Yearly traditions are a huge part of the way we celebrate the holiday season, from family cookie swaps to white elephant gift exchanges. At PartnerShip, we like to participate in holiday office traditions with our very own work family. One extra special tradition that we look forward to each and every year is our PartnerShip Giving Tree. 

The holidays can be festive and fun, but for those children currently waiting to be placed in a forever family or loving foster home, holiday spirit and joy can be hard to find. That's why every year, we like to work alongside Caring For Kids Adoption and Foster Agency based in Cuyahoga Falls, hoping to guarantee a little seasonal magic. Caring For Kids, Inc and the Wendy's Wonderful Kids Program provides PartnerShip with the opportunity to host several kiddos and grant their wish lists, ensuring they have happy holiday memories and experience the joy every kid should this time of year.

On our giving tree hangs gift tags with a child's name, picture, and wish list - everything from clothing items to Cavs tickets. Members of our PartnerShip staff can select a tag and purchase the wish list gift, playing Secret Santa to those who need it most. Later, Senior Program Manager Harry, "Centa" Claus, delivers the wrapped gifts (Santa suit optional) to Caring For Kids to be distributed by the Wendy's Wonderful Kids Program. This year, we are hosting six remarkable kids, and have plans to cross every wish off their list. 

It's easy to get swept up year round, focusing on business goals, tackling initiatives, and even getting wrapped up in end of year responsibilities and our own "to do" lists. It's important to step back, slow down, and remember the true spirit of the season. Working with Caring For Kids reminds us to do just that, and allows us to spread some holiday cheer along the way. 

Happy Holidays!

It's the season of giving, and this time of year we like to celebrate those who go above and beyond to help those in need. At PartnerShip, we have two employees we'd like to spotlight for their commitment to spreading the spirit of the season, as well as touch on their own personal experience with an extra special cause.

In spring of 2011, Brian and Nicole Hardman welcomed their first child, Lucas, into the world. Lucas was soon diagnosed with a severe form of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare and painful genetic disease that affects the connective skin tissue, resulting in extremely fragile skin that can blister or tear at the slightest touch. There is no cure for EB, and often the disease is debilitating or in the worst cases, lethal. Wound care, pain management, and preventative bandaging are currently the only options for those afflicted.

Unfortunately, Lucas passed away about a month after his birth. Nicole and Brian are dedicated to raising awareness about "the worst disease you've never heard of" and participate in fundraisers and other benefits working with debra of America, the only U.S. nonprofit providing support to the EB community through funding research and providing free resources. 

Every holiday season, Nicole and Brian organize a baby blanket drive in memory of Lucas, for those babies currently in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. In a time of great fear and uncertainty, the baby blankets provided by the hospital offered comfort and joy to the Hardmans while Lucas was admitted. So, in his honor, the Hardmans collect monetary or blanket donations from those who would like to support families in need. 

The hospital is grateful for any blanket donation, as long as it's new and still within it's original packaging. This is the ninth year that the Hardmans will be hosting the drive, with the total baby blankets collected running over a thousand. Each and every year Nicole and Brian are moved by the generosity and love shown by those willing to donate to a cause that is so very close to their hearts. 

"The blanket drive has become such a special holiday tradition for our family. The kindness and generosity that these blankets represent help keep our son's memory alive during a time of year when we miss him so much. We know in our hearts that helping other babies and families is the best Christmas present we can give to Lucas. While a blanket may not seem like much, we know first-hand how much comfort it can bring, even if only for a brief moment. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has donated in our baby boy's memory." -Nicole Hardman, December 2019

To learn more about EB and how you can help, visit the Love for Lucas Facebook Page.

If you’ve never heard of gaga ball, you’re not alone. But to millions of kids around the world, it’s the hottest game on the playground right now. The game, played in an octagon pit, is simple. Similar to dodgeball, the goal is to be the last one standing and players use a soft foam ball to knock out their opponents.

Gaga ball is a fast paced game that keeps kids on their toes. Once in the pit, players hit the ball with one open or closed hand without throwing, carrying, or dribbling. Players are out if the ball hits them below the knee at any time.

The best part of the game is how inclusive it is. You don’t have to be the tallest, the strongest, or the most athletic to join in the fun. The games also have a fast turnover so everyone can have a turn, and even after getting knocked out, it’s not long before you can jump back in again.

That’s why when a local Girl Scout troop contacted PartnerShip about helping to sponsor their gaga pit project, it was an easy decision. Supporting our community is important to us and providing a place where kids of all abilities can come together is a great way to do it.

The Girl Scouts of Troop 168 in Westlake, Ohio saw a need in their community for something that would bring kids together and make everyone feel included. Girl Scout Tina Cirincione said she first learned of gaga ball from camp and knew it would be perfect for their Silver Award Project. From there Tina and her troop members began developing a plan. They researched possible locations and reached out to members of the community to put their plan into action.

By working with the city of Westlake and Westlake City Schools, Troop 168 selected the grounds of Dover Intermediate School to build their gaga pit. This is the first gaga pit in Westlake – a huge accomplishment for the girls and their school.

On a beautiful spring day, the gaga pit officially opened. At the site on Dover Intermediate School grounds, the Girl Scout troop invited everyone who supported their project to join them as they celebrated this addition to their community. Members of Westlake City Schools, Mayor Dennis M. Clough, and other community leaders joined the troop to celebrate.

The members of Girl Scout Troop 168 were beaming with pride while Mayor Clough congratulated them on a job well done. Then it was time to jump in! The girls played the inaugural game and it was immediately apparent how much fun they were having. Even the adults played a round, proving it truly is a game for everyone to enjoy.

Now that the gaga pit is open to the community and in a location that makes it easily accessible to kids in the area, it’s sure to attract a lot of activity. There aren’t many games that bring kids together the way that gaga ball does. Most organized sports require a certain skill level or will separate boys and girls. The way gaga ball is played allows for kids of all different backgrounds and skills to play together. Sports play a very important role in developing self-esteem, improving social skills, and staying active so having a game that can include kids that may otherwise miss out is a huge win.

Girl Scout Troop 168 did an amazing job on this project. From gathering support, to making a plan and building the gaga pit, they put in a great deal of hard work. What Girl Scout Troop 168 did for their peers can serve as a lesson for all of us. Supporting your community in a small way can make a big difference.

At PartnerShip, we are wrapping up our week of holiday visits with our five charitable organizations. Every organization helps to spread the theme of compassion and community not only during this season, but all year long. We've presented debra of America, Downs on the Farm, the Gathering Place, and Music on a Mission. Today, we visit the Rainey Institute on Cleveland, Ohio's east-side.

The Rainey Institute was founded on the belief that kids who participate in visual and performing arts are impacted on an interpersonal level by encouraging self-esteem and positive social interaction. By exploring dance, drama and theater, music, sewing and art, students of the Rainey Institute learn to be leaders and positive role models in both school performance and in daily life.

The organization was established in 1904 by Eleanor B. Rainey, which began by creating reading and lunchroom program for boys and young workmen in the local Eastern European community. These programs provided physical fitness, literacy studies, and industrial training in a wholesome recreational environment. In the 1960s, program focus shifted exclusively to the arts and a deeper curriculum was developed for the growing community in Cleveland, aligning with the Cleveland Music School Settlement. This cooperation extended to a modern program list that includes music theory, therapy, dance and private instrumental classes for students.

Currently, the organization has grown to include more than 2,500 children and young adults age 3 and up, where they attend Rainey after school, on Saturdays, and during summer camps. The program listing has become more sophisticated, but the essential message at Rainey remains the same: that regardless of background, socio economic levels, and skill set, a child who is influenced by the arts is a child who has an outlet for creativity and self expression. 

We are inspired by the Rainey Institute and the staff's efforts to help Cleveland's kids gain exposure to the arts and confidence in themselves. Get involved and support the Rainey Institute through fundraising, community events, and donations, and learn more about their various programs for kids.

Check out more pictures from all of our visits on our facebook and learn more about these amazing local organizations that have given so much and helped so many!

The holiday season is one of giving, and this year PartnerShip has once again chosen 5 charitable organizations to donate to and spread holiday cheer!  These organizations are about the people behind the scenes and the message they want to spread, and we want to spread the word on their amazing work!  We've touched on debra of America, Downs on the Farm, and the Gathering Place. Today, we would like to recognize Music on a Mission.

Music on a Mission believes in the power that music has to heal and enrich the lives of every individual. By providing access to everyone, including those with special needs through their wide variety of free programs, the organization helps develop physical and emotional health as well as create an environment that fosters positive social interaction and inspires self-confidence. Music on a Mission provides therapeutic programs for the young and elderly, veterans and nursing home residents. Through group sing-alongs, choir performances, dancing activities, and one on one sessions with artists and writers, music motivates these individuals through vocalization, socialization, and self-care.

Our PartnerShip team was invited to tour the facility in Avon Lake, Ohio, to check out the onsite music venue lovingly known as "Barnegie Hall". An exclusively volunteer team donated their time and energy over the course of 14 months to repurpose and renew an older barn standing on the property. Storing equipment and in disrepair, the building was renovated and equipped with sound equipment, band instruments, and full seating space for visiting artists and musicians. Proceeds of any performances support the programs of Music on a Mission.

Upon immediate entry, the warmth and care put into the place can be felt through the high windows, bright light streaming through. The large stage is ready and waiting for its next performance, and the seating area is surrounded with memorabilia and photos of important visitors and moments in The Barn's history. An outside deck with string lights hugs the tree-lined outdoor space and provides an additional place to gather. A good energy resides here, leftover from the hard work of kind people, dedicated to creating musical opportunities for individuals who need them most.

All Music on a Mission programs are offered free for individuals, and the organization is supported mostly by vital private donations. Encouraging mental and physical development, as well as essential self-confidence to individuals who may not otherwise have the support and opportunity to do so is essential, and rent and payroll expenses add up. Click here to learn more about the different ways you can support Music on Mission, from donations to booking live events at Barnegie Hall!

Take a look at our facebook page to check out more amazing pictures from our visit and don't forget to check back tomorrow when we highlight another fantastic local non-profit that embodies strength of community and warmth of heart.

At PartnerShip, we’re in the holiday spirit! Once again, we’ve selected five charitable organizations to donate to this season. They are all amazing organizations and we think they deserve all the recognition they can get. So far, we’ve showcased debra of America and Downs on the Farm. Today, we are talking about the Gathering Place.

The Gathering Place offers a wide variety of free programs and services addressing the emotional and physical needs of individuals and families currently coping with cancer. They help manage the stress associated with a cancer diagnosis and provide a number of enrichment programs. The work that the Gathering Place does provides people with a space where they can feel safe, connect with others, and find peace during a time of chaos.

A few of us were treated to a tour of their west side location in Westlake, Ohio. The atmosphere is very relaxing and it feels more like home than a care facility. They have a very impressive area for art therapy, a massage therapy room, and plenty of calming spaces for support groups. One of the most touching parts of our tour was seeing and learning about the Regina Brett Wig Salon, which provides a free wig to women with cancer-related hair loss. It’s very moving to see all the components of complete care that the Gathering Place offers.

The most incredible part is that all of the programs and services the Gathering Place offers are completely free. Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is not only stressful but is also a huge financial burden. To provide a place where those affected by cancer can go for premium care and not have to worry about expenses is very admirable. Click here to learn all of the different ways you can support the Gathering Place – from donations to fundraising and community events!

Check out more pictures from our visit on facebook and make sure to come back to the blog tomorrow when we featuring another amazing local non-profit that has touched our hearts!

To help spread holiday cheer, PartnerShip has once again selected five charitable organizations to donate to. On Friday we profiled debra of America, a non-profit that supports a cause very close to our hearts. Today, we’re going to tell you a little bit about Downs on the Farm of Amherst, Ohio.

Downs on the Farm provides animal therapy to children with special needs. They have combined two very meaningful causes into one very special non-profit organization by rescuing mistreated and neglected animals in need of finding loving forever homes and enriching the lives of special needs kids. Through animal assisted activities, kids have the opportunity to improve skills, increase their self-esteem, and reduce anxiety.

When we visited Downs on the Farm, the owners Shawna and David, gave us a warm welcome and were kind enough to give us a tour. Their property is incredible and we were quickly greeted by a number of their animals. Goats, alpacas, and horses oh my!

During our visit we learned about some of the awesome fundraisers Shawna and David have up their sleeves. Goat yoga is a popular event, and they just launched a new Escape Room that sounds like a blast. There certainly isn’t a shortage of fun activities around the farm, even in the winter months.

Along with individual programs for animal assisted therapy, kids can also enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, and train rides. Downs on the Farm even has a big playground where kids and kids (the baby goat kind) can play together. It is a great experience for the whole family.

If you’re interested in supporting a worthy cause, there are several ways to get involved or you can choose to donate! To see more pictures from our visit, check out the album on our facebook page. Be sure to check back on the blog this week as we profile the remaining three organizations we picked this year!

In the spirit of the season, PartnerShip is donating to five charitable organizations that speak to our hearts and lift up our community. This tradition started several years ago and it’s our way of giving back and saying thank you to those who inspire us. The hardworking elves in the PartnerShip holiday planning committee have made their selections and we couldn’t be more excited to share them with you! We hope that by hearing their stories you’ll be as inspired as we were to hear about what they do.

First up is debra of America. This organization is dedicated to finding a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), which affects 1 out of every 20,000 live births in the United States. EB is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder that is painful, often debilitating, and is in some cases lethal. There is no treatment or cure. Daily wound care, pain management, and protective bandaging are the only options available.

There’s a reason it’s often referred to as the “worst disease you’ve never heard of.” Children living with EB are affectionately referred to as “Butterfly Children” because their skin is as fragile as a butterfly’s wing. They live with painful blisters that cause them to endure constant pain and suffering.

debra of America is committed to funding research toward a cure, while also providing direct services and support to patients and their families. debra of America works to improve the quality of life for people with EB, their families, and caregivers. They have several different programs that include services like educating nurses, distributing wound care supplies, and providing care packages to families with newborns with EB.

We admire everything that debra of America does to help those affected by EB. If you’re interested, here’s how you can get involved or donate. 

Next week, we'll feature the remaining four organizations, so make sure to check back!

Around the holidays, we like to reflect on how grateful we are for the amazing community we live and work in. Each year we seek out local charitable organizations that support causes near and dear to our hearts to make donations to. We’ve made our selections for this year and want to share a little bit about them with you.

Debra (The Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America)
This organization is dedicated to finding a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), which affects 1 out of every 20,000 live births in the United States. EB is a genetically based disease characterized by chronic, painful blistering. The skin and mucous membranes are so fragile that the slightest touch can cause severe blistering inside and outside the body. The mission of Debra of America is to improve the quality of life for all people living with EB, their families, and caregivers through programs and services while funding research to find a cure and treatments for EB.

Wigs for Kids
For over 30 years, Wigs for Kids has been providing Hair Replacement Systems and support for children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, Alopecia, Trichotillomania, burns, and other medical issues. The children they help are treated for different periods of time, depending on each child’s particular circumstances – sometimes even for several years. Wigs for Kids helps children suffering from hair loss look like themselves and live their lives.

Shoes and Clothes for Kids (SC4K)
SC4K provides a unique service for income-eligible families in Greater Cleveland by distributing new shoes, clothing and items for infants and youths. SC4K has positively impacted the lives of area children by giving them the pride and confidence that comes with having new shoes and clothes, for the past 46 years. This pride and confidence is essential to a child’s success in school and in life.

Child Life Wish List
The goal of Child Life Wish List is to help Child Life programs attain their wish list goals. These wish lists are made by children who have severe illnesses and require hospitalization. Child Life Wish List raises funds through donations and special events, and by acquiring and distributing much needed supplies and materials to Child Life programs at surrounding hospitals.

W.A.G.S. 4 Kids
W.A.G.S. 4 Kids is dedicated to providing mobility service and autism service animals, meeting the specific needs of children with disabilities in Northeast Ohio. Utilizing its award-winning ODRC Accredited Cell Dog Training Program, each dog provides therapeutic, task, emotional and physical support for children with disabilities and their families. The organization is driven by the belief in early intervention and will work with a family as early in a child's life as there is a need and an interest.

These donations would not be possible without the support of our customers. Thank you for your business and have a wonderful holiday season!

The best part of the holiday season is the chance to give back to those in need. Continuing a tradition started at PartnerShip several years ago, we’ve selected a handful of charitable organizations to make donations to this season. We are passionate about the amazing things that all these non-profit organizations do for the people in our community and we’re happy to support them.

The organizations receiving donations from PartnerShip this year are:

Debra (The Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America)
This organization is dedicated to finding a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), which affects 1 out of every 20,000 live births in the United States. EB is a genetically based disease characterized by chronic, painful blistering. The skin and mucous membranes are so fragile that the slightest touch can cause severe blistering inside and outside the body. The mission of Debra of America is to improve the quality of life for all people living with EB, their families, and caregivers through programs and services while funding research to find a cure and treatments for EB.

Project Linus
As a non-profit organization, Project Linus provides homemade blankets to children in need. Their blankets are lovingly made by adults and children from all walks of life and many different sources. Their mission is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. The gift of new, handmade blankets created by volunteer “blanketeers,” provides a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities.

Youth Challenge
Over 400 teenage volunteers are at the heart of Youth Challenge (YC). Performing over 11,000 hours of service at YC activities and programs last year, they allow children with physical disabilities and their families to benefit from the sports and recreation activities that they would not normally be able to participate in. Located in Westlake, Ohio, they provide free transportation from their schools to the facility where the volunteers help them enjoy the gymnasium, adapted weight-lifting area, yoga, and many other activities.

Kisses from Heaven
Conceived by two families that, unfortunately, spent too much time in the NICU with their children, Kisses from Heaven is an organization that puts together and delivers gift bags to level III NICUs to give a moment of happiness and hope to families in the midst of so much anxiety and struggle. Each gift bag is approximately $50 and contains items such as gas cards, sleepers, books, snacks, journals, and much more! All the donations that Kisses from Heaven get make a difference – one bag at a time.

Project Lifesaver
Project Lifesaver is an active response to the problem of locating people who many not be able to find their way home on their own. A lost person with any kind of dementia or developmental disability is unaware of his/her situation; they do not call out for help and do not respond to people calling out to them. The Project Lifesaver team is trained in how to approach a person with Alzheimer’s disease or a developmental disability, to gain their trust and put them at ease for the trip home.

These donations would not be possible without the business and support of our many customers, and we're very grateful for that. We hope you agree that these donations will have a beneficial impact. Thank you and happy holidays!