Posts by Katlin Finley

TBRI Training

Advocates for Families Empowers Staff to Better Serve Traumatized Youth with TBRI Certification Ashland, Ohio–Advocates for Families, a leading organization dedicated to strengthening families is proud to announce that two key staff members, Tom Roepke and Megan McCarty, have earned prestigious certifications in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). TBRI is a cutting-edge approach specifically designed to support children who have experienced trauma. By emphasizing connection, empowerment, and trauma-informed care, TBRI equips caregivers with effective tools to foster healing and build strong,…

Team Spotlight: Mike

-Bachelor’s in Political Science from Wittenberg University -AAS in Hotel, Restaurant, and Fitness Management from the Community College of the Air Force -Lots of education and certifications in my previous roles within the Ohio Air National Guard

Strengthening Families Program 1/18/24

“The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is an evidence-based family skills training program for high-risk and general population families that is recognized both nationally and internationally. Parents and youth attend weekly SFP skills classes together, learning parenting skills and youth life and refusal skills. They have separate class training for parents and youth the first hour, followed by a joint family practice session the second hour.” (https://strengtheningfamiliesprogram.org/) Here are a few pictures from Advocates For Families first night of the Strengthening…

Strengthening Families Program

We are offering a unique and helpful opportunity for families in our community. No Cost, but a commitment to meet for 10 weeks. We’ll provide a delicious meal (thanks to our community partners) and a promise to create a fun learning time for families. Did we say it’s free? Sessions begin January 18, 2024. What is the program? Helping to improve your family dynamic. Topics: Boundaries, communication, teach children to advocate for themselves, learning about “my time”, family time, implementing…

Grand Opening

Thank you to everyone who came by last night to celebrate Advocates For Families grand opening of the new building!! We are so blessed to serve such an amazing and loving community. May God continue to bless our families. Special thanks to our awesome Director Catherine Swope and our board members. Thanks to visitors Mayor Matt Miller, Chamber of Commerce, Juvenile Court staff, Appleseed Counseling, along with other local agencies, partners and friends. Thank you to the generous donations to…

CASA Mixer/Training

Our first Ashland CASA mixer/training was a success!! David did an amazing job going over the court process for how our cases work! As usual it is a pleasure to see our awesome CASAs in person!! Please let David or Katlin know if you have any trainings you would like to see and some snack options for the next one!! #ashlandcountycasa#ohiocasa#howthecourtworks#creatingabeautifulfuture

Blessings

The new Advocates For Families building is coming along! Thursday there was a blessing done in the building. Terry Wardle, Bill Ludwig, Tommy Theisen, and John Swope prayed over the building and AFF staff. Community members joined us in writing blessings in the form of bible verses, quotes, prayers, and lyrics. Amazing things are to come! #blessings #amazing #greatthingstocome #advocatesforfamilies

Staff Christmas Retreat

Today Advocates For Families had their Staff Christmas Enrichment! There was group bonding activities, riddles, a gift exchange, batteries, Chipotle, and a cookie decorating contest. The staff at AFF is truly amazing, welcoming, and caring! #coworkers #advocatesforfamilies #christmastime #enrichyourselves

New Building!

Thank you to everyone who has supported, donated, or helped Advocates For Families make this building move possible!! Our move in date is quickly approaching and we are excited for new adventures in the new building!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

While today is a nationwide day to be thankful we need to remember to be thankful for our blessings year round! We here at AFF wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving and a safe holiday!!

Team Spotlight: Alexandra Robbins

Alex’s passion is helping clients find hope and make good choices to believe in a future for themselves where they can achieve their goals and have healthy boundaries and healthy relationships. I love the positive impact of being part of AFF, a unique and targeted local effort serving local communities. I am a native Spanish speaker and enjoy substitute teaching at Mansfield Spanish Immersion school where my kids also attend. During my down time, I enjoy many creative and artistic…