Supporting Military Families in Ohio
At Children of the Brave Ohio, we celebrate the resilience and strength of children in military families. Our mission is to connect and empower these young heroes through a variety of tailored services, including peer guide matching, social groups, supply kits, and more. Join us in fostering a sense of belonging and community for every child, no matter where their journey takes them.
Features
Peer Guide Matching
We connect military children with peer guides in Ohio schools, ensuring they have a friendly face and support as they navigate new environments.
Supply Kits
Our supply kits come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it's helping a child transition from a move, documenting memories while a loved one is away, or activity kits during a loved one's deployment, we have a variety to choose from.
Virtual Social Groups and Clubs
Join our virtual social groups to connect with other military families, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.
Youth-Produced Publication
Our quarterly digital publication showcases the creativity and voices of military youth, creating connection and providing a platform for their stories and talents.
About Children of the Brave Ohio
Children of the Brave Ohio exists to connect, support, and empower military-connected children and families across Ohio through community support initiatives, peer connection, advocacy, supply assistance and outreach programming designed to reduce isolation and improve emotional well-being. We honor the unique sacrifices and resilience of military kids by building community, easing transitions, and keeping families connected.
Hi, I’m Lauren! Founder of this nonprofit, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and proud daughter of a military veteran who served for 24 years. Through both my personal experiences and my work as a counselor, I’ve seen how powerful peer connection can be for children and teens. My hope is to build a community where military children can find encouragement, friendships, and confidence, while being reminded that their experiences matter and their resilience is worth celebrating.
Meet Our Founder
Lauren Francisco, MS, LPC
Founder
Johnny Carter
Community Outreach Coordinator
Lisa Brown
Youth Engagement Specialist
Kimberly Baker
Volunteer Coordinator
Products and Services
We partner with schools near Ohio bases to match incoming military children with a trained peer guide who helps them navigate the first 60 days at a new school. Buddy pairs are supported with activity ideas, check-in prompts, and more.
BUDDY SYSTEM
We offer various supply kits for a low cost to military children with a loved one deployed. Kits include: Welcome Kit, Arrival Kit, Moving Prep Kit, Monthly Deployment Activity Kits, Halfway Milestone Kits and Welcome Home Kits. These kits are disrubuted throughout the duration of deployment.
SUPPLY KITS
Join our virtual social groups to connect with other military families, share experiences, and build lasting friendships. Members can join online activities, conversations, and events designed to build connection during transitions and deployments. These groups create a safe and welcoming space where military kids know they are not alone.
VIRTUAL SOCIAL GROUPS & CLUBS
Our quarterly digital publication showcases the creativity and voices of military youth, creating connection and providing a platform for their stories and talents. This magazine can be used to connect military families via "Pen Pal", share with a loved one while they are away, or simply as a keepsake.
YOUTH-PRODUCED MAGAZINE
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spotlight Family? How can I become one?
A Spotlight Family refers to 10 families that will recieve all requested items free of charge. Spotlight families are first come, first serve. Announcements will be made when a new Spotlight Family opportunity opens. To become a Spotlight Family, visit the "Links" area of the website.
How can I get involved with Children of the Brave Ohio?
You can get involved by volunteering, donating, or participating in our community events. Visit our "Links" page and find the "Get Involved" form for more information on how to contribute and support military families.
Are there any age restrictions for the programs?
Our programs are designed for children ages 0–18 in military families. We aim to support children at every stage of their development.
How can I access the quarterly publication?
The youth-produced quarterly publication is available on our website. You can order it for free to stay updated on our activities and stories from military families.
Get in touch, Stay up to date
At Children of the Brave Ohio, we celebrate the resilience of military families. Our programs are designed to empower children aged 0-18 through peer support, creative activities, and essential resources tailored to their unique experiences.
Let's talk!

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Mon - Fri
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Sat - Sun
Closed
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