Our Home Family Resource Center Helps Record Number of Students, Prepares for Fall Programs and Staff Transition

CELINA — OUR Home Family Resource Center helped more than 400 local children prepare for the new school year and is now turning its attention toward winter clothing and Christmas assistance programs.

Executive Director Kevin Draiss said OUR Home provided backpacks and school supplies to approximately 403 children this year, compared with about 300 children during a typical year. Students from every school district in Mercer County received some form of assistance.

Draiss said the increased demand was concerning, but the response from local residents, businesses, churches and volunteers allowed the organization to meet the needs of participating families.

Volunteers matched each student with the supply list for that child’s school and grade. The backpacks included many of the supplies needed to begin the school year.

Draiss said the goal is to ensure every child can enter the classroom with confidence and the materials needed to succeed.

OUR Home is now working with the Celina Kiwanis Club to prepare for Winter Warmth Day on Saturday, October 17. Collection boxes for new and gently used coats will soon be placed at businesses throughout Mercer County.

Hats, gloves and scarves will also be accepted. Draiss asked donors to make sure used clothing is clean and in good condition and to check all pockets before donating.

Coats for toddlers and younger children are especially needed. Draiss said sizes 3T and 4T are often among the first to run out.

The program assists approximately 600 people each year. No eligibility screening is required for Winter Warmth Day.

Planning is also beginning for the annual Angel Tree program. Approximately 900 children received assistance last year. Each participating child received two toys and an outfit, requiring OUR Home to distribute approximately 3,000 gift tags throughout the community.

The program allows parents to select gifts for their children, preserving their involvement in creating a special Christmas morning. Families seeking assistance must register in advance. Information for donors and participating families will be posted separately on the OUR Home Facebook page.

The organization is also preparing for the retirement of longtime employee Edna Backs, who will leave OUR Home in mid September after completing 16 years of service.

Backs serves as the direct services coordinator. Her responsibilities include helping clients obtain utility assistance, operating the food pantry and supporting Angel Tree and Winter Warmth Day.

Draiss said Backs has extensive knowledge of local resources and an ability to identify the assistance each client truly needs. He said her experience and dedication will leave big shoes to fill.

OUR Home is accepting applications for the direct services coordinator position. Information is available through the organization’s website, Facebook page and Hometown Opportunity.

Draiss is also completing his sixth full year as executive director. OUR Home has served the area since 1996 and offers several programs in addition to its seasonal assistance efforts.

The Family Crisis Network assists survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services include safety planning, emergency shelter, financial assistance, help obtaining protection orders and court accompaniment. Its crisis line is answered 24 hours a day.

OUR Home also operates the RAFT supervised visitation program, which serves approximately 15 to 25 families during a typical week. Staff members provide a neutral and secure setting for parents working to rebuild relationships with their children.

Draiss also encouraged residents to support Sandy Derringer, who answered the organization’s crisis hotline for approximately 25 years and previously held other roles with OUR Home.

Derringer has stepped away from the organization while undergoing cancer treatment. A fun run supporting her is scheduled for September 26 at 9 a.m. at the West Bank boat ramp. Draiss said the event is an opportunity for the community to show its support for Derringer and her family.