From the Executive Director
W
Heather Nicol,
Executive Directorhile I am proud to be the Executive Director of Berea Children’s Home and Family
Services of Central Ohio, before anything else, I am a mom. And as a mom, I know
how challenging parenthood can be. As many moms will tell you, it’s never easy to juggle soccer
practice, music lessons, homework and a full time work schedule. It’s even more difficult to do
that without any type of assistance. Many of the mothers we serve are not only trying to juggle
parenthood without a support system, but they are also competing against mental health disoders, poverty and environmental stressors.
In this issue you’ll read about programs like Maternal Depression Counseling, that are helping
to create those necessary supports. Through our programming, staff members not only pro-
vide important mental health services, they also offer clients support and connect to external
resources to help manage the stresses of daily life. Read on to learn how our staff members are
helping 
families learn to thrive every day.
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Mentoring Offers Life-Changing Effects
There is a great deal of uncertainty for some children when they leave the structure and security of a residential care program. Within the residential program, children often find a home away from home, gain valuable mental health tools and view the staff as family. The transition back to a family setting can be unnerving. Luciano Diaz felt this way after leaving a residential treatment facility to become reintegrated with his biological family. Read more...
New Program Helps Mothers in Franklin County Deal with Depression
In March 2011, Berea Children's Home and Family Services of Central
Ohio began offering Maternal Depression counseling services to preg-
nant and postpartum women residing in Franklin County. The program
began in response to identified needs within our community. Read more...
Agency Celebrates Christmas in July
Following the success of Berea Children's Home and Family Services of Central Ohio's "Gifts for Goodies" fundraiser in December 2011, agency staff members began thinking about additional ways to collect donations for clients and families. When the organization received a large donation of clothing, toys and games, staff members decided to host an event where these donations could be shared among their clients. They decided to celebrate Christmas in July and invite the clients and families we serve to "shop" for items they need. Read more...