Support Akron's Future

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 13th annual Growing Up Akron fundraising event hosted by Child Guidance & Family Solutions and its honorary chairs, Chip and Patty Billow. Join us at Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. for a night filled with music, refreshing drinks, a silent auction, and invaluable networking. This is not just any event—it’s a celebration of Greater Akron families. Please help us honor GAR Foundation, as the Friend of Children Award recipient.

All proceeds support the work of Child Guidance & Family Solutions—your support truly matters!

Special Recognition

Friend of Children Award Recipient
GAR Foundation

Honorary Chairs
Chip & Patty Billow

Hidden Heroine
We will posthumously celebrate the work of Mary Briggs as a CGFS Hidden Heroine. Mary was a fierce advocate for the most vulnerable children in our community as evidenced by her work with Child Guidance and Family Solutions. Mary gathered a group of powerful, purposeful women to create a Women’s Board for CGFS. This group wrote a program, “Remember the Children”, for divorcing parents. The program was so respected that Mary was asked to present it to the United Nations international conference on families. “Remember the Children” remains a mandated program for divorcing parents in Summit County. The group also wrote a similar program for children who witness domestic violence.

With a performance by Akron's beloved dance band, Roxxymoron

Help Families Shine

By contributing to Growing Up Akron, you will join a community of caring individuals dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of children and families throughout the Greater Akron area. Your generosity will empower Child Guidance & Family Solutions to deliver vital mental health treatments, integrated care, and advocacy to nurture the well-being of our youth, adults, and families. With your support, we can create an evening of fun and take a significant leap toward building a vibrant community where everyone can thrive.

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Our Impact

Since 1939, Child Guidance & Family Solutions has been a beacon of hope and health for children and families in our community. Our comprehensive services include individual and group counseling, psychiatric assessments, home-based therapy, and specialized programs for individuals with co-occurring disorders. We’re proud to offer some of the region’s largest mental health prevention programs and early childhood initiatives, like the innovative Toddlers and Preschoolers Succeeding (TAPS) program. We meet our clients where they are—in homes, schools, medical offices, and our three outpatient locations—ensuring they receive the support they need, whenever and wherever it’s needed.