Connecting for Kids Offers Three Free Resource Fairs in Northeast Ohio
Allows Local Families to Find Help for Anxiety, Depression,
Behavioral Problems, Academic Struggles, Developmental Delays or Disabilities
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.
To assist local families in finding help for their children ages 0-22 years, Connecting for Kids will offer three free resource fairs in Northeast Ohio. Parents and caregivers will be able to visit with more than 70 providers at each fair to explore options for those 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 https://www.connectingforkids.org/resource-fairs or call/text: 440-570-5908.
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. In addition, you’ll go home with a free bag filled with fliers and resources as well as a folder to organize the materials.
At these fairs, families will find:
- Adapted camps
- Adapted sports & rec programs
- Alternative schools
- Behavioral health providers
- Disability services
- Educational advocates
- Funding sources
- Job services
- Mental health providers
- Music therapy programs
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Respite providers
- Social skills programs
- Specialty legal services
- Speech-language therapists
- Support groups
- Transition services
- Tutors and academic programs
When attending a resource fair, having a list of questions ahead of time can help you be efficient in collecting information and make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Here are some sample questions to get you started:
Questions to Ask Camps
- What is the camp composition? Are campers a mix of typical peers and children with disabilities? Is the camp solely for children with disabilities? Are campers primarily from one type of diagnosis (ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, etc.)?
- What is the ratio of campers to staff/counselors? Is there a nurse on staff?
- What kind of experience do the camp counselors have? Will they receive specific training? Have they worked with children who have challenges similar to my child’s?
- What is the camp schedule? Full day, half day, sleep away?
- How does the camp handle behavior problems?
- What skills are addressed during camp? Academic, social skills, recreation, other?
- What funding does the camp accept?
- Is the camp set up to handle my child’s disability? Is it wheelchair accessible? Is my child’s service animal allowed at camp?
Questions to Ask Mental Health Providers
- What is your background/training?
- Do you have any specialty training or experience? Have you worked with children who have challenges similar to my child’s?
- How are the families who work with you typically involved in their child’s treatment? Do you meet with parents only? Do you meet with the child one-on-one? Will I be allowed to know what happens during my child’s appointment?
- How often will you see my child and how long does a typical treatment plan last?
- When are appointments scheduled? After school hours? During school? Are evenings and weekends available?
- Do you prescribe medication? If not, can you refer me to someone who can? How do you coordinate with other providers?
- What types of payment do you accept?
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 https://www.connectingforkids.org/resource-fairs or call/text: 440-570-5908.