Youth and Family Resource

Enclosed you will find community resources, events, and more to help engage and empower Kettering families. Access Kettering Community Resources HERE

October 25, 1-3:30PM: Kroctober: Kroctober is a free event for the entire community. Visit Kroc Park for candy, bounce houses, and more!

October 25, 10AM-5:30PM: Dayton Brick Shop Lego Halloween Block Party

October 26, 11AM-1PM: Wagoween at the Adventure Reef Parking Lot: A fun-filled time complete with trick-or-treating for doggies on the Walk and Wag Course, photo booth ops, adoptable pet introductions and a pet costume contest.

October 26, gates open at 5:30PM, movie starts at 6:45PM: Halloweentown at the Fraze: Enjoy a fun night under the stars. The Fraze is kicking-off their first movie night with Disney’s Halloweentown movie on the large screen at Fraze Pavilion. This free event is open to the public.

October 26, 12-4PM: The Greene's Harvest Festival

Ongoing Opportunities

Kettering Parks Foundation: up to $200 in financial assistance to Kettering residents who meet qualification guidelines to help them participate in the City's recreation programs.

YMCA of Greater Dayton: The Extra Hands Program provides financial assistance based on need through an easy application process.

Dayton History Membership Cards: Reserve and check out passes through the Dayton Metro Library to Dayton area locations

Museums for All: Free or reduced admission for SNAP recipients including Boonshoft, Sunwatch and DAI

The holidays can be a challenging time for many families. Fortunately, there are programs that offer support with meals, gifts, and other essentials for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond. Whether your family could use a little extra help this season or you're looking for ways to give back, the resources below are here to make the holidays a little easier.

Thanksgiving Programs:

Miami Valley Meals: Wednesday November 26, 2025: Miami Valley Meals is hosting a Turkey Takeaway the day before Thanksgiving in which chef-made dinners will be available free of charge to residents in need. This distribution event is drive-through style and meals will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Simply stop by one of the distribution sites to receive meals to enjoy for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Citylight Church Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway: CityLight Church 3rd annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at Buckeye Harley Davidson on Saturday November 15 at 12PM.

Feast of Giving: Experience a day of joy and community at the Feast of Giving on November 27th, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Dayton Convention Center. Enjoy delicious food, live music, and fun activities for the whole family — absolutely free, with no tickets required!

Christmas Programs:

Salvation Army Kroc Center Christmas Food Assistance
October 21 - December 9: Salvation Army Kroc Center Christmas Food Assistance: Phone Applications Open (for prior participants with no household members to add)

November 6-8: Salvation Army Kroc Center Christmas Food Assistance Applications Open (for new participants or if you need to add household members)

Toys for Tots: 2025 Registration now open! Last day to register is November 30. The Marine Toys for Tots Programs distributes new toys to under resourced children at Christmas. Toys provided to children up to 12 years old.

USPS Operation Santa: Submit your letter before December 6! Operation Santa is a program run by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) that allows people across the country to become "Santa's helpers". It connects families and children who write letters to Santa with generous individuals who can choose to adopt these letters and send gifts.

Annual Christmas Ham Giveaway: Hosted by Deer Heating and Cooling on Friday December 19 at 9AM.

Want to Help Make A Difference?

Giving Tree: An annual Kettering program that helps ensure children in the Kettering School District receive a gift this holiday season, no matter what the financial situation of their family may be. Starting in November, trees filled with tags for children in need will be placed throughout facilities run by the City of Kettering (North and South Government Centers, Rosewood Arts Center, Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center, Lathrem Senior Center, and Kettering Recreation Complex).

Stop by one of these facilities to collect a tag or two and shop for gifts! If you would like more information on how to be involved or how to donate please feel free to contact Shenna Manoussakis, at shenna.manoussakis@ketteringoh.org

Centerville- Montgomery Job & Career Fair: Thursday October 23 from 10AM-2PM at 101 E Alex Bell Road Suite 145. Admission is free with on-the-spot interviews! Register here.

Health Care Open Enrollment Opens November 1!

Marketplace Health Insurance Plans: Enroll in a plan on the Healthcare website.

Medicaid (Open Enrollment November 1 - November 31)
You can change your managed care provider by calling the Ohio Medicaid Hotline at 1-800-324-8680. Need in person assistance? You can access a free Medicaid navigator by visiting Get Covered Ohio or visiting a local agency that offers an Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator and/or Certified Community Health Worker, who are trained and able to help individuals who are seeking health coverage options through the Marketplace or Medicaid. These outreach and enrollment services are FREE to you and your family.

Five Rivers Health Centers
Community Health Centers of Dayton

Reach Out Dayton

Public Health of Dayton and Montgomery County

Miami Valley Community Action Plan: Winter Crisis Program opens November 1! The WCP provides a one-time benefit to eligible Ohioans with heating assistance during the winter months.

Ready to Rent: Are you having problems getting rental housing? Ready to Rent is a 4-6 week rental education class where you work closely with housing specialist to learn how to overcome barriers to rental housing.

Camp Mariposa: Current Openings! Camp Mariposa Dayton is a free, weekend camp run by WestCare Ohio/East End Community Services, for children ages 9-12 who have been impacted by a substance use disorder of a loved one. This is a free, year-round program.

Kettering Area Mental Health Support Groups

• NAMI Connection Support Group - Mondays
• Nami Family Support Group - 1st, 2nd, 4th Thursdays