LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — In 2024, Allen County Children Services served one out of every 13 children in the county. That is why the agency wants to spotlight the good work being done to help vulnerable children.
The annual Community for Kids luncheon coincides with April’s designation as Child Abuse Prevention Month, promoting the importance of children growing up in a safe environment free from abuse and neglect. Allen County Children Services hosts the event each year to recognize partners who assist vulnerable children legally, physically and emotionally.
Gov. Mike DeWine was the keynote speaker. Throughout his tenure, he has made children and families a core part of his state budgets to ensure local agencies have the support they need to protect children.
Gov. Mike DeWine was the keynote speaker for the luncheon.
“Because they're dealing many times with very tough, difficult circumstances, and we got to protect these kids. We've also got to, if we can unify families again, we want to do that, but if we can't, then they have to go find a home for that child. So, they're doing the Lord's work. They're doing very, very important work,” said DeWine.
“We are so fortunate to live in a community that truly cares about kids. We work together every day with all of our different partners to make sure that we can do what's best for children,” said Sarah Newland, executive director of Allen County Children Services.
Karri Kelly was honored with the 2025 Family of the Year award.
Karri Kelly was honored with the 2025 Family of the Year award for overcoming drug addiction and turning her life around to regain full custody of her daughter.
The 2025 Friends of Children Awards were presented to:
- Gov. Mike DeWine
- Kara Wente, director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth
- Lima City Schools Superintendent Jill Ackerman, for her over 30 years of service to the students in the Lima City School District
- Carole Enneking, coordinator of the Allen County Family and Children First Council
- George Cox, for helping organize the Spencerville VFW Post 6237 Christmas Party for children served by Allen County Children Services
- Dave and Barb Raser, for building and donating more than 300 bunk beds to ensure children have a place to sleep
