Kids respond to sights, sounds, movement, and touch in different ways.
Thanks to Westfield, Bank of America, and The Fund for Our Economic Future, scholars in Lima, Mansfield, Sandusky, Firelands, and across Northeast Ohio now have access to sensory tools that help regulate energy, reduce anxiety, and stay focused during programming.
Working together, we identified a need and moved to address it. Investing in the conditions that support learning is a practical way to strengthen young people and, ultimately, the communities they will shape.
For each of these organizations, that investment was personal as well as practical.
Lori Joliffe from The Fund for Our Economic Future, shared that they “chose to support Open Doors Academy to recognize and celebrate the service of two staff members, Bishara Addison and Joan Chase. Their contribution recognized the personal commitment Bishara and Joan have to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio's students and families, and we were delighted to support such a strong and impactful organization.”
At Westfield, the contribution grew out of a culture of service. “Every December, a group of IT Managers leverages a standard meeting time to give back,” shared Tracey Petkovic, Westfield’s Chief Technology Officer and ODA Board member. “It is an opportunity for us to step away from our day-to-day roles to strengthen our community and make life better for someone else… I am always overwhelmed by the generosity and spirit of the day.”
Through thoughtful, values-driven investment, these partners helped create environments where scholars can focus, grow, and thrive.
Interested in learning how you can partner with Open Doors Academy? Contact Joe Hollings, Senior Director of Engagement: jhollings@odace.org
