July 10, 2025 The Beacon • 19

FAIR

Continued from 18

the state. These kids are coming from as far away as Lima, Ohio. Any kid in our custody that fits the independent living criteria, we make sure they have the ability to get here. This has been a goal for our agency for several years. They were able to make it happen, and I am glad to see it happen. They are working with kids.

“ We take this seriously, and we want them to be prepared. We show them how to get a job, how to open a checking account. We appreciate all the state and local vendors being here to prepare them for the next stages of their lives. We extended this to all the kids across the state. Our Juvenile Court Judge Jason Given even stopped by. We have some door prizes and gifts for kids coming here, and we

Marianne Austin

Emma Tomes stopped at the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program table. Jennifer Bylaw was providing simple recipes, budget tips, information on ways to stretch your dollar and calendars with balanced diet recipe information.

have little goody bags we are giving out.”

Kathy Art, children’ s services administrator, said,“ I think it’ s neat that Laura and Anna have put this together the past couple years because a lot of the bigger counties don’ t necessarily have the big turnout that you guys have had. I think just talking with a couple of the tables that they think it is neat the experiences that the event is providing for our kids. As of Tuesday, we have 87 kids that are in JFS custody currently. The majority are in foster care or in a residential facility.”

Located In New Bedford 330.440.3823 33951 SR 643, Baltic Ohio 43804 Mon.-Fri. 7am to 4:30pm, Sat. 7am to 12pm

FREE: Hedge Trimmer & 2 gal. Vaccuum w / purchase of Lawn Mower.

$ 1235

BF-315446