On Sunday, January 22nd, A Loving Heart Youth and Recovery Services hosted its inaugural Community Champions Gala and fundraiser at the Downtown Dayton Library. This year’s honorees were Pastor Bruce Moxley, Jr, Michael Perry, Anthony Parker, Penelope (Penny) Brown, Bryan Hunter, Jane McEwen, Lisa Wagner, Tova Rose, Taneah Matthews, Carl Johnson, Leronda Jackson and LaVar Glover.
These men and women are some of Dayton’s unsung heroes. They are people who help others and add value to our community behind the scenes and under the radar. They come from all walks of life. This event was designed to shine a spotlight on these men and women while at the same time helping to raise resources for A Loving Heart Youth and Recovery Services.
A Loving Heart Youth and Recovery Services is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt agency licensed by the Ohio Department and Job and Family Services, Ohio Recovery Housing and nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation. A Loving Heart provides faith-based services to youth who are in foster care and adults who are in recovery.
This year’s fundraising goal is to raise $25,000 to help support two program areas: 1) Trauma-Informed summer camps for the youth ages 11-16 and 2) facilities renovation for the men's sober living program. “Summer camp is a key therapeutic tool for our kids. Due to the childhood trauma that our kiddos have experienced, they tend not to do so well in ‘regular’ summer camp situations. We have been fortunate to link up with summer camps that specialize in working with these kids. The two boys that went last year, came back inspired and changed for the better.” says William Peterson, who serves as the agency’s Chief Operating Officer. Providing safe and secure facilities is critical in caring for men who are working towards sobriety. “The state does not provide funding support for repairs and maintenance to help with needed repairs and upgrades. We have a nice house for the men, but we could use some small upgrades to the garage and basement area in making them programmatic spaces.” Says Lucas Horn program director for ALH’s sober living program.
The agency currently serves 9 men in two locations. ALH provides Intensive Outpatient Programming, case management and community outreach services for men who struggle with addiction. If you would like to learn more or donate go to our website at https://www.ALHYouthServices.org/donate