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

Take Hope to the Hoop: Black Out the Stigma

February 3 | 6:00 PM
Location: Trent Arena

• Join us to Black Out the Stigma! Wear black, learn about mental health resources in the community, and take part in fun activities with the Hope Squad.

TechFest

February 14–15 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: Sinclair Community College, Building 12

• A free, two-day annual event featuring over 80 hands-on STEM activities and 20+ family-friendly info-tainment presentations and sessions.

City of Kettering: Black History Month Audio/Video Essay Contest | Grades K-5 | Grades 6-12

Submission Deadline: February 18

• Kettering students are invited to enter the 2026 Black History Month Audio/Video Essay Contest, sponsored by the City of Kettering’s Board of Community Relations.

3rd Annual Real Talk: Teen Mental Health Summit

February 21 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM

• A day focused on teen mental health awareness, support, and connection.

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

At Kettering City Schools, we believe student success grows from strong, connected communities. When families feel supported by their schools, neighbors, and local resources, students are better able to learn, grow, and thrive. In this newsletter, we’re highlighting Community Wraparound Support: upcoming resources and community support groups that help Firebird families stay connected, supported, and well throughout the winter months.

Family Fridays at the Southeast Library Branch

• Connects parents with valuable resources, supports early learning goals, and builds a strong sense of community.

Women’s Health Support Group

• Location: Family Services (Dayton)
• A safe, confidential space for women to discuss physical and mental health, share experiences, access resources, and reduce stigma.

Mom to Mom

February 3 – March 18 | 8:30–10:45 AM

• Location: St. Charles
• A supportive group for moms with young children, paired with mentor moms to build community, friendship, and encouragement through the journey of motherhood.
  
  

WPAFB Special Needs Parent Support Group

• Monthly meetings (virtual or in person) offering support and connection for military parents of children with special needs.

Dayton Children's Navigating ADHD Series

Starting in March

• An 8-week seminar for families of children with ADHD. Parents meet weekly to learn practical strategies for supporting their child at home, school, and socially. A simultaneous group for children ages 8–12 helps them build skills and confidence in a supportive setting.
  
  

Special Needs Family Information Roundtable: Early Intervention Services
March 27 | 10:30–11:30 AM

• Location: Kettering–Moraine Library Branch
• Learn about early intervention services and available supports for families.

Kettering Area Mental Health Support Groups

NAMI Connection Support Group

Mondays | 7:00–8:30 PM

• Location: Christ Church United Methodist, Room 243
• A free, peer-led support group for adults who have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Groups are led by trained facilitators with lived experience and offer a welcoming space to share challenges and successes.

NAMI Family Support Groups

• 1st, 2nd, or 4th Thursdays
• A peer-led group for adults supporting a loved one with mental health challenges, offering shared experiences and encouragement.

Cartwheel Monthly Webinars for Parents and Caregivers

• Cartwheel’s free webinar series provides parents, caregivers, and school staff with practical tools to support student and family wellness and mental health.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

January 24 – April 15

• Get free help filing your tax return from IRS-trained volunteers. VITA sites are available throughout the community during these dates.

Give Kids a Smile

February 6 | 9-4 (Appointments Required)
Location: Fortis College Centerville

• Free dental care for children in need (ages 2-8 years old). Check the flyer for details on how to book an appointment time.
  

Super Refund Saturday

February 7 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Free tax return preparation and filing for eligible taxpayers at the Job Center, with an emphasis on claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.

MVCAP Winter Crisis Program (WCP)

Open November 1 - March 31

• Miami Valley Community Action Plan’s Winter Crisis Program provides a one-time heating assistance benefit to eligible Ohioans during the winter months.

Montgomery County Construction Job Fair

February 26 | 12:00–4:00 PM

• Connect directly with local construction employers offering full-time jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities. Open to individuals of all experience levels, from newcomers to seasoned professionals.

Did You Know: Kettering City Schools partners with a local non-profit charity, neighborhood bridges Kettering, to support students and families by posting anonymous needs—like school supplies, clothing, or household essentials—on their platform. Community members can help with a click, and their team delivers donations directly to those in need. Subscribe or follow Neighborhood Bridges to get updates and help your fellow Firebird families!