NILES — Scrappy’s Safe Haven and other projects were completed this year thanks to the efforts of the Fairhaven Foundation.

Stephanie Champlin, executive director of the foundation, said the foundation and the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities worked together to create a sensory room — available to everyone — at Eastwood Field called Scrappy’s Safe Haven.

“It is a safe space for families and individuals to go into and have calming surroundings. The room is soundproof,” Champlin said

The $75,000 project was done by DeSalvo Construction Company, which donated half of the construction costs, and Baker, Bednar, Snyder and Associates Inc., donated the design.

The foundation and TCBDD split the remaining project costs.

Champlin said the goal of the Fairhaven Foundation is to promote inclusion and accessibility to individuals with sensory processing challenges, who often find it difficult to participate in community events, including several held each year at Eastwood Field.

“Scrappy’s Safe Haven will offer a calming space for anyone that needs it during their visit to the stadium,” she said.

Scrappy’s Safe Haven includes dimmed lighting, a sensory activity wall, a calming hurricane light tube station, bean bag chair, swivel globe chair, parent / caregiver seating and a television with silent live feed of the game. Walls of the sensory room have been insulated to reduce the noise of the stadium.

The space also includes a welcome area for individuals and families to use in transitioning in and out of the sensory room.

“When I walked into Scrappy’s Safe Haven and saw the space completed, I was in tears because I knew what that space meant to so many families. That space creates an opportunity for families to go out and engage in a community event that otherwise would not have been possible,” Champlin said.

CHANGING STATION

Champlin said near Scrappy’s Safe Haven is a universal changing station since some individuals can’t use a traditional restroom, not even a handicapped stall.

The station is located in the EMS room of the stadium next to a family restroom.

“A space like this allows our families to maintain dignity and provides respect to individuals who need an alternative type of location. There is a stationary changing table,” she said.

The room includes a universal changing table and Hoyer lift. The changing station cost $3,000.

Edward Stark, superintendent of Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities, said Champlin has been able to expand the opportunities and events in which families can participate.

He said Scrappy’s Safe Haven is “an amazing addition.” Stark said it is ideal to be able to partner with other Boards of Developmental Disabilities.

“These events allow for families to get to know one another and experience something they may otherwise not be able to,” he said.

Stark said he sees the foundation expanding to include all three counties in many events.

Renee Bastounis, board president for Fairhaven Foundation, said Champlin is very passionate about providing the opportunities for families to enjoy different experiences.

“She schedules events that provide inclusivity in our community. Families come to the events and feel comfortable and individuals feel love and acceptance,” Bastounis said.

She said the events have been “magical” and people look forward to them each year.

“You see the looks on people’s faces when they attend the different events,” Bastounis said. “We get to celebrate who each person is at the events,” Bastounis said.

FAMILY EVENTS

Champlin said the foundation has expanded its offerings for family-themed events such as a rock and deejay dance party and carnival in cooperation with Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities that took place during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March.

“That event had 600 people attending. We plan to hold such an event annually each March,” she said.

This month was Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month at Eastwood Field, where 1,500 individuals from the tri-county area and their families attended a Mahoning Valley Scrappers game.

“Most of our events are becoming something that people look forward to each year,” Champlin said.

She said prior to when she started three years ago, “the foundation functioned in a quiet way” but she wanted to engage those who are served in the community. She said the foundation is designed to provide support and opportunities for anyone who has developmental disabilities.

“Isolation is a challenge that many of our families face for many different reasons. It was important for me that we have experiences and opportunities that those who are served could look forward to. Our events have grown tremendously. We hope our families who come to the events have a wonderful experience. We hear from the families about the events and how much they enjoyed them,” Champlin said.

Champlin said the foundation’s mission is special to her since her son, William, a high school student, has Downs syndrome. She noted that as he is getting older, there are less opportunities to engage socially.

THIS SUMMER

Upcoming events include Journey of Hope Aug. 3 at Fairhaven School in Niles and Ability Walk and Roll Aug. 10 at Eastwood Field, which is a partnership between the board of developmental disabilities in Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana and Portage counties. That event also will include a live concert, a movie, and an expo featuring 30 to 40 businesses that provide services for individuals with disabilities.

Winter Wonderland, which will include a student art show, will be Dec. 3 at the Eastwood Event Centre.

She said everything the foundation does and is able to do is through fundraising at events and donors contributing throughout the year. Grants also are sought.

Champlin said donors to the foundation will be recognized at a dinner Nov. 3 at the Chop House.

She said having different events makes it easier to ask donors for money since “we are able to show people how we live our mission.”

Champlin said many nonprofits face challenges in raising funds to continue providing services.

The foundation did receive an American Rescue Plan grant from the Ohio Department of Development.

She said the foundation encourages partnerships between the three counties to increase opportunities for those who are served.

“I make sure we partner with Mahoning and Columbiana counties so as many people as possible can benefit from the experiences that we are providing,” Champlin said.

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