News/Blog

There’s lot of good things we like to do and share. See something that interests you…please leave a comment.

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…

Climbing the Wall

This month’s group activity for mentees and their mentors involved a trip to the Climbing Wall at the Ashland University Rec Center, providing an opportunity for engaging physical activity and strengthening mentor-mentee relationships.

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…

Advocates For Families Celebrates New Location

ASHLAND – For the staff, board members and clients of Advocates For Families, the new office at 270 Sandusky Street feels like home. The local nonprofit agency moved there last month, following a turn of events that has left the organization’s leaders feeling deeply grateful, and more connected to the Ashland community than ever before. The narrative involves many members of the community—donors, property owners, the local community foundation, and organization staff, board members and volunteers— each doing what they…

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

A Night @ Acres of Fun

We’re leaning into some new opportunities for our amazing clients. Beginning with this inaugural trip to Acres of Fun in Wooster for roller skating we plan to offer monthly activities that will enrich and encourage the young people we are serving. In the months ahead we look forward to attending a college basketball game, doing community service projects and building relationships.

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!!
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