Allows Local Families to Find Help for Anxiety, Depression, Behavioral Problems, Academic Struggles, Developmental Delays or Disabilities
Connecting for Kids will offer three free resource fairs in Northeast Ohio to provide local resources for those ages 0-22 years who are experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, academic struggles, developmental delays or disabilities. These are some of the largest resource fairs offered in Northeast Ohio.
Western Cuyahoga County Resource Fair
Thursday, February 27, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Don Umerley Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River
Lorain County Resource Fair
Tuesday, March 18, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Lorain County Community College (LCCC) Spitzer Conference Center, 1005 Abbe Road N., Elyria
Eastern Cuyahoga County Resource Fair
Wednesday, April 2, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Eastern Campus Student Services Building, 4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills
Families who pre-register and attend the in-person fairs will be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card. In addition, the first 100 families who stop by the Connecting for Kids table at the fair will receive a free stuffed animal courtesy of Wild Republic with a disability awareness pin and bookmark. Those who have limited time can drive up to the tent in front of the building during fair hours to receive a grab & go bag of resources.
To register, visit Connecting For Kids or call/text: 440-570-5908.
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According to a Health Policy Institute of Ohio December 2024 study, approximately one in four children, ages 3-17, across the country reported one or more mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral problems in 2021 and 2022. In Ohio, that same study reports that a fifth (20%) of middle school students and a third (33%) of high school students in 2023 reported that their mental health was not good most or all of the time.
The process of finding help for a struggling child can be overwhelming. Parents and caregivers may not know where to start or what resources they need, so Connecting for Kids will have a table at the entrance of each fair staffed by those who can answer questions, narrow down options and point them in the right direction of the service providers that can help. There will also be a quiet/sensory area that will allow caregivers to take a break, if needed.
Attending a resource fair will actually save time for families in the long run. Rather than having to scour the internet or spend hours making phone calls, resource fairs offer a one-stop shop. Attendees can discuss insurance, services provided and explore program options directly with the provider. Having face-to-face conversations allows families to assess whether a provider is a good fit.
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With more than 70 providers each, these resource fairs offer a number of options for families looking for help, including:
- Mental Health Concerns – A report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that nearly 1 in 8 Ohio kids received a diagnosis of anxiety or depression in 2020, up 42% from 2016 — the 10th-highest increase nationwide. The fairs will provide mental health and behavioral health providers.
- Academic Issues -- For students who are struggling, families can find tutors, academic programs, alternative schools and educational advocates.
- Disabilities & Developmental Delays – Find occupational, physical, speech and music therapists. Also represented will be adapted camps, sports, recreational programs and transition services.
The Western Cuyahoga County Resource Fair is presented in partnership with the Lakewood Elks Lodge #1350. Platinum sponsors of the event include Community Fund Ohio, Lakewood Public Library and Westlake Porter Public Library.
The Lorain County Resource Fair is presented in partnership with Leadership Lorain County and the Rotary Club of North Ridgeville. Platinum sponsors include Community Fund Ohio, Lorain County Children & Family First Council, Lorain County Community College, Lorain County Sheriff’s Office and Murray Ridge Center.
The Eastern Cuyahoga County Resource Fair is presented in partnership with the Rotary Club of Cleveland. Sponsors include Community Fund Ohio, Cuyahoga Community College, Cuyahoga County Public Library and New Heights ABA.
To register, visit Connecting For Kids or call/text: 440-570-5908.
