ALLIANCE, Ohio — The Greater Alliance Foundation is celebrating the successful conclusion of its 2026 Summer Family Enrichment Series, which wrapped up in August. Created in celebration of America’s 250th Birthday, the initiative supported local nonprofit partners in providing a variety of free, engaging and enriching programming for children and families throughout the Alliance community through the Lloyd Carlile Summer Enrichment Fund.
Through more than $19,000 in grants, the Foundation partnered with nine local nonprofit organizations: Alliance Parks, Beech Creek Botanical Gardens, Early Childhood Education Alliance, Magical Theater Company, Project Rebuild, Raptor Hallow Sanctuary, Rodman Public Library Children’s Department, Sew4Service, and the Regula Center at the University of Mount Union.
“Investing in enriching experiences for our youth builds a stronger, more connected community for our future,” said Heidi McClung, Executive Director of the Greater Alliance Foundation. “We are honored to have partnered alongside so many incredible local nonprofits who came together to create something truly special for Alliance families this year, ensuring our children had a safe, fun, and memorable summer.”
The 2026 Summer Family Enrichment Series featured free swim lessons, literacy and science activities, My Doll & Me, the Mini Makers Series, the “250th Bash” at The Alliance Commons hosted by the Regula Center, a community movie in partnership with the Carnation Festival, and a special visit from Eric Litwin, American storyteller, musician and author of the popular Pete the Cat books.
Engagement and attendance throughout the summer was strong, with positive feedback from families and nonprofits participating.
“We absolutely loved welcoming families and seeing the kids with their literacy kits,” said Kaitlyn Cowley, Executive Director of Beech Creek Gardens. “Offering free opportunities allowed us to reach families who may not otherwise have been able to visit and helped connect children with the natural world.”
Community partners also emphasized the importance of free, accessible activities in supporting early childhood development and strengthening families.
“Being a community means coming together for the betterment of others. Ninety percent of the brain develops by age five, and the memories made will last,” said Liz Hibbs, Director of the Early Childhood Education Alliance. “ECEA is grateful to the Greater Alliance Foundation for helping make these experiences possible.”
Abby Schroeder, Director of the Regula Center at the University of Mount Union shared, “I am an agency board member, a donor to GAF and a mother to young children in our community, and I cannot say enough good about this success. The foundation invested in our community’s children and the impact will certainly be long lasting. Through my work at the Regula Center and at the Alliance Commons, being able to add new programming geared towards families was a huge success. We were honored to be part of such a collaborative effort that increased opportunities for our Alliance families.”
The successful conclusion of the series reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to creating lasting community impact by connecting local resources with community needs. By investing in free local enrichment opportunities through area nonprofits, the Greater Alliance Foundation helped provide children and families with meaningful experiences throughout the summer.