AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE…THOSE WHO HAVE ACCEPTED THIS CHALLENGE
The Chardon Healing Fund (CHF) was established to facilitate the long term recovery and healing of the community from the profound events at Chardon High School. In an effort to further the stated mission, the CHF has committed to addressing the immediate needs of the families directly impacted by the event, and to foster the on-going emotional and physical well-being of the students and staff of the Chardon Local Schools and the greater community.
In order to fulfill this mission, a group of dedicated individuals was required. The group needed to be strong and talented, and able to make tough decisions, work long hours and develop strategic initiatives that have never been created before. Due to the broad scope of the situation – touching so many lives in Northeast Ohio and abroad, the board members would need to be multifaceted. Hence, representation from the faith based community, Chardon School alumni, nonprofit organizations, counseling professionals, foundations, government representatives, Chardon School staff, and local corporations were sought out. Identifying individuals to fill this unique Advisory Board was a rather smooth process due to the many talented individuals that fell within these identified groups.
But would filling these roles be as easy? We were fortunate to learn that it would be. As individuals were presented with an opportunity to make a difference, each provided a resounding “YES” by accepting this challenge. The board currently consists of 11 dedicated members from throughout the community.
Board Members
The Advisory Board members include Edward M. Babcock, David A. Boyle, Thomas Connick, Jenniffer Deckard, M. Ann Fairhurst, Sister Jacquelyn Gusdane, Tracy Jemison, Kimm Leininger, Kristin Lewis, Deborah O’Connor, and Ellen Ondrey. Each member has expressed their gratitude and feel honored to be a part of the Chardon Healing Fund Advisory Board, and each recognizes that without Fairmount Minerals and United Way, none of this would be possible.
There are no words to explain how generous and giving both organizations have been with their time, talent, and treasure, investing so deeply in helping the Chardon community to heal.
One board member, Ann Fairhurst, has lived in Chardon since 1987 and views this amazing community as “her community” due to the many ties she has here. When asked about her service on the board, she said, “I enjoy working with all of the board members to help the community heal. It is outstanding. The work that the Advisory Board has put into helping is something that not just any group could do. This experience has provided us with a new appreciation of the close knit and caring community that can be found in Chardon.”
In the immediate days following the Chardon events, many individuals, businesses, and other schools reached out to support Chardon in any way that they could. Most of these entities expressed a desire to help with the healing, to simply show their love and support, and to also let the Chardon community know that others are thinking of them. Many of the CHF board members expressed the same desires.
Tracy Jemison of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners stated, “The Chardon Healing Fund is providing the resources necessary for the Chardon community to overcome this tragic event. While it may take years to heal this community, the fund will be there to meet those challenges.” Tracy also feels that one of the most rewarding experiences since being on the board has been the impact of the presentation made by the Virginia Tech students.
“We have the opportunity to create a new future for Chardon; not one of tragedy, but one of a more compassionate and caring community, and the students at Chardon High School understand this.”
The outpouring of support and the heartfelt concern for the families and the Chardon community has been unceasing, genuine, and nothing short of incredible. This unexpected community initiative continues to touch the hearts of people and has been embraced by those who want to be engaged in helping and healing.
Deborah O’Connor commented, “It has been gratifying to be able to assist in the healing process. I did not think I could be more proud of living and working in Chardon than I already was, but seeing our community response has made me even more grateful to be here.”
Chardon is blessed to have these individuals leading the Chardon Healing Fund, and their time and dedication has been unwavering. It is evident that their impact will be felt by many.
Author: Kristin Lewis
Kristin Lewis is the Manager of Sustainable Development at Fairmount Minerals Ltd., headquartered in Chardon, Ohio. In this position, Kristin manages the communications and public relations relative to sustainable development, both internally and to Fairmount’s growing external stakeholder group. An alumnus of Ohio University, Kristin holds a Bachelors of Business Administration with a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS). She also received her Masters degree from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management in Positive Organization Development. This internationally recognized program focuses on sustainable development, emotional intelligence, appreciative inquiry and transformational leadership. Kristin is also actively involved in the community serving on the Advisory Board for the Chardon Healing Fund as the communications liaison. She also serves as a member of the board of directors for America SCORES Cleveland and United Way Services of Geauga County. Additionally, Kristin serves on the executive committee for the Fairmount Foundation to determine fund allocation. Kristin resides in Twinsburg, Ohio with her husband, Colin and daughter, Isabel.