Leading Families Home

Guided by Purpose: Debra Sue Pearson on Leadership, Collaboration, and Lasting Change

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:59:12 GMT

Guided by Purpose: Debra Sue Pearson on Leadership, Collaboration, and Lasting Change

A Calling Rooted in Community

For Debra Sue Pearson, serving as board president of Leading Families Home isn’t just a leadership role. It’s a deeply personal commitment to her community. After retiring, she knew she wanted to stay involved in meaningful work, and her experience serving on other boards had already exposed her to the realities many families face. What drew her to Leading Families Home was both the urgency of the issue and the organization’s approach to solving it.

“Homelessness doesn’t affect just one person,” she shared. “It impacts entire families, and the truth is, many of us are just one unexpected event away from it.”

That perspective has shaped her several-year journey with the organization, including her time as vice president and now as board president. What started as a way to give back has become something much more: a role she feels deeply connected to and committed to every single day.

More Than Shelter

What sets Leading Families Home apart, in Debra Sue’s eyes, is its focus on transformation rather than temporary solutions. While many organizations provide short-term relief, Leading Families Home takes a holistic, long-term approach, supporting families as they move from crisis to stability and ultimately toward independence.

“This work is about more than ending homelessness,” she said. “It’s about walking alongside families as they rebuild their lives and helping them stay on that path.”

Through wraparound services, strong partnerships, and a focus on the entire family unit, the organization ensures that participants aren’t just housed, but truly supported. “We don’t just provide a place to stay,” she explained. “We hold their hand and say, ‘Let me help you get back up.’ That’s what makes this organization so unique.”

Moments That Matter Most

Over the years, Debra Sue has witnessed countless examples of the organization’s impact, but it’s the quieter, deeply human moments that stay with her the most. Watching families transition into permanent housing, especially those with children, is something she describes as both powerful and emotional.

“The most meaningful moments are when families can finally sit down together, have a meal, and feel safe,” she said. “That sense of stability—it changes everything.”

These milestones represent more than just a change in housing; they signal a turning point where families can begin to envision a different future. For Debra Sue, those moments are a constant reminder of why the work matters.

Growing to Meet the Need

Under Debra Sue’s leadership, Leading Families Home has continued to evolve to meet the growing needs of the community. One of the most significant milestones has been the acquisition of Family House, which expanded the organization’s capacity to serve more families and strengthened its overall impact.

Alongside that growth, the organization has prioritized building strong partnerships with local leaders, government agencies, and other nonprofits to ensure families receive comprehensive support. Programs like childcare services have also been introduced to address critical barriers, helping parents pursue employment and long-term stability.

“We’ve come a long way, and we’re still growing,” she said. “We’re not done yet. We’re on the brink of something even bigger.”

A Community Effort

For Debra Sue, one of the most important aspects of Leading Families Home’s work is its role as a connector within the community. The organization doesn’t operate in isolation. It collaborates, shares resources, and aligns efforts with others who are working toward the same goal.

“Ending homelessness takes all of us,” she said. “If we don’t have what a family needs, we go out and find it. That’s how we create real, lasting change.”

That collaborative approach creates a ripple effect, extending the organization’s impact far beyond housing and into areas like employment, education, and overall well-being. It also reinforces a simple but powerful truth: community support is essential. “Without it, we can’t do this work,” she added.

Shifting Perspectives and Looking Ahead

While progress has been made, Debra Sue believes there is still work to do in helping people understand the realities of homelessness. Too often, it’s seen as something that happens to “other people,” when in reality, it’s far closer to home than many realize.

“I wish more people understood that homelessness can happen to anyone,” she said. “In today’s world, many families are one event away from losing their stability.”

Even so, her outlook on the future is filled with hope. She sees it in the resilience of the families served, in the dedication of the staff, and in the growing support from the community.

“The resilience of the families we serve gives me hope,” she said. “And I’m incredibly proud of our team. Their dedication is unmatched.”

For Debra Sue, Leading Families Home is more than an organization—it’s a movement grounded in compassion, connection, and real change.

“It was a blessing for me to get involved,” she reflected. “There’s something special about this place. When people become part of it, they don’t just support the mission… they become part of it.”

The Blade: Leading Families Home celebrates acquisition of Family House

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:12:08 GMT

Leading Families Home celebrates acquisition of Family House

Deborah Nugent knows firsthand how important Family House and Leading Families Home are to the homeless in Toledo.

While she was battling addiction, Ms. Nugent lived in the Family House shelter on Indiana Avenue, she said. She now works as a residential staff supervisor for Leading Families Home, which acquired the service organization in January.

“Giving back is the greatest thing you can do,” she said. “These are our neighbors. ... You don’t want them to slip and fall, you want to help them.”

Ms. Nugent was joined by Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and other city leaders Thursday to celebrate Leading Families Home’s acquisition in January of Family House through a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Indiana Avenue shelter.

“For many years, our organizations have operated side by side within the same space, working to help families,” said Jennifer Jacobs, executive director of Leading Families Home. “We are excited to say we are now operating together as one big family, united in our mission to serve families experiencing homelessness in our community.”

Ms. Jacobs said merging the two shelters will allow Leading Families Home to serve more than 1,000 people a year.

The acquisition was supported by $290,000 in funding from the city and a $20,000 Strategic Alliance Partnership Grant from the Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

“We save lives by allowing families to live here and regroup so that they can go out and be productive citizens and live the dream [in] the city of Toledo,” said City Councilman Cerssandra McPherson.

Leading Families Home began as Beach Family Shelter in 1921 and has served hundreds of families throughout its tenure. Family House started as the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance in 1985.

Rosalyn Clemens, director of the department of neighborhoods for the city of Toledo, said she was visited by leaders of Family House in November, who told her, “We think that we can be more impactful if we combine forces.”

She said it’s her job to help manage federal resources at a time in a country where those resources are dwindling.

“Nonprofits tend to be territorial,” Ms. Clemens said. “They work in their silos and as we deal with this issue of dwindling resources, we have to address how we can become more efficient with the resources that we have.

“When they came to me that day and asked for $290,000 for this transition, it was just a no-brainer for me to [go] before council … and ask for this money because it was such a visionary move on their behalf,” she continued. “It was such an impactful thing to combine forces to be able to serve more people.”

The mayor shared the same sentiment.

“It’s a difficult time in America right now for nonprofits, social service providers, frankly, like Family House,” Mr. Kapszukiewicz said. “It’s good if you’re Elon Musk and you need a tax break. It’s bad for everyone else. We have to have organizations step up to fill in the gap and that is what is happening here.”

First Published March 12, 2026, 6:07 p.m.

WTOL: Leading Families Home and Family House Unit celebrate collaboration with ribbon-cutting

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:09:28 GMT

The collaboration between Leading Families Home and Family House began in January, supported by funding from the city of Toledo.

https://www.wtol.com/video/news/local/leading-families-home-and-family-house-unit-celebrate-collaboration-with-ribbon-cutting/512-a04e21a5-6873-4eb3-9938-02305c319442

13abc: More local families in need of shelter

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:41:01 GMT

More local families in need of shelter

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Leading Families Home has been helping people achieve independence and economic stability for more than a century. Now, leaders say they are seeing a sharp increase in requests for emergency help.

Leading Families Home has three different campuses around Toledo that can provide shelter for more than 200 people on any given night. But doing that is becoming more and more challenging.

“We are an agency that helps families in crisis. We have three different properties that have shelters for emergency family shelters for homelessness and we have two housing programs, we offer behavioral health and substance abuse, so that we can help people full cycle,” Jennifer Jacobs, the executive director, said.

But providing that support is becoming more difficult.

“We’ve had probably 20 to 30% cuts amongst grants this entire year and so as the need grows, our financial support is decreasing at the same time and so that is leaving a large gap to make up,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs loves what she does. In fact, her work goes home with her most nights.

“It’s a lot of sleepless nights, it’s constantly on my mind, it’s constantly in my heart, I’m constantly thinking where do we go from here, what are the answers, where are some answers we haven’t thought of before, what else could we be doing?” Jacobs said.

13 Action News visited the Beach House Ashland, one of the organization’s emergency shelters. While the group helps hundreds of families at the three shelters every year, it is not enough.

“Our numbers are higher than they have been; we have 146 families on a waitlist just waiting to get into shelter in Toledo,” Jacobs said.

What keeps the staff going is the success stories and there are plenty of them. Lurnetta Brackette said her world was recently turned upside down.

“I’m trying not to cry, because I’ve been through a lot,” Brackette said.

She said her husband was the primary provider. He got sick and had to retire from his job, the two lost their home and are now at the shelter.

“There is a better day coming, you just have to do the work, that’s what we did. I am thankful, truly thankful,” Brackette said.

“We know that we are making a difference, with the help of the community, we’re definitely making a difference. It’s just sometimes, I just wish I could snap my fingers and help everybody all at the same time and end the problem,” Jacobs said.

Brackette and her husband are looking at a new place to call home this week.

Leading Families Home also runs Beach House on Erie Street, as well as Family House.

There are a lot of ways you can help, you can donate things like canned goods, bedding, money and time. If you need the shelter, call 211.

To learn more about Leading Families Home, click here.

Source: https://www.13abc.com/2026/01/15/more-local-families-need-shelter/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPWE1dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFqWGhGbktMZ3RocHN1T2FXc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsgMdiahWZCNRyRah7J5ijuTRajGokQO0Ep0dN-sUZsoSXSzG-37ixjudV7Y_aem_yrWN5Ev2ipukk-ya_20J2w

From Crisis to Confidence: Candace Buckley on Dignity, Strategy, and Housing Stability

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:55:59 GMT

From Crisis to Confidence: Candace Buckley on Dignity, Strategy, and Housing Stability

A Partnership Built on Trust and Outcomes

Candace Buckley’s support for Leading Families Home stretches back more than five years administering grants, and then serving as the Deputy Director at the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board. Her role required strict oversight and accountability. What she witnessed was an organization consistently rising to the moment.

“I knew they were a good organization because their end-users told me,” she said. “Working at the Board, you’d get calls daily, but the calls about Leading Families Home were compliments. Families would name staff directly, thanking them for compassion and care. That said everything to me.”

A Century of Impact, Culture, and Stability

At the time, Candace was helping expand homelessness system funding from 11 grants to more than 50, ensuring agencies had the resources to meet growing needs. Through that work, she watched Leading Families Home establish itself as a critical anchor, uniquely focused on supporting families through emergency shelter and long-term housing pathways.

“You don’t survive for 100 years in this community unless you’re innovative, resilient, compassionate, and collaborative,” she said. “Leading Families Home is all of those things.”

Candace credits their culture and staff as core strengths: people who show up with pride, call community members by name, and make sure every family feels seen and respected. “No one wants to be in an emergency shelter. But Leading Families Home leads with dignity and focuses on hope and healing. They meet each person where they are.”

A Success Story That Defines Why the Work Matters

Candace has witnessed many success stories over the years but carries one specific story with her: a woman she knew personally who entered the shelter system after a sudden decline in health and stability. Once a high-earning corporate professional and veteran, she experienced a rapid and traumatic shift in circumstances. Leading Families Home became a place of trust, connection, and emergency respite.

“She was determined to rebuild, and she did so quickly,” Candace said. “Leading Families Home didn’t define her by her crisis. They understood her situation, treated her with dignity, and helped her stabilize. That experience changed her trajectory.”

Intentional Case Management That Drives Housing Stability

From Candace’s perspective, Leading Families Home’s strength lies in its intentionality. Their robust case management ensures families remain supported long after they leave the shelter, which is a key reason so many remain stably housed.

She also believes the organization’s strong relationships with landlords are another major differentiator. These relationships help families overcome stigma and secure healthy housing in a market that is increasingly limited and competitive.

Strategic Alignment Across Systems and Community Needs

Candace sees alignment between Leading Families Home’s mission and her own work leading the Toledo Lead Resource Center. She values Leading Families Home’s commitment to placing families in safe and healthy environments, especially critical in a region where aging housing stock and environmental risks create real barriers to long-term stability.

She emphasized that safe, healthy, and affordable housing stability is foundational to economic mobility.

Looking Forward: Strengthening Families and Toledo’s Future

Candace hopes to see continued investment in Leading Families Home and envisions future opportunities to expand services, including workforce development, childcare support, and clinical partnerships.

“Supporting Leading Families Home is supporting Toledo’s mission to help families do better,” she said.

Her belief in the organization’s impact is clear, grounded in years of firsthand experience:

“Every single family served by Leading Families Home is worth it, no matter their background or what brought them there. Leading Families Home sees people first, not their crisis. That’s why their work matters.”

The Blade: First-ever UpTown cleanup serves a dual purpose

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:36:14 GMT

First-ever UpTown cleanup serves a dual purpose

About 75 volunteers participated in the first-ever UpTown Cleanup Day on Friday.

Beyond the obvious goal of helping one of Toledo’s near-downtown neighborhoods make more strides toward a comeback, the event had a more serious objective for some of the participants: keeping an eye out for homeless people in need of services.

The Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board was one of the event partners for that reason.

It viewed the cleanup as a chance to become more visible and possibly connect more directly with those in need, said Julie Embree, the board’s executive director.

“There’s been an increase in the number of folks on the street, with the economy the way it is and the lack of affordable housing,” she said. “We want to provide grace to our homeless folks.”

Toledo’s regular number of 588 shelter beds are at capacity, Ms. Embree said.

“There are more than 250 people on wait lists now,” she said.

Sandra De Steno, United Way of Greater Toledo 211 director, said that wait list includes about 175 families.

The last time the need was this great was during the coronavirus pandemic. She said relief came back then in the form of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Also called the coronavirus stimulus package, ARPA provided $1.9 trillion in federal money to help cities nationwide.

Now, there are “fewer and fewer resources to stabilize them,” Ms. De Steno said of homeless people.

“There’s a lot of people focused on [donating] food right now, but food is only one of the many things that people need,” she said.

Lisa Pengov, the homelessness board’s operations manager, said the problem “keeps getting worse.”

“We have a lot of encampments popping up right now,” she said. “Homeless individuals are staying out on the street because all of the shelters are full. The encampments are getting larger and larger, and we’re getting more people on the street.”

The event was organized by ConnecToledo, in partnership with Downtown Toledo Improvement District.

Betsy Ujvagi, ConnecToledo office manager, agreed the cleanup was a good “visibility opportunity” for the homelessness board to help expand its reach.

“We’re in a different environment this year,” Ms. Embree said. “We anticipate the number of people we see on the street is going to grow. Let’s find some grace and connection for our unsheltered folks. We’re asking our businesses for help to do that.

As much as anything, Ms. Embree said, the UpTown district cleanup was an event “to showcase how we can work together and find solutions.”

She and others said they hope it expands to other neighborhood districts.

They saw Friday’s event as the kickoff for multiple cleanups in the spring and fall of 2026.

One of the many other groups involved was Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful.

Its executive director, Adam Cassi, said that group provided gloves, bags, litter tongs, and other supplies.

Volunteers met at 10 a.m. at UpTown Green, 1904 Madison Ave., and spent a couple of hours picking up litter.

“It’s a way to beautify our city, but it also shows people are dedicated to making our city a good place to live,” Mr. Cassi said.

He said cleanups are good for residents and good for the business community.

“There’s a lot of research that says once an area is clean it’s easier to keep it that way,” Mr. Cassi said. “It shows that we take pride in our city, and that littering is socially unacceptable.”

One of the people picking up trash was Johnathan Nichols, 35, Family House marketing and development director.

“We’ve seen an increased need and we continue to rally for community support to serve the families,” Mr. Nichols said.

Another volunteer, Corey Julius, 34, works at the nearby Toledo Metro Federal Credit Union, 1212 Adams St., as its vice president of lending.

“I want to give back to the community. Helping to clean up is an easy way for us average people to chip in a bit,” Mr. Julius said. “I was pleasantly surprised to see the turnout. Honestly, there are more people than I expected to be here.”

First Published November 14, 2025, 4:30 p.m.

Source: https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2025/11/14/first-uptown-cleanup-serves-dual-purpose/stories/20251114122

13abc: Leading Families Home acquires Family House shelter

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:33:26 GMT

Leading Families Home acquires Family House shelter

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - The Family House shelter will continue operating after Leading Families Home acquired the location, receiving nearly $300,000 from city council.

The Family House had been operating in the red for over a year and was at risk of closure, Leading Families Home executive director Jennifer Jacobs said.

Without the funding, the shelter would have closed and put over 100 residents back on the streets.

“It helps with the transition period because we’re waiting for the grants to be transferred over to the Leading Families Home name. We can’t allocate salaries; there are many things we can’t do until these transitions take place,” said Jacobs.

Brittany Perkins, a resident at Family House, said she doesn’t know where she would be without the shelter. Perkins said she came from a domestic violence situation and stays at the shelter with her one-year-old son, Jasper.

“I am extremely grateful,” Perkins said.

The shelter’s family focus allows Perkins and her son to stay together.

“They’re able to give you a single room for you and your family to be in. They’re giving you everything, bed sheets and all that. They’re giving you a new opportunity,” Perkins said.

The merger creates the largest organization in the area dedicated to serving families in crisis.

“We’ll have room for about 204 extra beds in the community to help families,” Jacobs said.

Perkins said she’s set up with a place to rent and is just waiting for a unit to become available.

Source: https://www.13abc.com/2025/11/15/leading-families-home-acquires-family-house-shelter/

From Shelter to Stability: Ron Ranallo on LFH’s Continuum of Care

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:57:39 GMT

From Shelter to Stability: Ron Ranallo on LFH’s Continuum of Care

For more than a decade, Ron Ranallo has helped shape the mission and impact of Leading Families Home. His involvement began long before the organization was known by its current name. He served on the board of FOCUS and later supported the transition when FOCUS merged with Beach House in 2016. The merger was not simply a structural change. It allowed families experiencing homelessness to access multiple forms of support under one roof.

“I have been part of this organization through five executive directors and a lot of change, but the mission has never shifted,” Ron said. “We are here to end homelessness, or at least significantly reduce it, and we are doing the work every day.”

A Personal Call to Serve

Ron’s path to LFH began during his career at Owens Corning, where he was asked to lead the company’s United Way initiative. He spent years engaging with local nonprofits, learning about community needs, and seeing firsthand how many families in Northwest Ohio were struggling. That experience permanently changed his perspective.

“Once you understand the reality of homelessness in our community, you cannot unsee it,” he said. “It became clear this was something I needed to give my time to.”

He later joined the board of the Aurora Project at the request of a colleague, which eventually led to his involvement with FOCUS and then Leading Families Home. Today, he serves as treasurer and a member of the finance committee.

Why LFH’s Model Works

Ron believes the heart of LFH is its continuum of care. The organization doesn’t only offer shelter. It provides a path to stability, with wraparound services designed to help families rebuild and remain housed.

“We do not just give someone a bed and send them back into the world,” Ron said. “We stabilize families. We subsidize rent. We make sure children can stay in the same schools. Parents receive employment coaching and support. It’s about long-term success, not a temporary solution.”

Much of that work depends on experienced case managers and social workers who guide families through the process. Many have been with LFH for years, offering consistency and compassionate care.

“They are the heart of this organization,” he said. “These are high-stress jobs, and the people who stay do it because they are called to this work. They believe in the mission.”

Breaking the Cycle for Children

If you were to ask Ron about LFH, he would return again and again to one point: the children experiencing homelessness. He would emphasize that when a family loses housing, the instability affects everything from education to emotional development.

“No child chooses homelessness,” he said. “It is traumatic for adults and even more traumatic for children. When you provide stability, counseling, and a chance to stay in school, that is how you break the cycle. You give children a chance.”

To Ron, that is where LFH makes its most meaningful impact. Housing is not the finish line. It is the foundation that allows families to rebuild.

Stories of Transformation

Some of the most powerful moments for Ron come from hearing directly from families who have gone through LFH programs. During fundraising events, former residents often share their stories of navigating crisis, finding stability, and rebuilding their lives.

“These success stories are tragic, but also inspiring,” he said. “No two stories are the same, other than they ended up in a shelter. Hearing how far they have come is incredibly powerful.”

One story stays with him. A former Beach House resident, who spent time in the shelter as a child, is now a business professional serving on the LFH board.

“His story is full-circle,” Ron said. “He is successful, he is giving back, and it all started with the stability his family found here.”

Homelessness is a Serious Community Issue That Requires Community Action

Although LFH has made tremendous strides, Ron believes the scale of homelessness is far larger than most people realize. Hundreds of families in Northwest Ohio are currently unhoused, and that number is significantly underreported.

“I wish more people understood the magnitude,” he said. “It is a gigantic number, and it is growing.”

Ron believes the community can do better by working more collaboratively. Rather than many organizations working separately, he believes there should be more partnerships, shared resources, and streamlined services.

“There needs to be more collaboration and fewer silos,” he said. “It is more efficient for donors and more effective for families.”

Funding is another challenge, especially because nonprofits often receive grants through reimbursement-only models. The organization spends the money first, then waits to get it back. Ron sees unrestricted funding as essential to sustainability.

“Unrestricted funding is critical,” he said. “It allows an organization to make strategic decisions and run its operations without waiting for reimbursement.”

Why Volunteers Matter

While financial support is important, Ron believes volunteering changes the way people see homelessness. It gives community members a firsthand understanding of who is being served and what they are overcoming.

“When you volunteer, even for a short time, it becomes personal,” he said. “You see what is happening behind the curtain, and that is what hooks people. That is what hooked me.”

Ron encourages anyone looking for purpose or connection to get involved. LFH offers opportunities for short-term, long-term, and group volunteering, all of which make a difference.

Looking Ahead

LFH is preparing for major growth as it acquires Family House and expands its capacity. This includes additional housing units, more behavioral health support, and a broader range of services designed to keep families stable long after they leave shelter.

“That is the future,” he said. “Comprehensive services, continuity of care, and collaboration. We are moving in that direction, and it gives me hope.”

After ten years of service, Ron remains committed, both personally and financially, to the mission.

“I am proud of what we have built, and I am proud of the families who have worked so hard to rebuild their lives,” he said. “Ending homelessness is a big goal, and we cannot do it alone. But every family that finds stability is proof the mission matters. And that is what keeps me here.”

The Blade: Leading Families Home acquires Family House

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:29:39 GMT

The Blade: Leading Families Home acquires Family House

Two leading family-services organizations in Toledo have combined in an effort to “strengthen housing stability” for families in crisis.

Leading Families Home on Thursday announced the acquisition of Family House with the help of $290,000 in funding from the city of Toledo, according to a news release.

The resulting organization will be “the largest nonprofit in the region dedicated exclusively to serving families in crisis, expanding capacity to serve more than 1,000 individuals each year through emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive services,” officials said.

Founded in 1921 as Beach House Family Shelter, Leading Families Home has served families in Toledo for more than a century. Family House, established in 1985 by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, has been a refuge for families across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, offering shelter and supportive resources.

For more information about Leading Families Home, visit lfhtoledo.org .

First Published November 13, 2025, 11:03 a.m.

Source: https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2025/11/13/leading-families-home-acquires-family-house/stories/20251113125

Press Release - Leading Families Home Acquires Family House, Strengthening Services for Families Experiencing Homelessness

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:40:00 GMT

Leading Families Home Acquires Family House, Strengthening Services for Families Experiencing Homelessness

Leading Families Home has acquired Family House, combining two of the region’s most established family service organizations to strengthen housing stability. The acquisition, supported by $290,000 in funding from the City of Toledo, takes effect immediately.

Together, the organizations will create the largest nonprofit in the region dedicated exclusively to serving families in crisis, expanding capacity to serve more than 1,000 individuals each year through emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive services.

“The acquisition of these two organizations supports our strategic goal of reducing shelter administrative and operational costs in a climate of declining resources, said Rosalyn Clemens, director of the Toledo Department of Housing and Community Development. “By joining forces, these two shelters will achieve more efficient delivery of services to Toledo homeless families.

We thank Mayor Kapszukiewicz and the Toledo City Council for supporting this vision. “This acquisition allows us to provide a stronger, more coordinated response for families who need safe shelter and long-term stability,” said Jennifer Jacobs, executive director of Leading Families Home. “Both organizations share a deep commitment to compassion and community, and this step ensures that legacy continues for generations to come.”

Founded in 1921 as Beach House Family Shelter, Leading Families Home has served families in Toledo for more than a century, helping them achieve safety, stability and independence through housing, behavioral health, and case management programs. Family House, established in 1985 by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, has been a vital refuge for families across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, offering shelter and supportive resources with dignity and respect.

The acquisition will streamline administrative services and reduce operational redundancies, allowing Leading Families Home to direct more resources toward direct support and expanding programs for families in crisis.

“By coming together, we are preserving two strong legacies while expanding the impact for families who need us most,” said Debra Sue Pearson, president of the board of Leading Families Home. “This is a powerful step forward for our community.”

The city’s funding will support the acquisition, facility updates and uninterrupted services through the winter months, ensuring continued stability for local families in need.

Winter Wonderland 2025

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:13:40 GMT

Join us for a night of magic, community, and giving back!

Celebrate the start of the season with Leading Families Home at our annual Winter Wonderland! This festive evening brings our community together to reflect on all we’ve accomplished this year—and to support a cause that changes lives.

Tickets are just $25 each or $200 for a Table of 8.

2025 Family Adoptions

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:13:40 GMT

2025 Family Adoptions

Every holiday season, Leading Families Home connects generous community members with families in our care through our Family Adoptions program.

By “adopting” a family, you’ll have the chance to make the season brighter by providing gifts and essentials that bring joy, comfort, and hope during this special time of year. Whether it’s toys for little ones, cozy winter wear, or meaningful household items, your support helps ensure families feel the love and spirit of the holidays.

Your kindness reminds families that they are seen, valued, and supported — and that brighter days are ahead.

GivingTuesday with Leading Families Home

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:06:04 GMT

JOIN THE MOVEMENT. CHANGE A LIFE.

GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity that happens every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. What began as a simple idea—to encourage people to do good—has grown into a worldwide celebration of giving, kindness, and community impact.

This year, you can be part of something bigger than yourself by supporting Leading Families Home.

Help Us Repair Our Basement

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 19:36:13 GMT

Help Us Repair Our Basement

Our basement leaked and it damaged our laundry room and the playroom where the children in our care learn, play, and feel safe. We urgently need support to repair the leak and restore these important spaces for our families.

Every gift makes a difference. If you’re able, please consider donating through PayPal to help us protect this space.

Thank you to our supporters

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:17:28 GMT

Thank you!

It's been very busy time with events! Thank you to everyone who came out and supported us.

In Memory of Jeanne St. John

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:11:47 GMT

Honoring one of our long-time supporters with proceeds going to Leading Families Home

Jeanne was a 1965 graduate of Fremont Ross High School. On May 7, 1966 in Fremont she married Tim St. John. Together they enjoyed many winters in Myrtle Beach and summers at Auburn Lake in New Washington.

Jeanne loved to spend time with her family. Whether it was camping, or crocheting or cooking meals, family time was the best time. She was a Cleveland Indians fan and liked to travel.

Jeanne St. John has been an avid supporter of Leading Families Home; Beach House Family Shelter over the past couple of years. She loved and cared about the organization and its mission.

Leading Families Home; Beach House Family Shelter has been helping families for over a century achieve independence and economic stability by providing life-changing resources, including mental wellness, education, employment services, and safe, affordable, sustainable housing.

We guide families from homelessness, education, and employment services. Along with this, Leading Families Home; Beach House Family Shelter have housing programs available with Case Management Services monthly to ensure self-sustainability and provide support to the clients.

Hope is found when you enter the doors of either of the two shelters that Leading Families Home offers.

It was Jeanne St. John's wish that proceeds from her services be donated to Leading Families Home; Beach House Family Shelter so that they can continue their mission to Solve Homelessness.

Jeanne St. John often donated to the shelter and would crochet many scarves for the children and adults on a yearly basis.

2025 Fashion Show in Photos

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:26:59 GMT

Galentine's Girl Fashion Show is a huge success, benefits Leading Families Home

Stephanie Reighard, Executive Assistant; Mindy LaRocca, M is for Mindy fashion influencer; Mary Helen Darah, Taylor Automotive Ambassador; Danielle Edwards, Development Communications Specialist; owner of LP) Life's a Party.

Photos of 2025 Fashion Show

Fashion Show Details

The Galentine Girl's Fashion Show was a fabulous event, hosted by Mindy LaRocca, a local fashion influencer known as M is for Mindy. Food, drinks, and venue were provided by Taylor Hyundai of Perrysburg / Taylor Automotive Family. The latest fashion was provided by Macy's and styled by Carla Jan. Hair and makeup were provided by Paul Mitchell The School, Sylvania. Floral arrangements were provided by Wind in the Willows Floral Boutique in Dundee, Michigan. Swag bags included items from Flick's Package Liquor, The Melting Spot, Macy's, Jukebox, Libbey Glass, and Unique Design.

The DJ for the event was Adam Dick. Photography was provided by Tommy Westrick of Adventure Photography & China Koch, Digital Media Manager, Taylor Hyundai of Perrysburg. Videography was handled by highlight.tommy. Photo backdrop designed by LP) Life's a Party.

Event sponsors included Ron & Jill Ranallo, 102.9 W4 Country (advertising), Iott Insurance, Hosmer-Muehlig Funeral Chapel, LaRocca Trucking, and Mike's Garage/LaRocca's Towing.

Celebrity Models included Amanda Fay and Kaylee Bowers of WTOL 11, Madison Rally of 102.9 W4 Country. Additional models included Peg Westrick, Mindy LaRocca's mother; Jenna Caster and Meisha Rogers, Case Managers at LFH.

Attendees: 75

Funds Raised: $3,200

Taylor Hyundai of Perrysburg Ambassador: Mary Helen Darah

LFH Coordinators: Stephanie Reighard and Danielle Edwards

LFH Volunteers: Mary Trinidad and Uneika Childress

"Since I started M is for Mindy, I’ve had so much fun helping women find their style regardless of their age. So, when I connected with LFH and decided to find a way to give back, I knew a fabulous fashion show was what I wanted to do. I had a vision of creating a night-out, bringing together all of the amazing women - and men - in my local community as a way to raise funds for an organization that is doing such great work," says Ms. LaRocca.

Fleeing Abuse: The North Family

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:45:00 GMT

Running On Empty

The North family is from south Ohio. The family includes the mother, Tanisha age 32, two sons, Jack, 13 and Tyler, 12, and two daughters, Delicia, 12 and Tyrra, 3. They arrived in Toledo after fleeing domestic abuse in their home city of Columbus.

As many families who find themselves in a domestic abuse situation, their abuser stripped them of resources and a support system, so they were left with nothing. They arrived in Toledo in a broken down mini van that they had been living out of for three weeks.

Headed North to Nowhere

Tanisha didn't envision this situation when she first met her husband, Dan. Instead, she married him as a young, optimistic 20-year old who was excited when she found herself pregnant with their first child.

She returned to work as a restaurant hostess after giving birth to Jack. However, her employment was short lived. Dan started hitting Tanisha after Jack was born. Dan claimed he suffered from extreme stress when Jack cried or needed to be taken care of. Tanisha became pregnant with twins, Tyler and Delicia, soon after. This only added to the stress Dan felt, stress that he took out on Tanisha in the form of physical and emotional abuse.

Once the twins were born, Tanisha stayed home with the children until the twins were old enough to start kindergarten. She then returned to her job as a hostess once again.

Unfortunately, Dan's abuse not only continued but got worse. Dan started calling Tanisha at work, to ensure she was there. He harassed her on the phone and his violent outbursts were even worse once she got home.

After weeks of Dan calling Tanisha at work, she lost her job due to her inability to get him to stop. The abuse continued for years. Tanisha did her best to deal with it, but her self esteem was destroyed. She also had no income for herself and relied on her abuser to provide food, clothing, and medical treatment to her and her children.

When Tanisha found herself pregnant again, she was both excited for the baby and devastated for the increased abuse that she knew would come with having a new baby in the house.

Tyrra was born when Jack was 10 and the twins were 9. As she feared, Tanisha was subjected to extreme abuse by Dan, who couldn't tolerate another child in his house.

When Tyrra was two, Dan smacked his daughter for the first time. Tanisha had been able to put up with the abuse when it was directed at her, but she couldn't tolerate the abuse of her child. In the middle of the night, she packed their minivan with bare essentials, put the kids in the backseats, and drove north. She didn't stop until she was in Toledo.

A New Day Dawns

Tanisha left her abusive husband and took her four children to a new city where no one knew them. She had only enough money to stay in a hotel for a few weeks. Once they ran out of money for the hotel, the little family stayed in their van.

Tanisha called 211 and was put on a waiting list for a shelter. United Way's 211 system placed them in Beach House Family Shelter after three weeks. (Many homeless families live in hotels, vehicles, or tents to survive. Learn more about where homeless people live and sleep .)

Once there, the North family was able to relax a bit in our home-like emergency shelter .

After a few months, the mom found full-time employment and housing. Now, they live in their own home and continue in our behavioral health, economic, and educational programs. They meet with a case manager once a month. They feel safe. They are finally home!

Domestic Violence & Economic Abuse

The North family shows us an example of domestic violence and economic abuse. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), the following stats are examples of the juxtaposition between domestic violence and economic abuse:

Between 21-60% of victims of intimate partner violence lose their jobs due to reasons stemming from the abuse
A survey by the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence found that, of respondents who were victims/survivors, 64% of reported their abuse impacted their ability to work; 40% reported their abuser harassed them at work via phone and in person
Victims of intimate partner violence lose a total of 8 million days of paid work each year, the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs
Between 2005 and 2006, 130,000 stalking victims/survivors were asked to leave their jobs as a result of their victimization
One study found that up to 50% of victims/survivors of sexual assault either lost or left their jobs after being assaulted

Find these stats and more on NCADV's website about domestic violence stats .

Locked Up: How Incarceration Impacts Homelessness

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 01:30:54 GMT

Homelessness Meets Incarceration

"National research suggests that up to 15% of incarcerated people experience homelessness in the year before admission to prison. And city- and state-level studies of homeless shelters find that many formerly incarcerated people rely on shelters, both immediately after their release and over the long term." - PrisonPolicy.org

What's the connection between being incarcerated and being homeless? Studies show that homelessness is higher among specific populations, including those who have been incarcerated more than once and those who have recently been released from jail. ( See stats )

Unsheltered homeless people are more likely to "interact with the justice system" than sheltered homeless people. ( urban.org ) The reason? Unsheltered homeless people have nowhere to go - they have no home, and therefore, live their lives in the open. This includes sleeping, urinating, and asking for money - all actions which are criminalized by society.

"Almost 50,000 people a year enter homeless shelters immediately after exiting incarceration." - endhomelessness.org

“We suspected that many of the problems in our communities for which elected officials seek criminal justice system solutions are actually problems of homelessness, mental illness, and untreated substance use disorder,” said Doug Smith, Texas Criminal Justice Coalition (TCJC) Senior Policy Analyst. ( One Size FAILS All, TCJC Report )

Mental and Physical Health

Ex-prisoners are not equipped for the transition back into civilian life. Pre-existing mental illness is exacerbated by incarceration, and is a leading cause in both substance abuse and homelessness. Among ex-offenders, those with mental illness have a significantly higher than average rate of homelessness and housing insecurity. “37% of people in state and federal prisons have been diagnosed with serious psychological distress and 66% of people in federal prisons reported not receiving any mental health care while incarcerated.” ( Mental Health, prisonpolicy.org )

The lack of assistance and criminalization of mental illness leads to and increases due to incarceration and police interaction. Coming out of incarceration, ex-prisoners can experience increased rates of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, impaired decision-making, and more, making it harder for them to function in a society with little resources in place to treat them. ( Indicators of Mental Health Problems Reported by Prisoners and Jail Inmates 2011 - 12, U.S. Department of Justice )

Because of cost and space, many patients suffering from debilitating mental illnesses are discharged from hospitals without proper housing or resources set up and leading to homelessness, and eventually, incarceration. In a study of 132 patients discharged from Columbus State Hospital in Ohio, 36% became homeless within six months. ( 250,000 mentally Ill are Homeless. 140,000 seriously mentally Ill are Homeless, mentalillnesspolicy.org )

At the Shelterhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio, 47% of the homeless individuals served by the organization were mentally ill and 56% disabled. - ( 2021 Shelterhouse Statistics, shelterhousecincy.org )

Mental illness is indisputably a primary factor in homelessness and incarceration alike, and is escalated when it interacts with both. In addition, mental illness is a common cause of substance abuse and addiction which is heavily criminalized in the United States and leads to a higher rate of incarcerated homeless individuals who suffer from addiction. When a homeless individual becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, most of the money they can come up with goes to pay for their addiction. Addicts and substance abusers are faced with disciplinary action instead of access to rehabilitation and mental health assistance which perpetuates the cycle of substance abuse, homelessness, and incarceration.

Housing and Shelter

Another factor in the relationship between homelessness and incarceration is housing affordability and rent issues. “Stable housing is the foundation of successful reentry from prison. Data shows that many formerly incarcerated people struggle to find places to live due to discrimination by public housing authorities and private property owners.” These authorities and owners implement their own screening criteria to determine if an applicant merits housing.

The process relies upon criminal record checks as a primary source of information. Along with this, credit checks, high security deposits, and other housing application requirements such as professional references serve as concrete barriers for people coming out of incarceration. With a lack of access to stable housing, the access to healthcare services, job security, and educational programs is also limited and virtually impossible. – https://prisonpolicy.org/reports/housing.html#raceandgender

While it was found that 203 out of every 10,000 formerly incarcerated people were homeless, nearly three times as many - 570 out of every 10,000 - were housing insecure. Research has also uncovered notable demographic differences by expanding our view to the housing insecure population: Hispanics, for example, were more likely than people of any other race to live in marginal housing. Men had much higher rates of marginal housing than women, resulting in high rates of housing insecurity. And older formerly incarcerated people experienced the highest rates of housing insecurity. - https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/housing.html#raceandgender

Oppressed Populations & Discrimination

The role race, gender, and sexuality plays in incarceration and homelessness must be addressed in order to better understand the unique circumstances populations face. Oppression and discrimination hinders individuals from obtaining the resources they need and being treated with fairness and compassion. Because of disproportionate policing in Black and Latinx communities and racial disparities in convictions and sentencing, Black and Latinx people are more likely to be involved with the criminal justice system and, as a result, are more likely to face housing discrimination because of a criminal record. Excessive policing is a major factor in the misrepresentation of criminality in Black and Latinx communities. This discrimination follows these communities through the justice system and prevents equal access to resources after exiting. https://housingmatters.urban.org/feature/communities-can-better-prevent-homelessness-through-housing-and-justice-system-partnerships

Gender, race, and ethnicity combine to put women of color at greater risk of unsheltered homelessness. Black women experience the highest rate of sheltered homelessness – nearly four times the rate of white men, and twice as high as the rate of Black men. Women of color have been excluded from social resources necessary to succeed after incarceration at a rate higher than other populations.

(See the statistics)- https://prisonpolicy.org/reports/housing.html#raceandgender

These disparities between populations and unequal access to resources must be recognized. Working toward more inclusive and anti-oppressive policies is essential to creating opportunity for ex-prisoners and homeless individuals.

There is a strong link between incarceration and homelessness among formerly incarcerated LGBTQ youth. LGBTQ youth face higher rates of detention and incarceration. “A 2015 study shows that 20% of all youth in the juvenile justice system identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning, gender nonconforming, or transgender, even though they compose only 5-7% of the total U.S. youth population.” This high percentage of justice-involved LGBTQ may be driven by their even higher rates of homelessness. Homelessness is the greatest predictor of involvement with the juvenile justice system, and 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBT. Incarceration can be detrimental to young people’s physical and mental health, their relationships, and their social and economic prospects. Juvenile delinquency records can prevent them from accessing housing and finding employment once released, and they face similar discrimination but public housing authorities as incarcerated adults. Finding stable housing post-release and eradicating discrimination based on criminal records is of utmost importance to avoid cycles of reincarceration, especially when this cycle starts at such a young age.

https://prisonpolicy.org/blog/2019/01/22/lgbtq_youth/

As youth transition into adulthood, the disproportionate amount of LGBTQ homeless and incarcerated people continues to rise. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are incarcerated at three times the rate of straight people. https://prisonpolicy.org/blog/2019/01/22/lgbtq_youth/

If these forms of intersectional discrimination and layered oppression are not addressed, there cannot be steps made toward equity for all populations.

What can be done about this interaction of homelessness and incarceration?

In its report, the National Low Income Housing Coalition states that "the causes of homelessness among former prisoners include discrimination, a reliance on criminal records to screen potential tenants, the shortage of affordable housing, large security deposits, and other application requirements like professional references." ( Nowhere to go: Homelessness among formerly incarcerated people )

Also noted as causes of homelessness among the incarcerated: lack of safe and stable housing, lack of healthcare services, obtaining employment, and access to educational opportunities.

TCJC recommends a better reentry system that helps people understand their housing options before they leave prison. The system should also help them obtain housing and rental assistance.

"The report also encourages cities and states to “ban the box” asking about criminal records on housing applications, end the criminalization of homelessness, and expand social services for people without a home."

Resources

Nowhere to Go: Homelessness among formerly incarcerated people - prisonpolicy.org

Five Charts That Explain the Homelessness-Jail Cycle and How to Break It - urban.org

One Size FAILS All - texascjc.org

Mental Health - prisonpolicy.org

Indicators of Mental Health Problems Reported by Prisoners and Jail Inmates 2011 - 12, U.S. Department of Justice

250,000 mentally Ill are Homeless. 140,000 seriously mentally Ill are Homeless - mentalillnesspolicy.org

2021 Shelterhouse Statistics - shelterhousecincy.org

Housing Stability: Our Goal for All Shelter Participants

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 13:02:00 GMT

At Leading Families Home, we believe in creating stability for our Shelter Participants in order to help them maintain permanent housing once they’ve transitioned from homelessness.

We do this in a number of ways, including financial education, case management support, and housing.

Homeless

When our Participants first come to Beach House Family Shelter, it is because they lack an adequate nighttime residence – in other words, they have no home. Our goal at Beach House Family Shelter is to help them transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

We do this by first providing a safe, clean shelter for them. Once our Participants have a place to live, they can focus on other things. They don’t have to worry about having a safe place for their children to sleep – and this gives them the freedom to branch out and create a better life for themselves.

Once in Shelter, our Participants engage in programs to help them improve their lives. This includes education in health, finance, and parenting skills. Knowledge increases our Participants’ self-esteem and confidence, which helps them take risks like finding a job.

Each Participant at our Shelter also receives case management and support. This means that an individual employed by Leading Families Home is assigned to help the Participant. This individual is there for the Participant throughout his or her time at Beach House Family Shelter and beyond. The case manager is there to offer guidance, encouragement, and support.

The case manager also helps his or her Participants to transition to permanent housing. Although many of our Participants search for and find an appropriate place to live, the case manager is there to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Usually a Participant stays at our shelter for 30 days or less. At the end of this time, most Participants have found a housing unit and have signed a lease. Case managers stay in touch with Participants once they move into their new home. The case manager is there to ensure the lease is valid and fair. They help if any disputes with a landlord arise.

Our program works because it addresses the need for housing first. Once a Participant has housing, he or she can focus on creating a good life for themselves and their families.

Does it work? Yes, and we have proof.

Housing Stability

Over the years, several former Participants have stayed in their unit for several years after they’ve exited our program at Leading Families Home. This means that they’re able to pay their entire rent on their own.

Many times, the landlord we’ve worked with to house our Participants tellls us how grateful they are for our program. Often, they even inquire about putting another Participant in the same unit.

Our agency feels that housing is the foundation for success, and this confirms that our former Participants were able to maintain their housing through creating enough income every month to pay rent, along with utilities and other regular expenses.

I don’t think this can be understated: our very goal is to help transition our Participants to stability in their lives, and these stories are confirmation of success.

You Can Change a Life

For our current and future Participants, the need for comprehensive services continues to grow. To meet that need, we have big plans. And big plans call for big dollars. We need your help. Will you partner with us to meet the needs of our community? You can give by PayPal , or by mailing a check to Leading Families Home, 2910 W. Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43620

Thank you for always being faithful partners in our mission — helping families transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Together we’ve got this.

Donate Now

Let’s Connect

Connect with us on social media to see the latest stories from our Participants, Board Members, Staff, and Volunteers!

You can support Leading Families Home by liking or following our accounts, liking and SHARING them on your social media accounts. Invite your contacts to like or follow us, too! Let’s spread the word, and end homelessness in Toledo!

Help Us Out

Leading Families Home is based in Toledo, Ohio. We are dedicated to fighting homelessness in our community – and we’d love your help! Please consider supporting our organization in one of the following ways:

Donate Online

Leading Families Home partners with PayPal for secure online payments. Click Donate Now to be taken to the secure donation page.

Mail a Check

To donate by check, please make the check out to Leading Families Home.

Mail your check to the following address:

Leading Families Home

2283 Ashland Ave.

Toledo, OH 43620

Other Ways to Donate

When you shop on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. Learn more about AmazonSmile .

Use Kroger Community Rewards

It’s easy to donate with Kroger Community Rewards – just shop at Kroger, and swipe your Plus Card! Join Kroger Community Rewards .

Matching Gifts: Double Your Donation

Every year we have a Match Campaign – an exciting way for you to double your impact. During this campaign, our match partners will match your monetary donation to Leading Families Home.

Match partners also include corporate sponsors who match their employees’ donations. If you’d like to participate, find out if your employer matches employee donations to 501(c)(3) organizations and contact us .

Host a 3rd Party Fundraiser

Do you love to plan events? You can raise donations for LFH by hosting your own event! Have fun and make an impact on our community. Ask for donations instead of birthday gifts or baby shower presents.

Remember Us in Your Will

A Planned Gift allows you to donate in a very meaningful way. Contact your financial advisor or estate planner to learn more.