Campaign aims to recruit foster caregivers across Northeast Ohio

Seven agencies to host community events May 27 during National Foster Care Month

Northeast Ohio foster care agencies will host a one-day “Everyday Heroes. Everyday Homes.” campaign May 27 to recruit foster caregivers and raise awareness about the urgent need for safe, local foster homes.

MCJFS

Published May 19, 2026 - 8:21 a.m.

Seven public and private foster care agencies across Northeast Ohio are joining together for a one-day campaign aimed at recruiting more foster caregivers and raising awareness about the growing need for safe homes for children in foster care.

The “Everyday Heroes. Everyday Homes.” campaign will take place Wednesday, May 27, with agencies in Medina, Summit, Stark and Trumbull counties hosting informational community events designed to educate prospective foster parents about the licensing process and foster care system.

The initiative comes during National Foster Care Month and responds to what organizers describe as a critical shortage of licensed foster caregivers throughout the region. According to state data cited by the agencies, more than 1,700 children and youth across Summit, Stark, Mahoning, Medina, Portage and Trumbull counties are currently in foster care.

“We are always happy to answer questions from our community,” said Layne Hedden, foster parent recruiter for Medina County Job and Family Services. “Our goal is to increase the number of licensed foster caregivers within the same neighborhoods where children are being removed from their homes — through no fault of their own. These children need loving, stable, and safe homes right here in Medina County.”

Participating agencies include Medina County Job and Family Services, Summit County Children Services, Stark County JFS, Trumbull County CSB, NYAP and NOAS Foster Care Agency.

Organizers said the events are free to attend and carry no obligation, offering community members a chance to learn about becoming foster parents, ask questions and address common misconceptions about foster care.

In Medina County, the event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at The Grind Coffee Bar, 124 N. Court St., Medina. Visitors can speak with representatives about becoming foster caregivers, receive free coffee while supplies last and enter a raffle giveaway. No registration is required.

Additional events scheduled throughout Northeast Ohio include:

Niles Public Library in Trumbull County from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stark Library’s Perry Sippo Branch from 10 a.m. to noon
Angel Falls Coffee Company in Summit County from noon to 2 p.m.
Wired Rooster Coffee Shop for NYAP from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
NOAS Warren Office from 3-5 p.m.

Organizers encourage residents to stop by any participating location during event hours to learn more about how they can support children and families in their communities.