2025- Partnership with Zepf Center-Toledo, OH
Members of our board were able to visit with Charles Green and the staff at the Zepf Center of Toledo learning more about their Safety Net Program. Safety Net is the only shelter serving runaway homeless youth in Northwest Ohio. Safety Net provides temporary emergency shelter and counseling services to eligible youth who have run away or been forced to leave their homes. Collaborating with Charles on the needs of their Safety Net program, Better Together Foundation was able to purchase over $1,000 worth of underwear, clothing, toothbrushes, and other necessities that Safety Net provides to youth who come through their doors. Charles’ and his team’s passion for their work shined through during our visit and we were thrilled to be able to support their cause and learn more about their needs.
Partnership with Evergreen Elm-Bradford, PA
Better Together Foundation teamed up with Evergreen Elm in Bradford, PA, an organization providing quality living arrangements for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs across McKean County and surrounding areas.
Evergreen Elm offers programs like supported living, mental health supportive living, and community-based services. This organization holds a special place in our hearts—our board members, Morgan and Taylor O’Brien, grew up across the street from an Evergreen Elm facility and built lasting relationships with many residents over the years.
Thanks to your generosity, we helped decorate Evergreen Elm’s remodeled Elm Street location, transforming a recently rebuilt living space from bare and institutional feel to warm and welcoming.
During a recent visit, one resident shared the following comments:
“Some of the pictures help me to remember I’m not alone in all of this.”
2024- Partnership with Mars Home for Youth
MHY has served western Pennsylvania families since 1878 and provides in home therapy for children aged 9-17 who are demonstrating serious behavioral or mental health symptoms and are at risk of being removed from their homes. Additionally, MHY's Longmore Academy is a PA Department of Education licensed school for children grades 1-12 with behavioral and mental health disorders.
Longmore Academy serves ~120 students from nearby school districts and recently opened specialized autistic support classrooms to provide a welcoming and supportive educational environment to address the individual learning and sensory needs of students with autism.
Classrooms are designed to promote an environment with predictability and stability to enhance student skill acquisition and facilitate participation in activities based on the needs of students with autism. By providing an environment that increases engagement, they foster student independence in navigating the classroom routine and everyday activities.
We are thrilled to announce that Better Together Foundation was able to provide $1500 of financial support to purchase a swing and protective material for Longmore Academy's autistic support classroom
Board Members Taylor O'Brien, Morgan O'Brien, and Jay Bruce were able to visit with staff and students from MHY and Longmore Academy and present them with this generous gift.
In addition, our first corporate sponsor, Deep Well Services of Zelienople PA agreed to match our $1,500 donation to MHY! MHY plans to use the additional funds to support the construction of Longmore Academy's new playground facility. The construction of this facility aligns directly with the mission of Better Together's Mental and Physical Health pillars. Huge thank you to Deep Well Services for their partnership and more to come on the progress of the playground construction.
To learn more about MHY visit their website at: https://mhyfamilyservices.org
See the below note from Longmore Academy's principal regarding our gift:
"Swinging is like a big hug for the children's senses through the gentle, soothing motion. The swing will also help them get better at moving their bodies and staying balanced. Plus, it's a fun way for them to play and make friends with their classmates. When they're feeling overwhelmed or need a break, swinging can be a great way for them to take a breather and feel better during their school day. Thank you for making a difference for our students!"
