LIFE IS A WORTHY JOURNEY WITH OHUDDLE

Submitted by Orrville Chamber on Fri, 02/22/2019 - 9:00am

In the past decade, research underscores a trend of increased behavioral and social-emotional deficits for our youth. Children show increased need for support in areas of emotional regulation, stamina, and engagement. In Wayne County, with buy in from a variety of mental-health, business, leadership, governmental, and faith-based organizations in the community, the launch of such a program has implications for affecting real and lasting change for our youth.  

 

OHuddle engages community talent and resources to support over 300 students in Wayne County with 1:1 mentorship. Using the 40 Developmental Asset approach, OHuddle mobilizes community resources to find a champion for every student. Mentors become advocates for our students, helping them to find and engage sparks that match their talents.  

 

The Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Wayne County Community Foundation are pleased to announce O’Huddle as the recipient of the 2019 Worthy Works award.  

 

First presented in 2008, the Worthy Works award acknowledges and recognizes the important contributions that Not-For-Profit members of the Chamber of Commerce make to their community. The award includes a $1,000 grant to the organization to pursue its mission.

 

“OHuddle is very humbled to receive the Worthy Works award from organizations we admire so much,” remarked Sara Reith, Executive Director, OHuddle. “What a blessing it is to reside in a community that understands the value and importance of relationships.”

 

Reith shares this award with the staff members who quit their jobs to work for free in launching OHuddle, the educators who raised up the organization in partnership, the community members who donated materials and services to make ends meet, and the hundreds of mentors who adjust their lives daily to change the life of a Wayne County youth.  

 

“OHuddle, has implemented a sustainable model of mentorship in Orrville City Schools.” commented Brett Lanz, Assistant Superintendent, Orrville City Schools. “In its third year, OHuddle has continued to recruit, train and support over 60 mentors who are matched with over 90 students on a weekly basis. The staff and administration have witnessed the benefits of a student having someone “in their corner” to assist them in navigating life and building assets.”

 

OHuddle creates asset-based programs such as a clothing closet for students in need, weekly family dinners on Monday nights, job coaching system with monthly paychecks, and OHuddle Hour experiences to bless teachers with self care skills and experiences. To find out more about OHuddle, visit www.ohuddle.org

 

“There is no greater hope than knowing that every child deserves a champion and then witnessing a community showing up to be one,” commented Reith. 

 

The Worthy Works award will be formally presented at the Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards on March 28. Tickets for this event are available online or by contacting the Orrville Area Chamber, ph 330-682-8881.