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About Project Kare

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Our Mission

Project KARE brings hope, recognition, and support to children in foster and kinship care, ensuring they feel valued and celebrated while recognizing the families who care for them.

Our Story

Origin 

Project KARE is a 501(c)3 non-profit that was created to assist children served by Stark County Children Services. Project KARE came about in the late 1980’s and started with their staff collecting money in a coffee can to help provide Christmas presents for a family the agency was working with that had no gifts for the children.

Who We Serve

Project KARE is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, more specifically to address the needs of children and families served by Stark County Job & Family Services (SCJFS), Children Services Division.

 

Project KARE also supports and recognizes SCJFS foster and adoptive parents dedicated to caring for Stark County's most vulnerable children. 

Our Leadership

Officers

  • Judge Kristen Donohue Guardado, Chairperson

  • Stacey Kyle, Vice-Chairperson

  • Trisha Tipple, Treasurer

  • Michelle Neisel, Coordinator

  • Katie Speicher, Foster Parent Liaison

  • Hannah Griffin, Foster Parent Representative

Board Members

  • Ashley Brahler-Coleridge

  • Lori Brown

  • Quay Compton

  • Susan Craig

  • Annette Crawford

  • Stacy DeChellis

  • Kelsey DiFrancesco

  • Lisa Gaetano

  • Jason Hancock

  • Jenna Humphries

  • Tricia Mayle

  • Joey O'Byrne

  • Melissa Pitinii

  • Judge Andrea Scassa

  • Cassie Tucker

  • Lisa Wojack

  • Luann Worstell

  • Kathy Zurakowski

Honorary Members

  • Patricia Croskey

  • Doreen Culver

  • Patricia Gramoy

  • ​Susan Kunkle

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Join Us In Making A Difference

Together, we can bring joy, stability, and hope to every child we touch.

Explore What We Do

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Holiday Giving

Spread joy this holiday season by supporting children through gift programs, stocking stuffers, and donation drives. Your generosity brings warmth, cheer, and happiness to kids of all ages.

Give Holiday Joy
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Birthday Buddies

Make a child’s birthday special with a card and gift, showing them they are remembered and valued.

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Celebrate a Birthday
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Back to School

Provide school supplies so children can start the year ready, confident, and prepared to succeed.

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Support Back to School
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Rising Up, Moving On (RUMO)

Celebrate the milestones of children earning a diploma, GED, or college degree and honor their hard work.

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Honor a Graduate
Fall Frolic

Fall Frolic

Support a festive day of connection and fun for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.

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Support the Event
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Foster Parent Banquet

Help honor the dedication and care of foster and adoptive parents who make a difference every day.

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Celebrate Caregivers
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Reverse Raffle

A Reverse Raffle flips the script — the last ticket drawn wins! A fun, lively way to support Project KARE’s mission of bringing hope and joy to local children.

Join the Fun
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Wear Blue

Every April help us spread awareness about child abuse prevention. Flood social media with #StarkWearsBlue and spread resources!

Join Our Cause
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