The Women's Auxiliary Board of Summit County Children Services was the first auxiliary in the nation for a public welfare agency.  Formed in 1948, under the leadership of then superintendent Hilda Marvel and civic leaders Betty Jaycox and Eleanor Voke, more than 100 women were recruited who were committed to bettering the lives of children served by the agency.  That commitment is still strong to the more than 80 members today.  The WAB is dedicated to enriching the lives of the abused, neglected, and dependent children who come under the care and custody of Summit County Children Services or are the recipients of agency care. “These Children Are Our Children” are the words these women live by.  Membership in WAB is open to any woman who subscribes to the mission and is committed to helping the children of Summit County.  For information on becoming a member, contact Mary Lou Rosinski at (330) 688-3595.

Here are examples of volunteer work and projects in recent years:

• The Women’s Auxiliary Board provides pajamas, undergarments, and socks for children in the care of the agency.
• Each year, members participate in  the “Hanging of the Greens” where they decorate the agency for the holidays.  Members also serve as hostesses in the agency Toy Room.
• Members put together monthly craft kits for parents to do with their children while at the agency’s Family Interaction Center.
• The Women’s Board hosts a Rummage Sale in the fall to raise funds for many of its projects that benefit children and families.
• The Women’s Auxiliary Board also financially supports the agency’s Beds for Kids Program.  The group has given more than $40,000 to purchase beds, cribs, sheets, blankets, and pillows for children in care.  Hundreds of children have received a bed or crib as a result of this program.
• Members of WAB volunteer at numerous agency events throughout the year, including Summit for Kids held annually in August, and the Family Expo held as part of Child and Family Awareness Month each April.
• The Women’s Auxiliary Board supports three SCCS recognition events each year:  Social Worker Appreciation Event in March, Support Staff Appreciation Event in April, and the Foster Parent Recognition Dinner in May.

The WAB also actively seeks grant funding from community foundations and other local funding sources to financially support a variety of projects and programs to benefit the children and families served by Summit County Children Services.

Officers for the 2016-2017 Biennium are:

• President:  Jen Thames
• First Vice President: Bettemae Ramsey
• Second Vice President: Bev VanderVeen
• Recording Secretary:  Rosemary Federico
• Corresponding Secretary:  Annette Breit
• Treasurer:  Becky Kuhns

Click here for an informational brochure.

For more information about the Women's Auxiliary Board of Summit County Children Services, please call (330) 379-1994.