ASHLAND – The S.N. & Ada Ford Foundation has approved a grant in the amount of $5,000 in support of Hospice of North Central Ohio’s “Camp Hope” children’s bereavement camp. 

Camp Hope, created by HNCO in 1996, is a children’s bereavement camp for children ages 6-17 who have experienced the loss of a loved one through death. The annual 4-day camp is held at Pleasant Hill Campgrounds.  

Becky Pfister, HNCO lead social worker/MSW, said, “We are grateful for this much-needed grant from the Ford Foundation. It will be used to support this special camp which provides a safe and supportive environment for grieving children.” 

Ralph Tomassi, chief development officer, said, “Ada Ford was obviously an extraordinary visionary and philanthropist. She recognized that her philanthropy could perpetuate through the formation of this trust fund which she established to support charitable organizations like HNCO.”  

Hospice of North Central Ohio has served thousands of families with compassionate end-of-life and palliative care, bereavement programs and services since 1988. Headquartered at 1021 Dauch Drive in Ashland, Hospice of North Central Ohio serves more than 200 patients daily in Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Morrow, and Richland counties who are living with chronic and terminal illnesses.  

Additionally, free continuous bereavement services are provided for hundreds of families of hospice patients and to anyone in the community experiencing grief. HNCO also operates the What Goes ‘Round Thrift Shoppe located in downtown Mansfield. 

Call 800-952-2207 for more information. HNCO is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with over 37 years of experience and a community partner of United Way of Ashland and Knox County.