From the Director:
Dear Neighbors,
Welcome to the Seneca County Family and Children First Council (FCFC) website. Our mission is to streamline the connection between families and the essential resources they need, ranging from mental health and addiction recovery to childcare and emergency assistance. As a parent who has personally navigated the complexities of developmental disability services, I understand how overwhelming it can be to find the right path, and our goal is to ensure that no resident has to face those challenges alone.
On this site, you will find an easily navigated design to simplify your search for help, along with direct contact information for our dedicated team of coordinators and case managers. Whether you are looking for a mentor for your child through our SMYL program, seeking a collaborative Wraparound plan for complex family needs, or simply need to know who to call for utility assistance, we are here to bridge those gaps. We invite you to explore these pages and reach out to us directly so that together, we can build a stronger, more supported Seneca County.
FCFC Director Sandy Hallett-Berkey
Seneca County’s 911 emergency system provides immediate, life-saving access to law enforcement, fire departments, and medical services for anyone in an urgent crisis. The system is managed by the Seneca County Emergency Services department, which oversees three Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) including the Sheriff’s Office and the Tiffin and Fostoria police departments. Dispatchers can automatically identify a caller’s location and phone number to ensure a rapid response even if the caller is unable to speak.
211 First Call For Help is a free, confidential 24/7 hotline that connects Seneca County residents with essential health and human services. By simply dialing 2-1-1, individuals can receive direct assistance and referrals for urgent needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and utility expenses. This service, supported by the Tiffin-Seneca United Way, acts as a one-stop hub to help families navigate complex community resources during times of crisis.
988 is a free, 24/7 lifeline that provides Seneca County residents with immediate access to trained crisis counselors for mental health, substance use, or suicide-related concerns. By calling or texting 9-8-8, individuals are connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network, ensuring confidential support during an emotional crisis. This streamlined service serves as a critical entry point to the behavioral health system, offering a compassionate alternative to traditional emergency response for those in distress.
Charles Ardner
Chief Executive Officer, Tiffin YMCA
Tracie Cress*
Director, CASA
Nicci Drew*
Project Director, Help Me Grow
Brent Busdeker*
Commissioner, Seneca County Commissioners
Mircea Handru, Chairperson*
Executive Director, Mental Health & Recovery Services
Jessica Richards\Natalie Eberly
Site Director, Firelands Counseling & Recovery Services
Nicci Drew
Project Director, Early Intervention
Ruthann House*
President/CEO, GLCAP
Lewis Hurst*
Superintendent, Seneca County Department of DD
Lee Wilkinson
Mayor, City of Tiffin
Don Mennel
Mayor, City of Fostoria
Andrew Morgan
CEO, Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital
*denotes mandated member
**denotes parent representative
Nikki Distel
UWNCO Development Director, Tiffin-Seneca United Way
Todd Martin*
Superintendent, North Central Ohio Educational Service Center
Loren Branski*
Director, Seneca County Department of Job & Family Services
Natalie Piper**
Family Representative
Jill Beidelschies**
Family Representative
Vacant
Superintendent, Tiffin City Schools
Julie Richards*
Health Commissioner, Seneca County General Health District
Kendra Shearer
Director of Court Services, Seneca County Juvenile Court
Erin Simmons, Secretary **
Parent Representative
David Stover**
Parent Representative
Vacant*
Parole Officer, Ohio Department of Youth Services
Sandy Hallett-Berkey
Executive Director, Family & Children First Council