National Family Week Celebrates Collaborations to Make Families Stronger for Longer

For more than 50 years, the week leading up to Thanksgiving has been proclaimed National Family Week, a time to celebrate how our community can work together to make families stronger for longer, which is one of the best ways to keep children safer. 

Joined by St. Stephen’s, Gladden, and Central Community Houses, Franklin County Children Services celebrated five families who participated in the Family-to-Family program and used the supportive services offered to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

And the stories of their achievements - and of those caseworkers and community partners who supported them along their journeys - were powerful to hear.

“Indica’s perseverance paid off through a combination of hard work, a few helping hands in the community, and the support of an organization that refused to let her fall through the cracks,” shared Marcellus Harris, caseworker at St. Stephens Community House, who help this mother and her children secure housing and stay employed during a tough time.

“She’s proof that hope came and will triumph over hardship,” Mr. Harris said. 

In cooperation with the local settlement houses, the FCCS Family-to-Family program links parents with community partners and service organizations to provide material and employment assistance, counseling, training, and much-needed supports. 

If successful, families are empowered to stay out of the child welfare system - which means children remain in safe, supportive homes.

Ten families and community partners were recognized this year during the National Family Week celebration. 

Keynote speaker Danella Hicks, Executive Director of mentorship program All THAT, offered encouraging words on why it’s important to celebrate the ways our community comes together to keep families together. 

“We want to always do better than we did the day before,” Ms. Hicks said. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate our families, to celebrate growth, and to celebrate togetherness.”

“Together, we have turned Thanksgiving into a powerful platform for collective action and a celebration of service and connection,” added Scott Varner, FCCS Communications and Community Outreach Director, “and building a stronger social fabric where everyone feels valued and seen.” 

“We are reminded that we are all part of something larger than ourselves,” Mr. Varner shared, “a community that cares for all of its children and families and each other.” 

Below are the honorees and the celebrated community partners.

Central Community House

  • Family Honoree: Desiree Bray
  • Community Partner: Cassandra Archie, Advocates for Educational Equity & Excellence

St. Stephens Community House:

  • Family Honoree (North): Terrance Cupe
  • Family Honoree (Far East): Kimberly Copeland
  • Family Honoree (South): Indica Berger
  • Community Partner (North): Tammy Jewell (God's Hygiene) 
  • Community Partner (Far East): Linda Amattey (PNC Bank)
  • Community Partner (South): Matt Shier (Indus)

Gladden Community House 

  • Family Honoree: The Beaver Family (Tahirah Beaver)
  • Community Partner: St. Brigid’s Church

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