Volume 4 - Issue 7 | January 15, 2025

Cathy Tenney, Editor

A Word or Two…from the Board of Directors

• As Directors we are looking forward to another promising and productive year in 2025.   
• During the 2024 Fundraising Campaign our membership has been so giving and generous. THANK YOU!  We believe this reflects upon the faith and trust you hold in our ADSOEF mission and purpose.   Truly, your generosity simply takes our breath away!  
•  FYI…Collected contributions:  

July 1 through December 31: $13,692.69

November 13 through December 31:  $10,2502.86

December 1 through December 31:  $5,684.89

• Preparing in earnest for the 2025 ADSOEF Annual Meeting scheduled for April 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.  Specific details to be posted in the February and future issues of Foundation Matters.
• We continue to collaboratively work with Biennial Seminar Coordinator, Cindy Lawyer, to organize and bring to fruition the June11-13, 2025 Life Long Learning/Biennial Seminar event.
• We continue to facilitate the awarding of numerous scholarships, grants, and fellowships in 2025. 
• The election of five directors happens on April 10, at the ADSOEF Annual Meeting. We certainly look forward to seeing all of you at our Annual mMeeting!  Do plan to attend. 
• Remember the ADSOEF Director Electronic Applications are due by February 1, 2025, and can be found at adsoef.org.  Apply today!
•  Last, but not least…Thank you for your continuing support of ADSOEF!  It allows us (you included) to collectively impact the future of education in Ohio.
• Wishing you happiness, joy, and wonderful memories in 2025!

With sincere gratitude,

The ADSOEF Board of Directors

In this season of giving, the Educational Services Committee would like to share heartfelt testimony from Niki Shaner Applegate about the impact on her students from a $500.00 Individual/Classroom/Community Project grant. This award was possible because of all your generous donations. Please keep reading this final report for her Grief Companions Project.  

Signs of Healing:  How Companion Animals

Help Kids Navigate Grief

My name is Niki Applegate, and I'm an elementary counselor with the Teays Valley School District. For nearly 10 years, I've had the privilege of co-facilitating a grief group alongside a counselor from OhioHealth, offering support to elementary-aged children coping with the loss of a family member or close friend. Over the years, the group has grown significantly, particularly following the challenges of COVID, which has led us to expand into two groups this year due to increased demand. To ensure a safe and intimate setting, we limit our group size to a maximum of 8 students.

One memorable session involved gifting each child a companion animal. I placed the animals in gift bags, numbered them, and, during our meeting, the kids took turns drawing a number and retrieving the corresponding bag. The room filled with sweet anticipation as the children carefully opened their bags, exchanging smiles, hugs, and an overwhelming sense of joy. It was heartwarming to watch them bond with their new stuffed companions, each animal serving as a comforting presence in their lives.

Since that day, many children have continued to bring their companion animals with them to our weekly sessions. These animals provide a sense of security, helping the children manage difficult emotions and offering a tangible connection to the loved ones they have lost. The animals give them something to hold onto during tough moments-a quiet reminder that they are not alone.

It has been a deeply rewarding experience to witness the group's growth as they share their stories, supported by the comfort of their stuffed friends. Through their vulnerability, the children have become more resilient and learned coping strategies for when the tough days come. Thanks to the ADSEOF Grant, the children in this year's grief groups, and those in the years to come will have a constant companion on their journey-a little friend to walk beside them as they navigate life and grief.

FOUNDATION DIRECTORS