Community Conversation

Heads to West Toledo

LCCS' series of community conversations looked west this past week, as the quarterly forums moved to the West Toledo Branch Library. There was a strong turnout as guests came out to have a healthy and productive discussion with agency staff. Stakeholders asked questions and connected with resources in their neighborhoods that could prevent involvement with LCCS should family stability issues arise. Partner presentations included the Ohio Children's Trust Fund, Leading Families Home, Parent Empowerment Institute, and the LCCS Family and Community Engagement Department.

The final community conversation for 2026 will take place in October; date and location will be announced in coming weeks.

LCCS Sponsors 
Fifth Annual Resource Fair

Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) is bringing together dozens of the area's most helpful service providers for its fifth annual Resource Fair, August 12, from 10 am to 1 pm, at the LCCS offices, 301 Adams Street in downtown Toledo.

"Our clients want to connect with services for their family, but don't know where to begin looking for them," says LaShawnda Holmes, LCCS coordinator of client services. "By bringing everyone together at one time and place, participants can gather written information and speak face-to-face with partner representatives to learn more about their offerings in health care, wellness, mental health, parenting, mentoring, daycare, and many other important fields."

Metered parking is available on streets surrounding the LCCS offices, and additional paid parking is available in the Superior Street garage. Admission to the Resource Fair is free. Further information is available at 419-213-3464.

Plan Ahead for Foster Ware

Mark your calendar and make plans to attend LCCS' seventh annual "Foster Ware" party, September 16, 6 to 8 pm. All are invited to learn about foster care and adoption, meet other foster and kinship parents, connect with agency staff and community supports, and discover how you can be "a part of their story" for a child in need of a stable, loving home.

"It's set up almost like speed dating," explains Sherry Dunn, LCCS recruitment supervisor. "Guests take seven minutes to get information from a foster parent resource provider, and when time is up, they move on to the next table," she explains. By the end of the evening, prospective foster parents will have learned about the resources available to them.

To reserve your seat, contact:

Sherry Dunn, 419-213-3476 /sherry.dunn@jfs.ohio.gov, 
or Greg Glark 419-213-3387 / Gregory.clark@jfs.ohio.gov.

Isaiah 1:17 House

Officially Opens

Isaiah 117 house officially opens in two weeks, with a ribbon cutting and open house set for August 16 at 3 pm. Isaiah 117 House Founder Ronda Paulson will speak and help lead the celebration as we welcome guests and share more about the way this home is serving children entering foster care in Lucas County by providing a safe, welcoming space for them during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. For location and Isaiah 117 information, email lucasoh@isaiah117house.com

LCCS In the Community

LCCS staff have been in the community participating in some of the local events that make Toledo great. Executive Director Randy Muth led a team of staff and family members that participated in the annual African American Festival Parade. This coming week, we will be part of JeepFest. Look for two Jeeps with the LCCS logo in the all-Jeep parade, and stop by our booth, where you can learn how to become "part of a child's story" as a foster parent.

LCCS Provides Back-to-School Support

Back-to-school can be an exciting time for kids, but it can be a worrisome one for caregivers, who, for any number of reasons, may be unable to provide everything on their children's school supply lists. One way that LCCS supports the families we work with is by providing every kindergarten through high school student who needs one with a backpack filled with grade-appropriate supplies. From glue sticks to graph paper, these essential tools are donated by members of the community, Friends of LCCS, Buckeye Broadband, and local businesses and organizations that are committed to helping our youth to start the school year right. On behalf of the staff and families served by LCCS, thank you to everyone who donated.

Virtual 
Foster Parent Informational Meeting

Monday, August 17, 2026

12:00-12:30pm

Join us for this informational meeting, conveniently presented via ZOOM. Fill out the online form or call 419-213-3336.

*Login information will be provided on the day of the event.

In-Person 
Foster Care Informational Meeting

Monday, August 17, 2026

4:15pm - 5:15pm

Main Branch Library

325 Michigan St, Toledo OH 43604

(for both the online and in-person sessions)

Virtual Foster/Adoptive Parent
Pre-Service Training Series
 in August

Are you ready to say, "YES" to becoming a foster or adoptive caregiver? Sign up for pre-service training – the first step on your foster or adoption journey.

Friday, August 14, 2026

9:00am – 3:45pm

Saturday, August 15, 2026

9:00am – 4:30pm

Sunday, August 16, 2026

9:00am – 5:00pm

~ Download the full training schedule (PDF) ~

How to Register

Signing up is easy—choose the option that works best for you:

• Complete the online Pre-Service Registration Form
• Call 419-213-3336
• Email Lucaskids-Recruitment@jfs.ohio.gov

Ready to take the first step?

Click the button below to choose the training series that fits your schedule.

August Survey

We Want to Hear From You!

What would you like to learn more about when it comes to Lucas County Children Services? Your voice matters deeply to us, and your feedback helps us better serve our community.

Please take just one minute 
to share your thoughts in our quick July Survey!

Together, we can make a difference for children and families in Lucas County. Will you stay connected and help us build a stronger community?

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