Dave Fair, Ph.D.

Dave Fair founded Shelter Care in the fall of 1972, but those who knew and loved him would tell you his heart was in this agency well before it was established. Dave’s journey to Shelter Care began with the Chapel at Fir Hill and Summit County Juvenile Court; both of which he was employed under for many years prior to Shelter Care’s doors opening. As a near and dear friend of the Juvenile Court Judge, William P. Kannel, the pair began to notice a significant increase in the number of children who were being brought to the court’s attention for non-delinquent charges; particularly, running away from home due to severe family conflict, neglect, and abuse. It was then that Judge Kannel knew he could rely on Dave to help start an alternative program for these youth, who were struggling within their homes and deserving so much more than what the system was currently doing for them. With the support of the Chapel at Fir Hill, Dave secured a home in Akron that would operate as the first Shelter Care home. This was the inception of the Shelter Home Program.
In 1978, the Junior League was operating a shelter for runaway teens, but thought that Dave would be able to provide services to a greater number of youth if the program merged with Shelter Care, being that licensure for residential care of youth had already been secured within the Shelter Home Program. With the help of a Shelter Care Board Member, Sandra Dawson, Dave was able to create the Safe Landing Program as a second division beneath the Shelter Care umbrella. This program started out as a co-ed facility, but in 1987, became two shelters, separated between boys and girls. In July of 2020, Safe Landing returned to its roots and merged the boys and girls shelters back into one.
The Respite Program came about in 1990 at the request of the Director of Child Guidance and Family Solutions in order to create a residential program for youth who needed scheduled breaks from home due to family conflict. Shelter Care has continued this collaboration since, and serves roughly 100 youth receiving counseling services from Child Guidance and Family Solutions per year.
The Highlands Teen Pregnancy Shelter was established in 2005 as the only licensed teen pregnancy shelter in the state of Ohio. Shelter Care was asked by Summit County Children Services to create a program for homeless, or at-risk teen girls who were either pregnant or parenting a child under three years of age.
SOS (Street Outreach Services) is Shelter Care’s only non-residential program that provides critical services to homeless and at-risk young adults, between the ages of 16 and 24. There are two additional programs that function beneath the SOS Program.
The Bridges program of Ohio, provides direct services such as housing, case management and independent living skills to young adults who age out of foster care in Ohio. Young adult participation in Bridges is voluntary, and young adults may apply to enroll (or re-enroll) in Bridges at any point before turning 21 years of age.
The second program that operates within SOS is called, “Rapid Re-Housing,” which provides short-term rental assistance and services. The goals are to help people obtain housing quickly, increase self-sufficiency, and stay housed.

Personal Words from Staff, Board Members and Friends of Shelter Care

Dave was especially compassionate to the young people who suffer through life’s sometimes awful trials.
He led a tireless ministry in Shelter Care through his dedication to serving children and families.
What a tender and determined servant-hearted man!

“He was a giant man of character and passion for others.”

“Dave was an amazing man and his legacy lives on through the work that we do every day here at Shelter Care.”

“I think of his Godliness. The way he lived his life, served others, and always had wisdom or a passage of scripture to share and encourage others.”

“What a tender and determined servant-hearted man! I was so thankful to him for giving me a chance over 15 years ago, and for the privilege of knowing him and his heart for people.”

“What a tremendous role model he has been to us. His wisdom, faith, and well-timed sense of humor will be missed, yet his lessons truly will live on.”

“I am a better father, counselor, and friend because of Dave.”

“Dave mentored me at the most critical points of my life.”

“Dave was one of the nicest people I have ever met. Always a kind word, always asked about my family, always so gentle.”

“Dave’s Godly character was evident to all and his reputation stellar.”

“Dave is now seeing everything he believed. He is experiencing the evidence of things hoped for. He is healed and walking on streets of gold!”

Wes Fair, Ph.D.  President

Wes is our President. He has been with Shelter Care since 1991, serving as the Director and Therapist of the Boys’ program and also as a Respite house parent. Wes has a B.A. in Psychology an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Akron in Counseling, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family. His commitment to Shelter Care is based upon his Christian faith and his desire to provide quality leadership to a program that is designed to meet the needs of the many troubled children, youth and families in our community.

Joe Rizzo, PhD, LPCC-S  Executive Director

As Shelter Care’s Executive Director, Joe is responsible for supervising all of Shelter Care’s residential programs. Joe began his career at Shelter Care in 1996 as an intern. Following his internship, he worked as a counselor in the Shelter Home program before becoming the director of Safe Landing for boys. Joe has a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A.Ed. in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Ph.D. from the University of Akron in Counselor Education and Supervision.

Joanna Brown, MSEd, LPCC-S  Clinical Director

 of Residential and Outreach Services

Shelter Home, SOS, and Respite Program

Joanna began her career in the social services field at Safe Landing Youth Shelter for Girls in 1995. She has a B.S. in Child and Family Development from Bowling Green State University, and an M.S.Ed. in Community Counseling from the University of Akron. At Safe Landing, she has served as Group Life Supervisor, Counselor, and Director. Joanna is currently the Program Director of SOS, Respite, and the Shelter Home Program. 

Angela Christy, M.Ed., CRC    Director, Safe Landing Youth Shelter

Khiejana Sims, MSW, LSW Assistant Director, Safe Landing Youth Shelter

Mary Kay Dotterer, MAEd, LPCC-S  Counselor, The Highlands Teen Pregnancy Shelter

Mary Kay has been employed by Shelter Care since 1984, serving as a direct care staff and therapist at Safe Landing Youth Shelter before becoming the director of The Highlands in 2005. Mary Kay has a B.A. in Psychology from The University of Akron and an M.A.Ed. in College and Community Counseling from the University of Akron.

Nikki Woodley, MSW, LSW  Director, Street Outreach Services Program

Nikki has worked in the behavioral health field for over 20 years. She joined Shelter Care’s Street Outreach Services (S.O.S.) in October of 2020, as the Bridges Program Supervisor. Nikki has a sincere compassion for enhancing the lives of others. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Kent State University, and a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Akron. 

Heather Roper, M.A.Ed., LPC    Director, Shelter Home & Respite Care Program

***Please note that the counseling staff is licensed by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, & Marriage and Family Therapy Board.

PC– Professional Counselor  |  PCC – Professional Clinical Counselor  |  PCC-S – Supervising Professional Clinical Counselor  |  NCC – National Certified Counselor  |  MSW – Master of Social Work  |  LSW – Licensed Social Worker

Main Office:

Jessica Purdy, Director of Development

Sami Shbeeb, Marketing Director

Laura Lund , Comptroller

Dawn Swanson, Licensing Coordinator

Kim Reitman, Executive Administrative Supervisor

Dave Pickens, Technology Supervisor

John Pellizzari, Maintenance Supervisor

Mike Radebaugh, Assistant Maintenance Supervisor

Shelter Home Program:

Alexis Crabeels , Case Manager

Safe Landing:

Lynn Smith, Administrative Supervisor

Alisha Hahn, Food Service Coordinator

STREET OUTREACH SERVICES (SOS)

Gregory Franklin,  Rapid Re-Housing Case Manager

Melissa Greathouse, Bridges Supervisor

Zach Donahue,   Bridges Liaison

Jason Blakely, Outreach Case Manager

Jillian Misenko, Outreach Case Manager

Lisa Roper, Food Service Coordinator

Chairman: Pam Sayre
Vice President – First American Title Insurance Co. 

Vice Chairman: Rev. Marshall Brandon
Pastor 

Secretary: Brian Tindall, Phd
Wellspring Counseling Services

Treasurer: Diane Thacker, CPA
Apple Growth Partners

Kim Ray
Vice President – PNC Bank

Tom Doll
President/Owner – Superior Staffing

Matthew Kasper
Attorney – The Law Office of Malyuk McDaniel Kasper, LLC 

Board Members Emeritus

Rev. David L. Burnham

Board Members Posthumous

David Fair
Founder, Shelter Care, Inc.

Judge Brenda Burnham-Unruh

Sandra Dawson

In 1972, Shelter Care Inc. was established to provide comprehensive residential care and services to those youth struggling with emotional, behavioral or family concerns. Since then, Shelter Care, Inc. has helped countless children, youth and families in Summit County and surrounding counties. Through our 52-year history, our mission continues to grow, as we have become a leading provider of residential treatment. As an agency, we take pride in our accomplishments as we evolve and strive to best meet the needs of the children, youth and families in our community.

In FY 2024, Shelter Care, Inc. provided residential and drop-in services to 431 youth/young adults (357 unduplicated). This is an increase from FY 2023. Approximately 1,777 youth, young adults and families were also served through non-residential services. These numbers are reflective of the services provided through the Shelter Home Program, Safe Landing Youth Shelter for Boys and Girls, The Highlands Teen Pregnancy Shelter, Street Outreach Services and the Respite Care Program.

Over this time, Shelter Care, Inc. continues to maintain licensure through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services as a Qualified Residential Treatment Program, certification through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Department of Youth Services. Shelter Care, Inc. has maintained accreditation through the Council on Accreditation.

Below are a list of some of the agency accomplishments for each program.

Shelter Home Program:

• Served 9 boys for a total of 1,815 bed days.
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling.
• 100%  of youth in residence made progress toward their goals in counseling.

Safe Landing Youth Shelter:

• Served 129 youth (116 unduplicated youth) 59 females and 70 males, for a total of 2,319 days. This does not include drop-ins, non-residential sessions or aftercare sessions.
• 96% of youth exited to a positive placement.
• 454 individual and family counseling sessions were provided to residential youth.
• Over 500 psycho-educational group and life skills activities were conducted.
• Responded to 632 crisis calls.

The Highlands Teen Pregnancy Shelter:

• Served 9 pregnant teens and 6 healthy babies for a total of 2,221 bed days.
• Provided a safe, nurturing and structured environment for pregnant and parenting teens and their infants.
• Provided weekly Independent Living skills including employment education classes and parenting skills
• 100% of pregnant and/or parenting youth attended school
• 100% of infants were born at a healthy birth weight.
• 100% of infants attended well-baby checks, received immunizations and reported good physical health.
• 100% secured supportive resources in the community including those by Job & Family Services, AMHA, WIC, etc.

Street Outreach Services:

• Served 138 young adults through the SOS Program including 36 young adults through the Bridges Program and 22 young adults/families through Rapid Re-Housing
• Provided 2154 hot meals, 732 pieces of clothing and 10,235 survival items including hygiene & snack items
• Provided information on SOS services through street-based activities and through community events in Summit County reaching 954 youth and young adults
• Distributed 6,355 materials on S.O.S. services
• Provided 1,571 incidents of emotional support
• Linkage to 3,103 community-based services

Respite Care Program:

• Served 82 youth (21 unduplicated) for a total of 237 days.
• Provided transportation to school, counseling, school and extra-curricular events.

HIPAA Notice

Shelter Care, Inc.
32 South Avenue, Tallmadge Ohio 44278

How We Collect Information About You?
Shelter Care and its employees and volunteers collect data through a variety of means including but not necessarily limited to letters, phone calls, emails, voice mails, and from the submission of applications that is either required by law, or necessary to process applications or other requests for services through our organization.

What We Do Not Do With Your Information?
Information about your financial situation and medical conditions and care that you provide to us in writing, via email, on the phone (including information left on voice mails), contained in or attached to applications, or directly or indirectly given to us, is held in strictest confidence.

We do not give out, exchange, barter, rent, sell, lend, or disseminate any information about applicants or clients who apply for or actually receive our services that is considered patient confidential, is restricted by law, or has been specifically restricted by a patient/client in a signed HIPAA consent form.

How We Do Use Your Information?
Information is only used as is reasonably necessary to process your application or to provide you with health or  related services which may require communication between Shelter Care, Inc. and health care providers, medical product or service providers, pharmacies, insurance companies, and other providers necessary to: verify your medical information is accurate; determine the type of medical supplies or any health care services you need including, but not limited to; or to obtain or purchase any type of medical supplies, devices, medications, insurance.

If you apply or attempt to apply to receive services through us and provide information with the intent or purpose of fraud or that results in either an actual crime of fraud for any reason including willful or un-willful acts of negligence whether intended or not, or in any way demonstrates or indicates attempted fraud, your non-medical information can be given to legal authorities including police, investigators, courts, and/or attorneys or other legal professionals, as well as any other information as permitted by law.

Information We Do Not Collect
We do not use cookies on our website to collect date from our site visitors. We do not collect information about site visitors except for one hit counter on the main index page that simply records the number of visitors and no other data.

Limited Right to Use Non-Identifying Personal Information From Biographies, Letters, Notes, and Other Sources:
Any pictures, stories, letters, biographies, correspondence, or thank you notes sent to us become the exclusive property of Shelter Care, Inc. We reserve the right to use non-identifying information about our clients (those who receive services or goods from or through us) for fund raising and promotional purposes that are directly related to our mission.

Clients will not be compensated for use of this information and no identifying information (photos, addresses, phone numbers, contact information, last names or uniquely identifiable names) will be used without client’s express advance permission.

You may specifically request that NO information be used whatsoever for promotional purposes, but you must identify any requested restrictions in writing. We respect your right to privacy and assure you no identifying information or photos that you send to us will ever be publicly used without your direct or indirect consent.

PRIVACY PRACTICE NOTICE

PERSONAL INFORMATION AND OUR USE OF THAT INFORMATION

Generally, you can visit the Shelter Care website without directly entering any of your personal information. On certain pages we may request that you provide some of your personal information, for example to provide information to you. In this event, we will use that information to respond to your message or to fulfill the stated purpose of your communication. In the event you ask us to contact you, the information we collect may include: contact details, such as your name, address, organization, e-mail address, and/or telephone number. You are not required to provide any of this information. However, if you choose not to, we may not be able to provide you with the requested information. At all times we will use personal information you provide only for purposes consistent with the reason you provided it. We do not sell, rent, or lease our customer lists to third parties.

COMMUNICATIONS

We may use your personal information gathered via our website to inform you of Shelter Care activities, information or website features. When doing so, we will always give you the opportunity to opt out of receiving such information. All e-mails we send you dealing with information that is not in response to questions initiated by you will include an unsubscribe link allowing you to stop delivery of that type of communication.

INFORMATION COLLECTED AND STORED AUTOMATICALLY

By visiting the Shelter Care website, the following information is collected and stored automatically:

• The type of browser and operating system you used to access the site;
• The name of the Internet domain (for example, “netscape.com”) and the IP address from which you accessed the site;
• The Internet address of any sites that you linked directly from;
• The date and time you accessed the site; and/or
• The pages you visit and the information you request.

COOKIES AND OTHER TRACKING SOFTWARE We may use cookies and other tracking software on our website. The utilization of cookies enables you to maintain any account login information between visits. It also allows us to measure site activity including length of your visit, the pages you look at on our website, the site you visited just before coming to Shelter Care, and the name of your internet service provider. You may elect to refuse cookies, but to do so you will have to refer to your individual web browser’s Help instructions.

LINKS

Our website may contain links to third party sites not controlled by Shelter Care covered by this Privacy Notice. Once connected to another site, you should review that site’s privacy policy. Shelter Care will not be held responsible, and this Privacy Notice does not endeavor to provide for your privacy once you leave our website.

YOUR CHOICES

You may request a copy of any information you provide to us using this website, and to correct or update your personal information. You may also instruct Shelter Care to have yourself removed from our programs. Finally, you may instruct Shelter Care to remove any previous consent you provided to share your personal information with other companies or organizations. To do any of the previous actions, please contact Shelter Care at.

Shelter Care
32 South Avenue
Tallmadge, Ohio 44278
(330) 630-5600

NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE

If we change this Notice materially or otherwise, we will post those changes on the website, so our subscribers are aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances, if any, we disclose it. We will use your personally identifiable information in accordance with the Privacy Notice under which the information was collected. We will do so until you provide your express consent to use the information under the terms of a revised Privacy Notice or applicable law provides otherwise.

SECURITY

Shelter Care takes the security of our user’s access to our website very seriously. We follow industry-standard practices to take such actions as are necessary to prevent unauthorized access to personally identifiable information by a person other than the user or us. However, we cannot guarantee that these practices will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose personally identifiable information.

HIPAA NOTICE

2022 Statics