Some of TVN’s 41 at-risk boys and girls who are eligible for a high school diploma this June thought they would never reach that goal. Many entered residential, day treatment and foster care one or more semesters behind in their schoolwork. Now they find themselves preparing for jobs and planning to attend college in the fall. Generous individual donations funded the first network-wide senior recognition luncheon held this month. Family and supporters from 10 TVN locations celebrated the success of the youth. Each student received a certificate for being dedicated and resilient. The keynote speaker, a former foster child currently attending college, gave an inspirational and encouraging message. Wendi Warren, executive project manager and chair of the event committee, hopes this will become an annual event.

The Village Network Executive Director James T. Miller was honored Thursday, April 22nd at the annual Alliance of Summit County Child Caring Providers awards breakfast. Miller is the first recipient of the alliance’s Champion for Children and Families Award . He was recognized for his dedication to improving the quality of life for abused and neglected children in Summit County. The award ceremony was part of Summit County’s Child and Family Awareness Month celebrations. Miller has been with TVN for over 24 years. Under his watchful eye, TVN has grown to multiple locations across the state serving over 600 boys and girls daily in residential, day treatment, treatment foster care and alternative school programs. In 2007, TVN was named Agency of the Year by the international Alliance for Children and Families. Miller is the recipient of the 2008 George Stevens Award recognizing his valuable contributions to the Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies (OACCA). He holds a master’s degree in social work from The Ohio State University and he is a Licensed Independent Social Worker.

As a part of the Columbus International Program, funded by the Open World, six Russian Social Service Professionals visited the Wooster area recently. They represented all areas of social service in Russia. When the international group arrived at the Wooster Campus, they went on a tour led by youth before setting down for a lively discussion on youth problems and solutions. The group had the opportunity to interview foster parents and two foster care youth as well as therapists and other specialists.

Sixty-nine packets of organic seeds were donated by the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co., Mansfield, MO., for the new Horticulture Club. The club was created by TVN recreation department staff members for the youth to participate in an all-organic project. The heirloom quality seeds are also a result of TVN staff initiative. They were requested by Julia Barnes, receptionist on Boys’ Village Campus.

“When I saw the seeds in the organic catalog, I knew they would be perfect for the project,” said Ms. Barnes. “I explained our horticulture program and gardens to Baker Creek Heirloom Seed and they graciously sent the seed packets.”

The donation of the 16 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs & flowers are not genetically modified organisms (GMO). Youth participating in the new club were very excited with the donation. In addition to the gardens, Boys’ Village campus has a greenhouse built through generous foundation donations. The fully operational greenhouse will be formally dedicated at Celebration Day this June.

May is Foster Parent Month. What better way to show your support to the foster families than to assist in selling candy bars for your local network! The funds will go towards games, fun outings for the youth/foster families and other activities. Pick up your boxes of candy today! Contact Tracy Neuman at 330.202.3861 or  tneuman@thevillagenetwork.com. Each box contains 50 candy bars and 5 different options (Milk Chocolate, Almond, Dark Almond, Caramel, Crisp) making it hard to choose just one!

Bring the family out to support the Friends of Boys’ Village (FOBV) at the Kiwanis Strawberry Social at Christmas Run Park in Wooster Tuesday, June 8th. They will be selling a variety of delicious hot sandwiches and sides. FOBV are just a few of the many volunteers at TVN. Volunteers are an integral part of The Village Network. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call Lacie Blanchard 330.202.3857 or email lblanchard@thevillagenetwork.com. TVN Volunteers will be honored at a luncheon Thursday, May 6th at TJ’s Restaurant in Wooster.

Spring is here and so is the annual Plant Day on Boys' Village campus, Friday, May 14th. The day kicks off with a picnic lunch. Those interested in volunteering, contact Lacie Blanchard at 330.202.3857 or lblanchard@thevillagenetwork.com.

A rededication, tour & dessert reception is planned for Eagles, Stark and Summit cottages Wednesday, May 19th on the Wooster campus from 2:30-4:30 pm. During the renovation of each cottage, the youth stayed in another building, but now they are happy to be back in their own house and are ready to show off the finished product. RSVP to Lacie Blanchard at 330.202.3857 or lblanchard@thevillagenetwork.com.

Cure golf fever at the 28th Annual Buckeye Container-Village Network Golf Classic Friday, June 4th at the Wooster Country Club. This event sells out quickly, so the time to register is now! Purchase your team spot and ball drop tickets today! Call Lacie Blanchard at 330.202.3857 or email her at lblanchard@thevillagenetwork.com to become a sponsor!