OhioGuidestone has a deep history of serving the region's youth. In fact, the Berea-based facility originally began as an orphanage more than 150 years ago, providing shelter and care for Civil War orphans. In 1960, it began moving into mental health services. And today, it serves more than 23,000 children, with offices in seven Ohio counties.
In Berea, the facilities also serve as a residential treatment campus for around 70 area youth, many of whom have experienced some sort of trauma or require more intensive out of home care. The kids and adolescents live and go to school on the campus.
Earlier this week, the parking lot was filled with fire trucks, police cars, and emergency squad vehicles -- which would normally be a sign of trouble. But not on this day. It was actually quite the opposite, providing a time for some positive interactions between the kids -- and first responders.