KIDS in the LOOP is a nonprofit organization that strives to nurture, support, and educate children of Ohio incarcerated parents by strengthening family life through quality resources and youth and family development programs. We are located in Summit County and currently serving inmates and families in Northeast Ohio.

Back to School Dads Day

Grafton Reintegration partnered with the Kids in the Loop to provide a back to school event. The goal was to develop healthy habits for a successful school year with the child’s father playing an active role in encouraging his child to do their best. At this event, the fathers and their children participated in workshops that promoted daily physical activity, self-esteem, nutrition and making the grade. At the end of the day the Moms, Grandmas, and Aunts met with counselors to discuss the impact of raisng a child while the father is incarcerated. During this time, Dads took their children school shopping using the supply list from their school.

Kids in the Loop worked with Grafton Correctional to produce their first Multigenerational Event in September. This outing was not limited to fathers only, grandfathers, uncles and brothers, and sons also participated. Participants could paint pumpkins, play softball, get faces painted and other fun activities. Families could also create a gratitude tree.

The Ridge Project hosted a Harvest Family Event at Grafton Reintegration and Kids in the Loop lent a helping hand. Anyone for Bingo? Young participants not only learned how to match pictures but also learned some new words and won a prize!

Kids in the Loop continues to partner with several prisons where inmates crochet. Children that attended the Back to School event had fun picking out a hat and even wore it in the 90 degree heat! Loom hats from Lake Erie and Trumball supplied the Akron Blind Center.

Over 150 Veteran's Day cards were delivered to incarcerated veterans. Dozens of children spend time creating the cards. The cards included a Veterans sticker that the inmates could display.

Family days appear to be the most successful and needed activities. In 2018, we will try some evening activities that include many family members. Our first will take place on February 12th, Family Warms the Heart. Up to eight family members can attend for conversation, food, crafts and more. Plans are also being made for a Summer Safety Fun Family Day. Safe Summer Fun activities will be created for child, caregiver and inmate parent to enjoy and learn together. Learning experiences will be set up as stations, which participants will rotate through. For example, “Protective Gear” will be one station (bike helmets, sun block, sunglasses). Other stations will be “Summer Eats” with an emphasis on hydrating foods and liquids; “Summer Play” will focus on water, 4th of July, and camping safety; and “First Aid” will address what to do if someone is hurt. Not only will the day be educational and perhaps save a life, but it will also offer a rare opportunity for families to interact for the entire day in a supportive environment.

Currently, Kids in the Loop is considered a private nonprofit organization and therefor not eligible for many grants. If we can get more individual donors, we can apply to become a public charity. Your donation of just $1.00 can count!

Go Fund Me

Thank you to everyone from Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections that have been so supportive of Kids in the Loop! Special thanks to Todd Ishee, Jennifer Gillece, LaShann Eppinger, Adam Kastler, Aaron Hurst, and Eric Gardenhire for all their support and help with events. Last but not least, the inmates and their children for making the days so much fun!!