ASHLAND – Three rooms within Ashland County’s Department of Job and Family Services are arguably the most important spaces in the building, because it’s there children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect have initial visits with parents.
These visitation rooms are the places where bonds are built and wounds begin to heal.
But after eight years of heavy use without any significant updates, the rooms were showing wear. Carpets were stained, toys were broken and walls were bare or sparsely decorated.
So, Peter Stefaniuk, the department’s new director, made updating the visitation rooms one of his first priorities when he took the helm of the agency in May.
“We want these rooms to be comfortable and fun, a place for positive interaction,” Stefaniuk said.
With the help of several community partners, the department revamped all three rooms with fresh paint, professional carpet cleaning, new games and toys and a few key furniture pieces. Stefaniuk revealed the transformation and thanked volunteers and donors during an event Wednesday.
Sherry Bouquet of Fostering Family Ministries helped to plan and organize the project. Shelly McNelly designed the bright new color scheme, and Farm and Home Harware donated paint and supplies.
The Ashland Ministerial Association gave $1,000, which was used to purchase two new rocking chairs and a baby-changing station.
ABC Carpet Cleaning and Upholstry cleaned the carpets at no cost and offered to come back for future cleanings. The Olde Pasonage donated a lamp. Walmart donated toys and shelving.
Job and Family Services employees and other community members volunteered time and money to the project.
The new rooms, Stefaniuk said, show the power of a community coming together toward common goals and demonstrating a transformation taking place within the agency.
“Our vision here is to work closely with our community partners and local government to positivesly impact our community,” Stefaniuk said. “That is happening here every day to meet the needs of our community.”
