Families in Richland and Ashland counties will soon have faster access to in-home therapy through a new partnership between Zan’s Mission and EverCare ABA.
Zan’s Mission built the partnership after hearing from families who struggled to access Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy locally.
Parents shared stories about long waitlists and limited providers, while conversations with the local boards and Ohio Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence (OhioRISE) confirmed the urgent need.
Filling a critical gap close to home
Stevanie Brown, Zan’s Mission founder and president, reached out to several providers in Columbus and asked them to expand into Richland and Ashland County.
“EverCare ABA was enthusiastic about hiring in our areas and accepting clients within weeks of them completing their intake packet,” Brown said. “That means new jobs and no long waits.
“As a special needs parent I know how hard ABA is to find, let alone in-home.”
ABA is a therapeutic approach that uses principles of learning and motivation to improve socially significant behaviors. It focuses on understanding how behaviors are learned and how they are affected by the environment, with the goal of promoting positive behavior change.
ABA is commonly used to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities acquire new skills and reduce challenging behaviors.
Zan’s Mission will not provide ABA therapy. The non-profit organization will connect families with EverCare ABA, helping them complete intake packets and promoting the resource throughout the community.
“Part of our mission is to share the gospel within all we do, and we feel that this effort is engaging in Mark 12:31,” Brown said.
Families can begin the intake process now and receive assessments within one to two weeks. To begin the intake process families can contact Brown at stevaniebrown@zansmission.com and request a form to start services.
Personalized therapy and new career opportunities
EverCare ABA will provide therapy directly in clients’ homes, giving families support in their most familiar environment. Providers will help individuals build communication skills, improve routines and work toward personalized behavioral and learning goals.
The organization also offers virtual therapy when appropriate. Families can work with providers to choose the best option based on their child’s needs.
Brown said she feels excited and blessed that EverCare ABA agreed to serve Richland and Ashland County residents, expanding the number of resources available to families in the community.
“I am excited to see Richland and surrounding counties have a resource close to home and in a timely manner,” Brown added. “The goal is to be able to continue to add to resources in our area so families have options.”