Beech Acres Parenting Center (BAPC) is a long-standing, well-respected mental health provider that serves children and families through a variety of programs designed to connect parents to informal and natural supports in their communities and sustain positive outcomes. The programming is based on a core organizational belief that building parenting capacity increases opportunities for children to thrive, families to grow together, and communities to become stronger. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Beyond the Classroom 2024-2025 Academic Year.
Diocesan Catholic Children's Home (DCCH) has a mission to improve the lives of children impacted by trauma and to bring families together for a bright, healthy, and happy future. Their goals are to access, stabilize, treat, and educate victims of child abuse and their families while facilitating changes in relationships, attitudes, and behavior. Through a continuum of support and assistance, DCCH strives to establish victims of child abuse in a family setting. While DCCH’s Residential Treatment Program serves children from every county in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, most of the children are from Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Residential Treatment and Trauma-Informed Behavior Therapy for child survivors of abuse.
Talbert House (TH) has been a pillar of the Cincinnati community since 1965. Initially, it focused on providing re-entry services to individuals returning to the community from incarceration. Over the years, TH has expanded into a progressive, multi-service, community-based nonprofit agency. Now serving a broad population, Talbert House develops and delivers services in youth behavioral health, adult behavioral health, community care, housing, and courts and corrections. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Youth Peer Support Program.
Hamilton Living Water Ministry Inc. (HLWM) was founded in 1999 in response to the profound social and financial needs of residents of Hamilton, OH (Butler County). Over the past 24 years, HLWM has adapted its programming to meet the changing demographics of the town and has gained the trust of the community. HLWM provides programs for both children and adults, recognizing the isolation that many non-English-speaking families face. All programs, activities, and materials are offered in both English and Spanish. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Building Success/Construyendo el Exito.
The mission of Visionaries + Voices (V+V) is to provide artistic, cultural, and professional opportunities for artists with disabilities. V+V values a community and environment where artists of all abilities can create and share their works of art and are given the opportunity to learn, work, collaborate, exhibit, teach, and celebrate with other community members. They have grown steadily since their inception in 2003, and this past year, they served 125 artists with disabilities weekly through studio classes, exhibitions, and the Teaching Artists Program. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Teaching Artist Program (TAP).
The Care Closet’s mission is to increase the self-esteem of children and help stabilize families in need by providing Care Closets throughout Northern Kentucky. These closets provide essential items such as warm clothing, personal hygiene products, diapers, kitchen gear, school supplies, and much more. The Care Closet began serving families in 2017 and has evolved over the years to meet the needs of families suffering from systemic, economic, and pandemic challenges. With an unpaid volunteer group of seven team members and community volunteers, the Care Closet serves over 2,000 individuals annually, 90% of whom are children, in Northern Kentucky. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Bringing Dignity to Children & Families.
Established 21 years ago by parents seeking a school and therapies to meet the needs of their young son with autism, Cincinnati Center for Autism (CCA) has grown into a fully functioning school in Springdale, offering year-round programming for over 70 children and young adults, ages 3 to 21. CCA provides an important alternative for families in Cincinnati with children who have autism, particularly for students who have struggled to succeed in their public school districts. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Sensory PlaySpace 2.0.
In 2017, local television station WCPO referred to North Fairmount as a “forgotten neighborhood.” It has no grocery store, bank, post office, or library. Once a thriving German community, it now suffers from disinvestment, poverty, blight, population loss, and failing public schools. North Fairmount is one of Cincinnati’s poorest neighborhoods, with 55% of the population living below the federal poverty level. However, for over 40 years, the North Fairmount Community Center (NFCC) has been a trusted partner and resource in the area. Throughout the decades, NFCC has focused on addressing community needs, gathering resources, and stepping in to tackle current challenges. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Driving Outcomes: Catalyzing Impact Program.
Focus on Youth, Inc. (FOY) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to improve the lives of children by providing strengths-based foster care, adoption, and mental health services that promote the permanency, safety, and well-being of youth. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Behavioral Health Program.
Playhouse in the Park is recognized regionally, nationally, and internationally for its artistic achievements, contributions to the growth of theater, and success in creating outstanding new plays, including 33 world premieres since 2000. Since COVID, the Playhouse has served more than 110,000 people annually, including almost 40,000 children and students through a variety of educational and outreach programs in the tri-state area. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Launch Pad.
Established in 2004 through the merger of two well-respected mental health organizations, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS) is the largest and one of the most comprehensive mental health agencies in Hamilton County. GCBHS is recognized as a stellar organization in both management and program services, known for being client-focused and responsive to clients' needs, no matter how challenging the diagnosis or life situation. Many of the individuals GCBHS serves are suffering from severe mental illness. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support School-Based Services: EMDR Training.
New Path Child and Family Solutions, formerly known as St. Joseph Orphanage until 2020, is one of the largest and oldest mental and behavioral health agencies in the region and a trusted partner to local schools and social service agencies. Their core mission involves partnering with hospitals, schools, local county mental health boards, and children’s service agencies to provide critical mental health services to some of the most vulnerable members of the community, including children, youth, and their families. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the replacement of access security software and hardware at all NewPath sites.
For over 40 years, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati (DSAGC) has been the only local organization providing programming for individuals with Down syndrome in the region. They work to empower individuals, educate families and communities, and advocate for the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome in all areas of life. Their programs and publications reach approximately 1,000 individuals with Down syndrome, 3,000 family members, and 1,000 educators and healthcare providers across 12 counties in southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Empowerment and Enrichment Programs.
Everybody is LITT Academy (EILA) works to directly address the education disparities that show low-income students achieving 30% lower proficiency in both math and literacy. Now in their second year, they have already demonstrated positive results with their first few partner schools. Their approach, which combines intensive tutoring with teacher and family engagement opportunities, is backed by strong research. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Liberation Through Literacy.
Since 2010, May We Help (MWH) has built over 2,500 individually tailored assistive devices that are not produced commercially for individuals with disabilities to enable them to overcome physical challenges. Assistive devices can play an important role in facilitating daily activities and social participation for people with disabilities. Feedback and commentary from physical therapists, caregivers, and like-minded engineers and tradesmen, as well as leaders of organizations serving those with developmental disabilities, consistently reinforce the unique nature of MWH and the invaluable service its volunteers provide. A gift from Pfau Foundation will support core programming.
HER Cincinnati, formerly known as Cincinnati Union Bethel (CUB), is Cincinnati’s longest-running social service agency, having been in operation for over 190 years. The new name reflects the focus of the organization: Housing, Education, and Recovery for women. Originally established as a settlement house, HER has provided supportive services to thousands of low-income individuals, primarily women and children. HER program areas include shelter and housing, early childhood education, and employment counseling. Annually, the organization supports over 300 economically disadvantaged women and children as they work to improve their lives. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support their Cincinnati Scholar House.
In 2011, the Franciscan Friars of Cincinnati established Saint Francis Seraph Ministries (SFSM) as a separate nonprofit to ensure their mission of serving the poor continued despite their declining numbers. SFSM serves up to 240 meals daily and goes beyond feeding people by helping them gain self-sufficiency. In 2018, the Friars granted SFSM use of their abandoned building at Liberty and Republic Streets, now the St. Anthony Center, which houses their soup kitchen and five other nonprofits. Programs include the Sarah Center, where women learn sewing, jewelry making, and entrepreneurship. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Sarah Center Program.
Western Wildlife Corridor is a unique urban land trust focused on volunteer habitat restoration and free environmental education. Four years into their five-year strategic plan, they have surpassed their membership goal, growing from 100 to over 300 households, and are 90% toward increasing their stewarded land by 50% to 438 acres. In 2022, Kirby Nature Preserve was recognized as a “Greenspace Gem” by Green Umbrella, the regional climate collective. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Kirby Nature Center Playscape.
CASA for Clermont Kids (CASA) was established in 1998 and is one of 950 Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs nationwide that support court-appointed volunteer advocacy to ensure maltreated children are safe, have permanent homes, and can become thriving adults. The National CASA Association provides oversight to its affiliates and has established best practice standards, including a mandatory self-assessment process to ensure local agencies comply with national requirements. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support training projects.
Since 1981, ProKids’ CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers have provided an independent voice for Hamilton County’s abused and neglected children. As a catalyst for change, ProKids has built a strong reputation and rapport with the Hamilton County Juvenile Court, the Department of Jobs and Family Services, and numerous community agencies addressing a broad range of children’s issues. Their work spans both systems-level advocacy and individual program services. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support CASA University.
Cincinnati Urban Promise (CUP) was founded 16 years ago by Abe and Joni Brandyberry to serve the Westwood, East Westwood, and North Fairmount neighborhoods, where childhood poverty rates are high, and many students face significant challenges. After operating for 14 years as a small afterschool program in Northside, CUP was gifted a former nursing home in Westwood, allowing them to expand programming and move closer to their vision of providing comprehensive wrap-around services for families in need. CUP serves children ages 2.5 to 18, their families, and adult community members through programs like a food pantry and life skills courses. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Leaders of Promise After School Program (2024-2025).
The United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC) plays a vital role in the community, not only as a funder for regional nonprofits but also as a backbone organization that leverages its capacity for convening, research, and innovation to drive large-scale improvements in quality of life and education. One of its key initiatives, Success By 6, aims to ensure that all children are safe, healthy, and prepared to succeed by age six. In recent years, as UWGC has navigated economic and organizational challenges, Success By 6 has reorganized to strengthen oversight and leadership among its partners, supporting early childhood educators and childcare providers. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Success By 6’s Ready Kids Resilient Families program.
Optim-All was founded in 2012 by educators from Xavier University and St. Ignatius Loyola School to help teachers strengthen their instruction by learning to differentiate and better support all students, including those with special needs and gifted learners. The organization has grown significantly and now serves as the special education department for Catholic and nonpublic schools, offering leadership training, coaching, and interventions to support a wide range of student needs. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Serving Students with Disabilities in the Inner City.
G.L.A.D. (Giving Life A Dream) House has been providing non-residential clinical and recreational services for over 25 years to at-risk children experiencing transition, trauma, and crisis due to parental addiction. Services include prevention education, alternative activities, diagnostic assessments, individual, family, and group therapy, community psychiatric supportive treatment groups, and case management. The GLAD House facility is centrally located in O’Bryonville, near Owl’s Nest Park and along the public bus route. Transportation is provided for each child directly from school or home and back at the end of each program day. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Champs Prevention Program.
In 2022, Breakthrough Cincinnati (BTC) celebrated over 30 years of providing summer academic enrichment disguised as a fun camp experience. For more than three decades, BTC has successfully paved a path to four-year colleges and universities for underserved and underrepresented students while also increasing the quality, quantity, and diversity of prospective teachers. BTC offers academic enrichment to high-potential, at-risk middle school students from under-resourced communities throughout Hamilton County. Unlike many local programs that focus on academic remediation, BTC provides students with enrichment opportunities in math, science, literature, and writing. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Nurturing Potential to Gifted But Disadvantaged Youth Through the Summer and School Year Program.
Since 1984, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater Cincinnati (BHGH) has supported children with strong academic potential from challenging home environments, including poverty, abuse, neglect, inadequate housing, and substance abuse. The program’s success stems from intensive wraparound support for a small number of high-potential youth. In response to declining enrollment, the impact of COVID, and shifting needs, BHGH launched the Academy Program. This initiative provides the same comprehensive support as residential programs but operates after school and during summer, allowing participants to return home each evening. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Boys Hope Girls Hope Leadership Development Academy.
For over 150 years, the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati has empowered women through programs that help them take control of their lives and positively impact their communities. Today, the YWCA is the largest provider of domestic violence services in the Greater Cincinnati area, serving more than 13,000 women and their families annually, primarily in Hamilton County. Its programs focus on crisis intervention, health and wellness, education and training, workforce development, youth services, and advocacy. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the YWCA Greater Cincinnati's Domestic Violence Shelter Program (DVSP) - Children's Program.
The Catholic Inner-City School Education Fund (CISE) supports students in inner-city Catholic schools by providing tuition assistance and resources to ensure academic success. Serving a predominantly non-Catholic and racially diverse population, CISE focuses on preparing students for kindergarten readiness and future academic achievement. Strong outcomes, such as high acceptance rates into Catholic high schools and successful literacy benchmarks, reflect the program's impact. Since its founding, CISE has expanded its reach with many new schools and preschools, emphasizing the long-term benefits of early education for urban children. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the CISE Education of Children with Physical, Mental, and Developmental Disabilities.
Autism Connection (formerly Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati) supports individuals and families impacted by Autism through social programs, support groups, educational resources, special events, and a helpline, reaching over 200 families annually. Under the leadership of Mary Helen Richter since 2018, the organization has restored fiscal responsibility, rebuilt community trust, and established strong partnerships, all while maintaining a balanced budget. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Learning Independence for Everyday (L.I.F.E.) Skills program.
Established in 1923, Central Clinic Behavioral Health (CCBH) was the first mental health nonprofit organization in the State of Ohio and one of the only community clinics serving both children and adults. Today, there are twelve locations serving a very diverse population. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support prevention services for disadvantaged children and youth
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Cincinnati was founded in 1953 and is the sole health and social service agency in the area to provide unique and innovative services to people with epilepsy. When the agency first started, many people with epilepsy were often restricted from taking part in life experiences because of the negative stigma associated with the disorder. The Epilepsy Foundation responded over the years to provide services and programs that help the individual reach beyond their seizures. A gift from Pfau Foundation will support the Counseling Program.
Family Nurturing Center (FNC), located in Northern Kentucky, is uniquely qualified to provide a wide range of parenting-related programs and services for children in foster care and their families affected by abuse and neglect. FNC offers education, prevention, and treatment services to at-risk families in both Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Nurturing Hope Campaign.
Health Care Access Now (HCAN), established in 2009, works to create an integrated, community-centered healthcare system for uninsured and vulnerable populations in Greater Cincinnati. Unlike provider-led services, HCAN is client- and community-led, with care pathways starting from the client’s needs. Community Health Workers (CHWs), who come from the communities they serve, provide resources, support, and navigation to help clients access necessary care. Their shared experiences foster trust and a deeper understanding of clients’ complex needs and barriers. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Maternal and Child Health Care Coordination: bridging the Medicaid funding gap.
Luke 5 Adventures, founded in 2019, provides individuals with disabilities access to outdoor hiking experiences, enabling over 500 participants to enjoy nature since its inception. Serving people of all ages with mobility challenges, Luke 5 partners with organizations like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Great Parks of Hamilton County to foster inclusivity and community. With trained volunteers and adaptive equipment, the organization facilitates over 1,500 hikes, helping participants combat isolation, build connections, and advocate for accessibility. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Be Well Accessible Hiking Program Series for Young People Living with Disabilities.
The Ion Center for Violence Prevention (ION) provides crisis response, shelter, rehabilitation, and prevention services for intimate partner, family, and community violence across three Ohio and ten Kentucky counties. The organization focuses on improving crisis intervention, expanding prevention efforts, and engaging the community in violence prevention. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Northern Kentucky Emergency Shelter Children's Programming.
The University of Cincinnati’s Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Education Center, formerly known as Advancement & Transition Services (ATS), provides transformative programs for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) to enhance education, life skills, independence, and employment opportunities. Based in the UC School of Education, the center fosters an inclusive community where individuals access UC facilities and receive support from faculty, staff, and peer mentors. Through wellness, learning, academic, and employment programs, IDD empowers participants to achieve personal, social, and professional goals, creating pathways to greater independence and fulfillment. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Eliminating Barriers for Adolescents: Collaboration for Education and Employment Synergy (CEES).
Now in its 75th year, ArtsWave is the nation’s longest-running and largest united arts fund, serving as the primary funding source for the Cincinnati region's arts. With no taxes or government budgets supporting the local arts infrastructure, ArtsWave plays a critical role in sustaining cultural vibrancy through consolidated financial and capacity-building support. Its strong connections to municipal and private sectors help ensure the resilience and impact of the arts in the region. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support theDriving Outcomes: Catalyzing Impact Program.
CET, operated by the non-profit Greater Cincinnati Television Educational Foundation, was the first non-commercial television station in the nation to be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. Since 1954, it has provided the community with public television programming for home viewers, educational videos for teachers and students, and, more recently, internet and digital technology services for homes and schools. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Ready to Learn and PBS KIDS programs.
Best Point Education & Behavioral Health provides a continuum of hope, health, and healing through education and behavioral health services, supporting children and families with high-quality, personalized care. Guided by a strategic plan, the organization is expanding its reach to serve more children and ensure access to essential services. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Resilient Children and Families Program.
The Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) preserves and cares for an encyclopedic collection of 73,000 artworks spanning over 6,000 years and diverse cultures, making it the largest collection in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Welcoming over 300,000 visitors annually and reaching more through off-site programs, CAM is dedicated to community outreach, education, and wellness. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support Cincinnati Art Museum School-based Learning Programs.
The Dearborn County Clearinghouse for Emergency Aid (DCCEA) has served food-insecure families in Dearborn County for over 40 years, providing food, clothing, and basic necessities to children and individuals in need. Despite limited resources, the organization remains a vital lifeline for its rural community, driven by a dedicated team and volunteers. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the Sacks of Snacks program.
In its 85th year, the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) fosters connections between art and life by showcasing diverse, high-caliber contemporary art through exhibitions and programs. CAC engages visitors of all ages and experiences, encouraging exploration and connection with artists and their work. A gift from the Pfau Foundation will support the CAC School Outreach Program (CSOP).