The boards of directors of Children’s Advantage (est. 1975) and Axess Family Services (est. 1941) are announcing a merger of the two behavioral health non-profit organizations, which have served Portage County residents for decades.
Both organizations recognize the benefits of combining expertise and resources towards achieving a shared purpose. “Together we can evolve and strengthen our clinical practices, invest in our staff, find ways to work more efficiently, grow our service range and locations, and develop more flexible services to better meet client needs,” explained Kathy Regal, Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Advantage. “Our organizations have similar goals and values. We believe that this partnership will create an even stronger organization – one that can make a bigger difference in the lives of more families and individual people.”
“We are delighted to be partnering with Children’s Advantage. The clinical specialties of Children’s Advantage will complement those of Axess Family Services. The future for children and families in the area will be markedly improved by this merger,” said Mark Frisone, Executive Director of Axess Family Services. Frisone has been at the helm of Axess Family Services for over 33 years and has championed over 30 mergers with the non-profit organization during that time. “This one has the potential to be the most impactful yet.” he added.
The agencies receive funding from federal, state and local governments and work closely with funders to ensure that services meet the needs of the community.
“By combining the strengths and resources of Axess Family Services and Children’s Advantage, this merger will allow them to offer more comprehensive, accessible, and effective mental health services for the families of Portage County,” stated John Garrity, PhD, executive director of the Mental Health & Recovery Board.
Children’s Advantage, located in Ravenna, provides behavioral healthcare services to children, adolescents and families. Contact 330-296-5552 for information and appointments. Axess Family Services, also in Ravenna, offers comprehensive primary care, provide a wide range of community support programs that address homelessness and housing issues, transportation, food insecurity, domestic violence, behavioral health and addiction, and gaps in care for youth, seniors, and veterans. Contact 330.297.7027 for information and appointments.
