It’s true: It takes a village to raise a child. Cincinnati, OH, is most certainly doing its best to bring its village together to ensure every child has a loving and safe home to thrive.
Cincinnati, as with all cities, has its shortcomings, certainly some controversy peppering its past. However, the people of the city continue to work toward living up to its motto: Juncta Juvant. Meaning, loosely, “Strength in unity,” the motto sits proudly emblazoned on the state flag.
Beech Acres Parenting Center serves as one such hub of both community growth and intentional connectivity. Founded in 1849, the nonprofit boasts more than 175 years of serving Cincinnati’s families. Offering parenting tools, mental health education and services, medication management and therapy, and so much more, Beech Acres’ mission is to “equip adults to meet children’s needs and cultivate their strengths.”
Give people their flowers while they’re still here to smell them. Beech Acres holds this adage with as much esteem as its dedication to raising a village that will raise future generations. On Friday, May 8, the organization held its annual Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner. What a way to open Foster Care Awareness Month! The dinner is a showcase of open gratitude to those members of the community who are driven to give children the best opportunities to live healthy, full lives.
According to the Beech Acres website each year, the organization holds the dinner to “celebrate the unsung heroes that selflessly shift the course of a child’s life through love: foster parents.”
The Ropers are one such family answering the call. The couple, Elizabeth and Randy, has fostered more than 20 children in the last five years, all with the aide of Beech Acres. Randy shares, “[Beech Acres Parenting Center is] always there for us as a team to make sure that the Ropers are making sure that they take care of the kids in the proper manner.”
Beech Acres’ impact across Queen City is clear. Every year they serve more than 38,000 individuals. More than 19,000 of those received social emotional education, and more than 180 children under foster care were placed with loving families.
Through their many successes, Beech Acres understands and, rightfully, gives praise to the families doing the work to not only help raise these children, but equip them to live with fulfillment.
The Bright Side
Foster Care Awareness Month is such an important moment of recognition. Beech Acres Parenting Center is a prime example of how a city takes its vow to its citizens seriously. There is absolutely strength in unity. If we work as a community — as a village — the future can only be bright.
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