ABC's and 123's:

In the courtyard of 78 Jefferson Avenue stands a beautiful Apple Serviceberry tree. That tree was planted in recognition of Action for Children’s longtime CEO, Diane Bennett-Schoedinger, in honor of her 30 years of service to the Action for Children mission. Over the years, it offered shade to staff eating lunch, hosting meetings, or simply stepping outside for a quiet moment of calm in the middle of a busy day.

When you move out of a place (as most of us have at some point in our lives) you take a little bit of it with you. But I think you also leave a little bit of yourself behind. 

For Action for Children, 78 Jefferson Avenue has been more than an address. It has been a witness. 

Within these walls, ideas were born that helped families navigate tough moments and early parenthood. Educators gathered here to sharpen their skills, support one another, and strengthen the workforce behind the workforce. Data was collected, analyzed, debated, and ultimately turned into advocacy that helped shift conversations at the local and state level. Hard conversations happened here. Celebrations did, too. 

This building held laughter echoing down hallways, impromptu problem-solving sessions, late nights before big deadlines (probably more than we would like to admit), and early mornings fueled by coffee and shared purpose. It held staff meetings where we wrestled with hard realities facing children and families and left with renewed resolve to do better, together. It held grief when the work felt heavy, and when funding was cut, and joy when progress was made.

78 Jefferson was also a place of welcome. Families walked through its doors seeking answers, support, and reassurance. They always found people who cared deeply about their stories at AFC. Partners gathered here to collaborate around shared goals. Board members sat at tables here making decisions that would shape the future of our organization and our community. 

Over time, the building came to reflect who we are: resilient, mission-driven, and rooted in relationships. Much like the Serviceberry tree in the courtyard, Action for Children grew here. Sometimes quietly, sometimes visibly, but always intentionally. 

I think our foundresses Rosa Hightower and Cee Cullman would be so proud of what we have become, all that we are doing now, and what we still have left to do.  

As we step into our new home at 1105 Schrock Road, we do so rooted in the same values that planted that Apple Serviceberry tree years ago: longevity, care, and a belief in what steady commitment can grow. The tree at 78 Jefferson will remain, continuing to offer shade and quiet beauty long after we’ve moved on; just as the legacy of leadership, advocacy, and love for children and families that took shape there will continue in our work ahead. At Schrock Road, we will carry that legacy forward, planting new roots, nurturing new ideas, and creating new spaces of connection and calm that are always grounded in where we’ve been, and hopeful about what is still to come. 

Thank you for holding our mission so well, 78. You’ve been good to us.  

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About Action for Children: Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; caregivers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More.