The Impact Edition: September 2025 | Event Updates & More!

The Impact Edition

September 2025

Hope Restored: Makinzee Writes a New Chapter

When ECRC staff member Randy first met Makinzee, she was newly released from prison and facing the overwhelming task of starting over. A single mother with a fierce love for her children, she was in the middle of a custody battle with the state for her 4-year-old son. The odds were stacked against her, but Makinzee carried herself with a quiet strength that refused to be ignored.

In our parent education classes, Randy saw more than just a woman trying to check boxes on a case plan. He saw a mother who showed up early, asked thoughtful questions, and leaned into every lesson with the hope that it might bring her one step closer to her son.

Read more about her story

The next chapter begins with YOU!

Limited tickets remain available for our 25th Anniversary Celebration

Join us in honoring the incredible individuals and partners who have helped us serve our local community for 25 years. During this evening of celebration, gratitude, and fun, we will commemorate the past, while looking ahead to our next chapter of ministry.

Help us write the next chapter! Purchase your ticket by October 1.

Dinner | Silent Auction | Gift Card Pull

>> Purchase your $25 event ticket here

>> Purchase a $50 rare bourbon raffle ticket

>> Event sponsorships still available

Be Part of the Story! Submit Your Video Today

The Early Childhood Resource Center is creating a special video tribute in honor of our 25th Anniversary—and we want YOU to be part of it!

Creating and submitting your brief (one minute or less) video clip is quick and easy, but it will have a lasting impact. Your time and participation will help us create a meaningful keepsake that celebrates 25 years of serving children, families, and our community.

If you’d like to contribute to this special montage, please upload your video clip no later than Friday, October 10, 2025.

LEARN MORE AND UPLOAD YOUR VIDEO

FEATURED SUPPORTERS

Investing in Bright Futures

At GBS, supporting our employees and their families has always been at the heart of who we are. One of the initiatives we are most proud of is the Larry A. Merriman (LAM) Memorial Scholarship, established in 2019 to honor the legacy of longtime GBS leader and founder Larry Merriman. Mr. Merriman was a guiding light for our company, and offering this annual scholarship in his name carries forward his commitment to helping others succeed.

The LAM scholarship provides financial assistance to the children of GBS employees as they pursue their next steps in education—whether through traditional college, trade school, craftsmanship or other skill-based training programs. Since its inception, the fund has helped ease the financial burden of postsecondary education, while also encouraging students to embrace community involvement, leadership and academic achievement. Read More...

Pictured at right is GBS 2025 Larry A. Merriman Scholarship recipient Lauren Harvey, along with her mother (shown at left), GBS employee Kristen Harvey.

Help Make A Positive Impact In Our Community

Through the support of individuals like you, we are proud to offer programming, resources, trainings, and referrals in the following counties: Portage, Mahoning, Medina, Stark, Summit, and Trumbull.

Donate Today

Visit www.ecresourcecenter.org/25years

to learn more about upcoming 25th Anniversary celebration events.

Early Childhood Resource Center

A Child Care Resource and Referral Agency

proudly serving Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Trumbull counties.

Visit our website ecresourcecenter.org or call 330-491-3272