WHO
WE ARE
The Geauga Hunger Task Force (GHTF) is a charitable organization that started in 1977. At its beginning, GHTF was an emergency service with only one location, but our vision and mission have expanded throughout the years with the ongoing need. When people consider hunger in America, they tend to think of people far away in urban centers. Feeding America data notes that 8.7% of the population of all ages within Geauga County is food insecure 1. Hunger does not discriminate. People cannot learn, work, rest or heal with poor nutrition. SNAP cards do not cover personal items such as toilet paper, tooth paste, laundry soaps or feminine products.
At our foundation, we financially support five independent food pantries throughout Geauga County that provide food to families in need. Each pantry is partnered with the Cleveland Food Bank to offer them a way to make their funding stretches farther. Our administrative support is provided by United Way Services of Geauga County. GHTF provides financial support to these pantries through fundraising efforts of the community and from generous monetary donations from residents, churches, schools, businesses and other community organizations. We also have awarded annual grants to other Geauga County organizations that share our vision such as:
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DDC to provide nutritional supplements for patients
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Claridon Community Helps provide summer lunches to students
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NextStep feed young adults
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Doors of Hope provide meals to homeless families
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WomenSafe provide groceries to victims of domestic violence
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Churches in the community to provide meals to those in need
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Under 60 and disabled residents needing home-delivered meals
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Chagrin Falls Park Community Center to provide meals to seniors
Geauga County Hunger Task Force is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 1999, and donations are tax-deductible.
BOARD
MEMBERS
Sue Juhasz
President
Sue has lived in Geauga County her whole life. She loves that Geauga is both country and suburbs. Sue feels Geauga has a great balance of nature and neighborhoods in its park system and communities. Sue wanted to join the Hunger Task Force because she felt this group truly cares for people right here in our community. Sue felt she was part of the group soon after starting the Good Tidings Benefit Choir. She could see the Hunger Task Force is a great steward with all the dollars raised.
Betsy Griffin
Betsy has lived in Geauga County for over 50 years and only lived outside Geauga during her college years. She has known for a long time that Geauga County is a very special place to live, due to the wonderful people who call Geauga their home. Betsy knows that this community will go above and beyond to help their neighbors. If there is an identified need here, the community responds! This is one of the main reasons she decided to be part of the Board for the Geauga Hunger Task Force. The community hears about a need and responds with food, money to support the pantries and most importantly, kindness and caring. Betsy is proud to be a small part of this wonderful organization!
Lisa Briggs
Lisa has lived in Geauga County for over 32 years. One of her favorite things about living in Geauga County is the ruralness of the area yet you can also reach the urban areas rather quickly. Lisa wanted to join the Hunger Task Force to help the people who need the most help in the county. Lisa said she wants to give back to the community that gives so much.
James Ebert
CPA Treasurer
I have lived in Geauga County for over 30 years. One of my favorite things about Geauga County is the small-town feel, the friendliness of its people and the beautiful country landscape. I decided to join the Geauga Hunger Task Force because I strongly believe if you are blessed in life then we have an obligation to help those in our community that may not be so fortunate.
Hannah Sekas JD
Hannah has lived in Geauga County for over 25 years. Her favorite thing about Geauga is the compassion of its residents. The people here care about each other and Geauga County as a whole. This sense of caring goes beyond just being a county of towns with small town vibes. There is a true underlying sense of community to thrive. When Hannah was made aware of the opportunity to serve on the Hunger Task Force, she saw an opportunity to give back to those in need. Since she has lived here her whole life and has been blessed to be supported by this community, she has always wanted to give back through her time and service.
Dr. Augustine Kellis
Dr. Augustine J. Kellis is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon serving patients in Northeast Ohio. Dr. Kellis and his wife, Mary, have worked with the local 4-H groups in Geauga to raise over $250,000 to feed those in need in Geauga.
Sr. Emilia Castelletti SND
Sister Emilia has lived in Geauga County for over 50 years. She loves that Geauga has a rural atmosphere that seems peaceful often through the good work being carried out every day. Sister Emilia wanted to offer her services to the community after having experienced the wonderful opportunities in Leadership Geauga. The mission of the Geauga Hunger Task Force resonates with her wishes that no one should have to suffer from hunger.
JUNIOR
BOARD MEMBERS
Chardon High School
NDCL High School
Kenston High School
West Geauga High School
Lexie Hoinski '23
Marysa Kellis '23
Nick Kellis '23
Adam Kellis '23
Caleb Schuetzman '24
Will Francis '24
Sam Francis '23
Matt Sopchak '24
Samantha Bergansky '23
Bella Intorcio '24