Friday, February 13, 2026

Author: Ohio Children's Alliance

By Averey Roof, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Ohio Children's Alliance

Since 1852, Beech Brook has stood alongside Ohio’s children and families when they need it most. As a founding member of the Ohio Children’s Alliance, Beech Brook helped lay the groundwork for a statewide commitment to children’s mental health, early intervention, and long-term prevention—work that continues to shape systems and outcomes today.

Working in some of the most underserved communities in Northeast Ohio, Beech Brook’s impact is built on a deep understanding of how childhood experiences shape a lifetime. Their programs go beyond responding to immediate crises by addressing the underlying challenges that put children and families at risk. This long-standing approach has guided their work for decades, supporting healthier futures across the region.

A key focus of Beech Brook’s work is helping children build hope, stability, and confidence in their daily lives. Programs like their school-based behavioral health initiatives receive consistently positive feedback, reflecting the dedication of staff and the meaningful experiences they create for youth.

As CEO of Beech Brook, Tom Royer shared, perspective is a powerful force in a young person’s life: “You’re a happier person when you think your future is bright.”

This philosophy drives their investment in helping children imagine a life full of possibilities and strengthens the support they provide for families every day.

By providing timely support and community-based services, Beech Brook not only strengthens families and reduces the likelihood of more intensive interventions later in life, but also fosters healthier, more resilient communities across Ohio. They are driven by a long-term vision for change, recognizing that sustainable progress requires time, consistency, and collaboration. As Tom noted, “To see meaningful change systemically would take a generation or two.”

Membership in the Ohio Children’s Alliance strengthens Beech Brook’s work by fostering shared learning and collaboration. Through the Alliance, Beech Brook connects with organizations across Ohio to better understand challenges and highlight prevention-focused solutions. As Tom shared, “One of the things that we really love is the strong advocacy on behalf of kids and families in the state...Ohio Children’s Alliance open[s] doors to being able to provide services...that really benefit kids and families in our area.”

As both a founding member and active participant in the Ohio Children’s Alliance, Beech Brook remains committed to strategies that prioritize lasting improvement over short-term solutions. Through decades of service and ongoing partnership, they exemplify what it means to invest deeply in strengthening systems and work collectively to build brighter futures for Ohio’s children and families.

Download memberspotlightbeechbrookprofile.pdf