Nonprofit Spotlight: Greenleaf Family Center
For more than 20 years, Greenleaf Family Center's PEERS (Parent Education, Empowerment, Resources and Support) program has empowered families of children with complex needs by training parents to navigate multiple systems of care and become lifelong advocates for their children. Backed by longtime support from Akron Community Foundation, PEERS has helped countless families maximize their children's chances for success through education, guidance and emotional support.
Now, thanks in part to a $79,000 proactive grant from Akron Community Foundation, Greenleaf is building on this legacy by launching the PEERS Center for Family Engagement. This bold new initiative will amplify parent and caregiver voices, particularly those raising children with mental health challenges, and work with organizations across Summit County to adopt more family-driven care practices and reduce stigma. The Center model will expand Greenleaf's work from individual support to systemic change, offering group advocacy training, peer facilitation, and leadership development to help families move from crisis to influence.
Founded in 1912 by civic leaders including F.A. Seiberling, Harvey Firestone and Bert Polsky, Greenleaf Family Center serves individuals and families across five counties, including Summit, with a wide range of services, including counseling, education and behavioral health support. From individual, family and group counseling to parenting programs and youth services, Greenleaf helps people manage life's emotional challenges with compassion and skill.
"I'm particularly passionate about expanding our ability to help people navigate emotional systems, whether as part of a family, workplace or community," said Greenleaf CEO Jill Oldham. "When individuals come to us, they're often focused on immediate life challenges, which can lead to anxiety, conflict, communication breakdown or other symptoms. What excites me is the potential to not only help them with these immediate needs, but to also help them recognize how their reactions and behaviors are interconnected with those around them."