Allen County Children’s Services held their annual banquet celebrating foster parents and the work that they do.

Adriel, a long-standing Ohio foster care provider, is opening a new office in Lima to expand services in Allen County. Officials say the move is driven by a continued statewide need for foster parents and child placement resources.

One thing every child needs to thrive in school is food, and a state-wide business hosted a meeting to make sure food is available to every child in Lima City.

Allen County Children Services celebrated its 80th anniversary during the 28th annual Community for Kids Luncheon, honoring individuals and groups dedicated to protecting children. Community leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration and local support in ensuring the safety and well-being of youth.

Judge Terri Kohlrieser shared her journey from foster care to becoming a judge during the Allen County Children Services Annual Luncheon. She encouraged child welfare workers by emphasizing the impact of their work and how perseverance and education can change lives.

Allen County leaders and residents gathered at Lima Senior High School to raise a memorial flag and kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month. Officials emphasized the role of schools and the community in preventing abuse and urged residents to report suspected cases.

Seeing a need in the community, a local service organization stepped in to help families in Lima and Allen County.

Allen County Children Services is asking taxpayers to renew the agency's $750,000 five year levy.

The “Love Luggage” project, the brainchild of the Allen Lima Leadership Class of 2006, has been making a difference for the past 19 years. With the help of the Lima Rotary Club, volunteers continue to fill backpacks with essential items for children who are removed from their homes due to circumstances beyond their control.