Who We Are
Introduction to Blessing House
Blessing House is a children’s crisis care center that provides residential care for children birth through 12 whose parents or caregivers are facing a crisis or emergency or are experiencing a high level of stress that might put their children at risk of abuse or neglect.
Blessing House is a faith-based non-denominational organization open every day of the year. Our staff is screened and trained to be able to care for the children in a safe, loving environment. We are licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to care for up to 20 children at a time. In addition to the children’s residential care, we provide information and assistance to families to help them address their crises.
Anyone can make a referral or request placement for their children at Blessing House. Placements depend on the availability of space and the circumstances of the children and families. Families maintain custody of their children while they are at Blessing House.
Our Mission
As a faith-based, non-denominational organization, we believe that our mission is to help families who are in crisis by providing shelter for children and support for their families. We believe that those who need help should receive compassionate care, understanding and the guidance they need to address the issues they face.
Our mission is our ministry, a call to care for those God sends to us for help.
We understand that everyone has had different life experiences, guidance and support that may have lead to unfortunate family circumstances. We offer non-judgmental support to those God sends to us for help, striving to communicate and demonstrate acceptance and forgiveness that leads to resiliency and personal growth.
Our ministry is service. We are here to serve others and build connections through relationships.
We believe positive relationships are necessary for individuals to thrive. Those who are in crisis often lack healthy social, spiritual and emotional connections and struggle with self-esteem.
Through our commitment to service and empathetic care, our children, parents and caregivers are nurtured, supported and loved. This commitment to building healthy relationships with our families improves the self respect and confidence that our children and parents need.
Our belief is that we are all children of God and deserving of God’s love.
We are all made in God’s image and likeness and are all deserving of God’s love. We are not defined by our history, but rather by our ability to love and to be loved. We offer an opportunity for transformation to those who are open to receiving God’s love.
Our Focus
Child safety is at the core of everything we do. We provide children with a safe place to stay during a family crisis when there is no one else able to help.
Child Advocacy begins with putting the child’s welfare above all else. We focus on the whole child and their physical, intellectual, behavioral and emotional needs. Trauma-trained advocates help children communicate their needs and process their experiences. We create healthy routines that promote stability and help children feel comfortable and safe while they are with us. This helps them make a successful transition home.
Family Advocacy involves helping parents or caregivers address their family’s emergency. Using a goal-centered approach, our Family Advocate provides guidance, direct assistance and referrals to community resources. We provide non-judgmental support and focus on each family’s needs as presented to us.
Education helps our children and families grow as they seek the resiliency they need for stability.
Academic support - School-age children are transported to their local home schools while they are with us to prevent disruption of their education. They are assisted with homework and provided with additional academic support as needed. Our Child Advocate will accompany parents to school meetings and work directly with children’s teachers to help meet children’s academic needs. We also provide developmental assessments for infants and toddlers that guide our care plan for the children while they are with us.
Support for Parents and Caregivers - Our Family Advocate refers our parents to resources and programs that provide helpful ongoing support. She helps them understand how their own past experiences affect current life choices. Parents are also able to participate in Parent Cafes hosted at Blessing House that offer opportunities for peer support.
Community outreach and education - We have learned much through the years from our experiences working with families in crisis. We share our lessons with others in our community to advocate for our families and to help others learn how they can become involved in the safety net that prevents child abuse and neglect.
Continuing care allows families to stay connected to us once they have received services and joined the Blessing House family. We provide in-kind emergency assistance when they call for help as we are able. We follow up with them after their children have returned home and we invite them to attend events and activities that promote healthy relationships.