Healing spaces for young minds: Akron Children’s Women’s Board pledges $2.32 million to transform inpatient unit

The Akron Children’s Women’s Board is raising funds for the behavioral health unit.

Since 1890, when a group of visionary women founded the Mary Day Nursery to care for children while their mothers worked, the Akron Children’s Women’s Board has been at the heart of the care delivered through Akron Children’s. Evolving with the community’s needs – from post-polio rehabilitation to modern-day challenges – the board has remained a steadfast advocate for giving children more childhood. With a $2.32 million pledge to the new inpatient behavioral health unit in the Kay Jewelers Pavilion, set to open this spring, the Women’s Board is addressing one of the most pressing issues facing young people: the mental health crisis. This commitment, the board’s largest in recent years, will fund key features like a rooftop terrace for outdoor therapy, sensory rooms for emotional regulation and spaces designed to promote calm and healing.

Dedicated to the mission

Leading this effort are Lisa Jeffries, current Women’s Board president, and Barb Varley, immediate past president. Lisa, who has served on the Women’s Board for five years, also serves on the hospital’s Board of Directors and is a member of the Hospital Governance and Finance Committees. “It’s been a whirlwind,” Jeffries said. “I’m there for all of it – running general meetings, attending committee sessions and representing the Women’s Board at hospital events.” Barb, who has served on the board for 10 years, previously held executive roles and now chairs the Women’s Board nominating and constitution committees. As past president, she serves on the Hospital Governance committee. “Since the hospital’s start, the Women’s Board has been integrated into its governance,” Barb said. “Our officers serve on the hospital board, giving us a unique position to be the longstanding voice of the community to advocate for the support and protection of all children.” Both women joined the Women’s Board for personal reasons tied to children’s advocacy. Lisa was drawn by her involvement in child-centered organizations and the board’s dynamic membership. Barb, a mother of four boys, credits her family’s positive experiences with Akron Children’s providers. “It was my way of giving back – raising funds and advocating for children,” Barb said. What keeps them engaged? The board’s impact and camaraderie. “We’re dedicated to the welfare of children,” Lisa said. “We do so many things, and it’s a team that gets things done.” Barb added, “We’re high-level volunteers who follow through, developing meaningful relationships while providing time and resources to help the hospital.” As the largest donor to Akron Children’s, the board’s 75 members – volunteers from diverse backgrounds – volunteer at least 10 hours monthly, often in the hospital gift shop. “We’re truly involved in the hospital, interacting with patients, families and staff,” Jeffries noted. “The families we meet are facing challenges, so we try to be an extension of the care team through kindness and compassion.”

Addressing an epidemic need

Behavioral health emerged as a priority for the board. “There’s a significant crisis, and we need to help address it,” said Lisa. A presentation by Dr. Eva Szigethy, chair, Pediatric Psychiatry and Psychology and The Lois C. Orr Endowed Chair in Pediatric Psychiatry, deeply moved the board. “It touched all of us, and we wanted to help,” she said. Barb echoed the urgency: “The need is high – some would say epidemic. Through this new pledge, we want to signal to the community that we support these initiatives and encourage others to get involved.” In the new unit, the Women’s Board hopes to create a safe environment for kids, families and providers, including
outdoor spaces for mood-boosting sunshine and sensory rooms to calm emotions. “In addition to the outstanding clinical care provided at Akron Children’s, we know that the outdoors and safe spaces can dramatically affect people’s mental health,” said Barb. The Women’s Board has a track record for directing funds where they are needed most. This $2.32 million commitment follows a 2021 $1.5 million pledge to the Rehabilitation Department renovation and a 2013 $2.5 million pledge to the neonatal intensive care unit. Payments toward the behavioral health unit began with $1 million in 2025 and the full pledge will be met in 2028. The Women’s Board is raising funds for the project through a variety of activities and events. The hospital gift shop is a primary revenue source, and Barb and Lisa said that employees are generous patrons at the store. Other efforts include “Celebrate the Plate” parties, where Women’s Board members host invitation-only dinners that introduce the Akron Children’s story to small groups, and volunteering at the Kaulig Companies Championship annual golf tournament.

Hopes for lasting change

Board members believe the new behavioral health unit will become a transformative area in the hospital. “We are confident that Dr. Szigethy and her team will create an environment focused on stabilizing patients and then seeking ways to restore them to a healthy childhood,” said Lisa. “We’re so pleased to partner with the Akron Children’s team on this important initiative.”

Lisa and Barb urge others to join the Women’s Board’s efforts. “We as mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles and grandparents must do the right thing, especially with the increased demand for behavioral health services,” said Barb.