The Village Network Celebrates Opening of New Short-Term Group Home in Wooster
October 29 ribbon-cutting highlighted local residential and respite care for youth and families
WOOSTER, Ohio – The Village Network celebrated the opening of its new Short-Term Group Home with a ribbon-cutting event on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at its Wooster Residential Campus, 2803 Akron Road. The event was co-hosted by the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health and the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Wayne and Holmes Counties.
The new home will provide 10 short-term residential beds for boys and girls who may be at risk of an out-of-home placement, experiencing a disruption in their current placement, in need of respite care, or in need of intensive family stabilization services. The program is designed to help young people and families receive support close to home while maintaining connections to their schools, communities, and support systems.
“When a young person and their family are going through a difficult time, having support close to home can make a real difference,” said Marnie Willett, Wooster regional director at The Village Network. “This home gives us another opportunity to support young people during a challenging time while working alongside their families to help build stability. We want every young person who comes through our doors to know they’re not alone, that people care about them, and that we’re here to help them move forward.”
The home includes a sensory room, therapy office, family visit area, and spaces for transitional living and short-term respite. Services such as family counseling, mentoring, and behavioral health support will focus on strengthening relationships, building coping skills, and helping families work through challenges.
The project was made possible through Ohio Department of Behavioral Health capital funding made available through the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Wayne and Holmes Counties, along with investments from The Village Network and the local board.
The event featured remarks from Rich Graziano, president and CEO of The Village Network; Nicole Williams, executive director of the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Wayne and Holmes Counties; Dr. John Kennedy, chief medical officer of the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health; and Willett.
Following the program and ribbon-cutting, guests enjoyed lunch and toured the new home.
About The Village Network
Founded in 1946, The Village Network is a nonprofit behavioral health organization serving children, youth, and families throughout Ohio. Through residential treatment, foster care, outpatient counseling, school-based services, and community programs, The Village Network helps young people build resilience, strengthen families, and create brighter futures. www.thevillagenetwork.org