Passion of the Heart
About Caring Communities of Summit County and how they reach out to the community of Grandparents, Kinship Care, and Foster Care parents. The organization believes in giving back to those who give so much.
It is the heart and passion of Caring Communities of Summit County; (CC SC) to promote inter-generational interaction. Caring Communities’ (CC) heart reaches out to grandparents, kinship care, and foster care parents who overlook their personal desires to raise heart broken children. Some of these phenomenal guardians have already raised their children and to take on an extra responsibility is the perfect reason to salute and honor their commitment and dedication to the meaning of true love.
The passion of CCSC is to reach out to the community and seek out ways to enhance lives. Caring Communities mission is to establish an educational economic empowerment that will serve the needs of the general public. Through educational forums, inter-agency partnerships and client advocacy activities, specific services will be provided to strengthen families and strengthen communities. The goal is to redirect paths to a brighter future.
A generous three year grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is responsible for all the current programs. Instead of waiting for a change, Caring Communities is striving to be that change. “One person can not do it all, but all can help to do more,” says Vera Thomas, the Executive Director of CC SC.
In order for the change to be effective, change must start at home. With this theory in mind, CC SC decided to do just that. What better way to honor and salute these spectacular guardians than to pamper them in luxury. It was a time to be refreshed and rejuvenated; even made to feel appreciated and special. CCSC’S Grandparent on the Rise retreat was held on May 26, 2009.
This event was created to engage the mind, refresh the body, and uplift the spirits of our most deserving guests, on the most serene grounds of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens historical site in Akron, OH. The retreat was scheduled from 8a.m. to 8p.m., with three sessions: Morning, Afternoon, and concluded with a dinner celebration.
The morning session began with a continental style buffet breakfast and panel discussion: Larry Schaffner and Bob Victory of Akron Public Library shared valuable information about Internet Predators; Lionel Millender, Akron Police Department, shared heart felt methods and programs to prevent juvenile delinquency; while Debra Calhoun discussed the wisdom and traditions of our grandparents and the impact it can have on our youth; Terri Leslie, Child Guidance and Families showed ways to encourage positive behaviors. A question and answer period followed. Just after lunch, parents explored the grounds and toured the facilities.
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