Our Impact

In 2004, A4K established partnerships with Veteran and Fraternal organizations throughout Ohio, to assist with their fundraising and charitable giving programs. These partnerships (many which still continue today), have provided and continue to provide funding for children’s programs throughout Ohio. Also, in 2004, A4K established a statewide summer-program initiative for Deaf and hard of hearing children, which continues to this day. Six organizations serving the Deaf in Ohio were awarded $5,000 each in 2004, for their summer program for Deaf/HOH children. 

In 2006, eight organizations serving Deaf and hard of hearing children in Ohio, were awarded $7,500 each for their summer program. That same year, A4K began a partnership with Willow Ridge therapeutic riding facility that continues to this day.  

In 2009, A4K reached a charitable giving milestone of more than $1 million dollars!  

In 2013, A4K launched a statewide initiative that resulted in a collaboration with members of Ohio’s Deaf/HOH community and a partnership with Nuhop Center, to create OYO Camp, a statewide summer camp and leadership program for Deaf and hard of hearing kids. 

2014 marked the first year of OYO Camp, Ohio’s Camp for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Kids with over 100 campers and 70 Deaf/HOH staff, volunteers and mentors! 

In 2017, Advocates for Kids reached a giving milestone of over $2 million dollars, with over $1 million in support of Deaf/HOH children, over $520,000 in support of children with other special needs and over $380,000 to worthwhile, community-based programs.  

In 2018, while continuing to be the primary funder of OYO Camp, A4K passed the management of camp onto Deaf Services Center of Worthington, Ohio. 

Advocates for Kids received a generous gift from the Eric R. Turevon Memorial Trust.  As a young participant, Eric was involved in the Deaf Youth Leadership Program, Deaf Kids & Teens Club, and Deaf Adventure Camp which were all led by our Executive Director, Michael Repas in the early years of his career. This thoughtful contribution ensures that Eric’s legacy will continue to uplift programs that support and improve the lives of youth in our Deaf and hard of hearing community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Eric’s family and thank them for choosing to invest in A4K’s mission. 

When the Board of Deaf Services Center (DSC) of Central Ohio reached out to A4K for immediate crisis management, the organization faced an uncertain future. DSC had spent 30 years providing essential programs and services to Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families across Ohio.

Michael Repas, former DSC Founding Executive Director, led A4K’s efforts to assess DSC’s sustainability and develop a functional operational plan. Through capacity building, organizational guidance, and program support, A4K helped ensure that these critical services would not only survive the crisis, but continue to thrive and grow.

In honor of Diana “Dee” Keating, one of A4K’s original Board members, we established Dee’s Fund following her passing from her third bout with cancer in 2023. Through this annual initiative, A4K supports programs and services for children and families navigating childhood cancer treatment—continuing Dee’s legacy of compassion and commitment to children.

A4K launched a partnership with 4 Paws for Ability in Xenia, Ohio, providing financial assistance to children and families who need a service dog for a child with special needs. This partnership has quickly become one of the programs closest to the hearts of A4K’s Board members and staff. We are honored to help families access service dogs that can bring greater independence, support, and opportunity to children.

After several years of capacity-building efforts to help establish a new camp for Ohio’s Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, A4K was thrilled to support the launch of ODA Summer Camp, created by the Ohio Deaf Association. Camp provides an important opportunity for children to build friendships, develop confidence, and experience a sense of community with peers who share their experiences.

In 2026, Advocates for Kids reached an extraordinary milestone: $3 million given to support valuable programs and services for children. This achievement represents more than a number. It reflects years of partnerships, generosity, and a shared commitment to creating brighter futures for children and families.