we begin our 50th year of helping people experience their worth in Christ, let’s celebrate God’s transformational work in the life of one young boy over the course of one year and 22 days at CCHO.
Thank you, Wayne County Community Foundation
Thank you, Wayne County Community Foundation, for your support of children in need. These funds shine brightly towards the completion of our capital campaign.
Expressing God’s extravagant love
Our residential kiddos woke up to an astonishing example of generosity and love thanks to our Wish List donors!
Stand out and shine bright this Christmas
This year, we wanted to share a beautiful Christmas message from a resident in our teen girls cottage who arrived at CCHO in the summer of 2017.
Wishing for home this Christmas
Children like Mia, who have been abused and neglected by the people they should be able to trust most in life, have such a hard time moving past the trauma they have experienced. But you can make a difference in Mia’s life right now.
More than a drawing
The kids in our residential program bring a host of challenges with them when they first step foot on our Wooster campus. But they equally bring unique talents and passions that we hope will shine even brighter as they continue on their healing journey.
One heart on the rise
Cottage 1 recently celebrated #OneHeartOnTheRise. One of our teen boys successfully completed his program and was reunified with his biological family. What a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas for this family!
Thankful for life change, thankful for you
As we enter this week of giving thanks, we are joyfully grateful for the many children and adults who have received hope and healing this past year throughout our family of ministries. God is indeed good and gracious to those who are hurting.
CCHO and our family of ministries celebrates reaccreditation from Council on Accreditation
CCHO and our family of ministries have recently completed a rigorous reaccreditation process with an independent international accrediting body called Council on Accreditation (COA). Implementing COA standards means our organization is among the best in the field. We are proud to be a part of this community of excellence.
When braiding leads to bonding
God often moves in powerful ways to demonstrate His love to people in pain and crisis. These are the exhilarating stories that capture our imaginations, stories that inspire books, songs and movies. But sometimes, rather than doing the seemingly impossible, He chooses to move in simpler ways.
24th Annual Caring4Kids Golf Classic
Sixty golfers filled the course at Hawk’s Nest Golf Club in support of CCHO’s most vulnerable residents. Event proceeds will benefit our residential treatment program which brings hope and healing to children ages 6 to 18 who have experienced trauma and abuse.
“I Don’t Matter”
Shortly after Marcus began his treatment, he started leaving sheets of notebook paper around campus with different handwritten messages on them. One day, the message read, simply: “I don’t matter”. On another day, he dragged his foot through the dust on the baseball field to write: “Nobody loves me”.
A great night with great laughs at the 2018 Heart for the Home Celebration
Laughter has a way of bringing people together, and on an early spring night at First Christian Church in Canton, comedian Michael Jr. definitely brought the funny!
Thank you to our 2018 Heart for the Home sponsors!
An event like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of some INCREDIBLE sponsors. Thank you!
Michael Jr. shout-out!
Our Heart for the Home Celebration on March 24 in Canton is the biggest event of the year for our family of ministries. We are so excited to have Christian comedian Michael Jr. performing live that night!
Michael Jr. says it’s OK to laugh at church
Comedian Michael Jr. will be performing a live show at our 2018 Heart for the Home Celebration in Canton on March 24!
Heart for the Home Celebration
The first-ever Heart for the Home Celebration was created as we sought to not only pay tribute to our past but also look forward to an exciting future that God is unfolding for us!
A new name & an eternal promise
As we began discussing a redesign of the semi-annual newsletter for CCHO, we wondered if there may be a more meaningful name for the publication, something with a relevant connection to God’s Word that illustrates our desire to more effectively communicate information about our ministries. Our search eventually led us to those two simple yet striking words.
CCHO honored with WorthyWorks Award
The new year got off to a memorable start for CCHO when the Wayne County Community Foundation and the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce presented the agency with its annual WorthyWorks Award.