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Spectrum: Our Home Family Resource Center planning 2026 events, highlights teen dating violence awareness

Celina, Ohio, Our Home Family Resource Center is preparing a full calendar of community programs and fundraisers for 2026, while also reminding local residents that help is available for domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crisis situations.

Our Home director Kevin Draiss joined Spectrum on 96.7 The Wave with host Kevin Sandler to share what is ahead, including planning already underway for Empty Bowls, Back to School, and Angel Tree.

Draiss said one of the first focus points on the calendar is February, which is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. He said the organization plans to highlight the month through social media and continued outreach to area schools. Draiss pointed to efforts in Celina schools that encourage students to step up for one another and recognize behaviors that are not normal or acceptable in relationships.

During the discussion, Draiss said Ohio is seeing record numbers of domestic violence reports. He noted that higher numbers can be discouraging at first glance, but he believes it also reflects more people feeling empowered to reach out for help. He said conversations around domestic violence and sexual assault are becoming more normalized, and people should know they can talk to a counselor, teacher, parent, or contact Our Home directly.

Draiss also discussed the Family Crisis Network program, which provides survivor centered support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. He said staff work through immediate safety questions and options, including counseling, law enforcement involvement, and safety planning. He added that in some cases the domestic violence shelter can be an option for survivors who need to leave quickly and safely.

The program has been in Mercer County since 1985, and Our Home took it over in 2010.

Our Home also offers assistance and referrals for issues like utility shutoffs, eviction concerns, medical expenses, and prescriptions. Draiss encouraged people to contact the office as early as possible when facing a shutoff notice or eviction paperwork, saying there are steps involved that take time, including verification and coordination with partner agencies.

Draiss said Our Home completes hundreds of referrals each year and maintains the Mercer County Resource Handbook, which is available online. He said the updated 2026 version is expected within the next couple of weeks, and the most current version will be posted on the Our Home website.

Food pantry services are available Tuesdays and Thursdays, with hours listed as 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and households can use the pantry once per month. Draiss said the organization is seeing demand climb again, similar to past peak years, as the cost of living continues to rise.

Our Home Family Resource Center is located at 117 West Fayette Street in Celina. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The 24 hour hotline is 419 586 1133, and people can also use online chat or text options connected to that number.