The GPD Employees’ Foundation is excited to introduce our new sponsorship program: THE GAME CHANGERS. This new program allows us to strengthen our commitment to the organizations we work with and the communities they serve. The goal is to develop a true partnership and make larger and longer lasting impacts on select organizations we believe are “changing the game” in our communities.
The 12 Ohio-based non-profits that make up this program are all organizations we have long-standing relationships with and whose efforts in the community are direct embodiments of our Foundation’s mission. Each of these organizations will receive a set amount of money every year for three years depending on their sponsorship level to go towards larger-scale initiatives.
Impact Committees
In addition to making larger contributions, we are also excited that the creation of this program gets more GPD employees involved through our Impact Committees. The committees are responsible for building and maintaining a relationship with their chosen non-profit through face-to-face meetings, volunteer opportunities, board meeting visits, and more. By getting more people involved in the foundation and allowing our employees to experience the impact these organizations make, we believe we can make even more of a difference.
Roni DePaulo
Ashley Hefner
Jarlath Caldwell
Maggie Bartlett
Julia Barscio
Deanne Schopfer
Robyn Dusenbery
Judy Bennett
Dylan Hucik
Zach Shutler
Kayla Wiesen
Daulton Baksa
Alicia Villers
Mandi Flores
Justin Mills
Isaac Maham
Scott Seaman
Noah Gresser
Molly Nichols
Brian Foss
Dan Flores
Hannah Groubert
Chad Shipman
Jordan Pearce
Lindsay Haswell
Renee Lanza
Diana Stimson
Sean Gilley
Voices of Impact
Hear from our committee members on why they chose their GAME CHANGER.
Victory Gallop is devoted to often overlooked and underserved children. They have been providing therapeutic and recreational horseback riding for over 30 years.
Participating in sports provides individual identity that is vital for a healthy lifestyle. Everyone should be given the opportunity to participate, and we would like to provide that opportunity with our resources.
My GAME CHANGER helps kids and families facing scary health situations to just relax and enjoy time away. Camp Quality gives them a chance to do “normal” kid stuff!
I chose to work with my GAME CHANGER because I am able to utilize my practical, engineering skills to create and fix toys for children to enjoy.
Every child deserves the chance to learn life skills that will help them succeed. First Tee - Greater Akron opens doors for these kids by teaching essential skills through the game of golf. On and off the course, children from all walks of life are empowered with the support they need to thrive, fostering confidence, resilience, and a brighter future.
I was in the hospital as a child and received a similar experience to what Smiles with Style provides. I still remember the way that made me feel, so I thought it would be so special to be involved in a program that creates a happy memory for children during their saddest days.
They are advocates for people with down syndrome and their families; providing support, awareness and community involvement.
A Kid Again provides the opportunity for children and their families to forget about their challenges for a few hours by hosting fun “adventures” that create lasting memories and friendships with others that are in similar situations. The children have more confidence knowing they are not alone in the world when they come to an adventure and it is a humbling, awesome experience to see the smiles on their faces as they participate in that day’s adventure.
My GAME CHANGER is special because they offer "Social Clubs" for different age brackets to bring people together and engage in friendship building activities that fosters a community growing past the confines of the foundation!
I think that their focus on keeping families together and supporting families even after the kiddos go back home from their stay at the House is what makes them special. They are so driven in their mission of keeping families together in order to uplift and support the communities that these families are a part of, and to me that’s what sets them apart for any other “help” families may get from services like CPS. Also, the fact that it’s a voluntary crisis nursery where they do not assume guardianship of the children to help the families feel like they are still in control of the situation is huge! Aside from all the support they offer while the kiddos are in their care, every family is required to setup a plan with a licensed social worker before the kiddos go home that helps the parents stay involved and in contact with the House in case they need further assistance down the line, it’s not a one and done thing.
As our Foundation continues to grow in size and in reach, we are always looking to ensure that we are being good stewards of our funds and are finding new ways to make the biggest impact. We are looking forward to seeing the relationships that form from these partnerships and, most importantly, seeing the amazing work THE GAME CHANGERS do for kids in our community.