May 2026 CEO Blog

May ’26 CEO Blog

May is Mental Health Awareness Month; a reminder that caring for one another is not always found in grand gestures, but often in the simple act of showing up.

Checking in on a neighbor. Calling a friend. Offering a few moments of support. Creating spaces where people feel seen and valued. These moments of connection matter deeply, and especially so during a time when many individuals and families continue to navigate stress, loneliness, and uncertainty in their daily lives.

At the Community Foundation of Lorain County, we are continually inspired by the organizations, leaders, and community members who recognize that mental wellness is built through relationships and belonging for all of us.

This month, I am reminded of the book Palaces for the People, where author Eric Klinenberg explores how social infrastructure like libraries, gathering spaces, community centers, parks, and local organizations help strengthen communities and improve overall well-being. In Lorain County, we see those ideas come to life every day through the partnerships and places that bring people of all backgrounds together.

That same spirit of connection was reflected in the Youth Fund’s annual ‘Youth Can Thrive Summit,’ which focused on mental health support and the importance of creating environments where young people feel heard, supported, and equipped to thrive. By centering youth voices and community care, the summit reminds us that mental wellness is not for one specific group of people and should rather be listened to and discussed by all.

Programs like Office on Aging, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Riveon’s ongoing community initiatives, and El Centro’s senior gathering hours demonstrate how important it is to create intentional spaces where people can gather, share experiences, and feel connected here in our home county.

So, as we move through this month, I encourage all of us to continue building the kind of Lorain County where people feel connected, supported, and cared for. Sometimes the most impactful thing we can do is ask someone how they’re doing — and truly listen to the answer. Taking a look through this newsletter alone offers a plethora of ways to get connected with your neighbors through opportunities like Neighbor Nights programming, trainings such as SafeZone hosted by LGBTQ+ Lorain County for you and your coworkers, or getting involved in community events, like joining the Hispanic Fund this summer at the Lake Erie Crushers Stadium for their Copa de la Diversion games… Theres always an opportunity to break out of our routines, learn something new, and make impact in our backyards.

Together, through compassion and community, we can make more possible for one another.

With gratitude,

Cindy