Marci Matthews invested in a behavioral health camp that helped kids practice coping skills, connect with others and enjoy the outdoors.

In a time when mental health challenges among youth are on the rise, the Cynthia Parker Matthews Family Foundation is stepping up with transformative support for Akron Children’s. The foundation’s $1.5 million pledge establishes the Behavioral Health Faculty Research Program, aimed at advancing understanding of how mental health conditions develop, their community impacts and optimal treatments. Complementing this, Marci Matthews, executive director of the foundation, personally donated $500,000 to bolster behavioral health care, including funding for therapeutic summer camps at Camp Y-Noah. These gifts reflect a deep commitment to integrated care related to mental and behavioral health. “There is a wholeness of care – mind, body, spirit if you will – where behavioral health helps all of us,” said Marci. “Children develop and change so quickly, particularly those with long-term conditions, so it’s extremely important to meet them where they are mentally as well as physically.”

Research that leads to change

The new Faculty Research Program leverages Akron Children’s clinical expertise and access to patient and community data to drive innovation. By examining patient characteristics and social determinants of health in Northeast Ohio, researchers aim to uncover causes, refine treatments and ensure timely interventions for families in crisis. “With research being one of the clearest paths to better futures and with government and other traditional funds dwindling and disappearing, we, as individuals and foundations, feel a need to try to fill gaps where and when we can,” said Marci. This initiative will enhance patient outcomes, attract top physician-scientists, upgrade technology and infrastructure, and fund fellowships to train future leaders in pediatric psychiatry. Eva Szigethy, MD, PhD, The Lois C. Orr Endowed Chair in Pediatric Psychiatry, said this gift will make a significant difference to Akron Children’s and the kids it serves. “We’re truly grateful to Marci Matthews and the Cynthia Parker Matthews Family Foundation for their thoughtful investment in our new behavioral health research program,” said Dr. Szigethy. “Their support allows us to dig deeper into how mental health challenges develop in kids, find better ways to intervene early, and ultimately help more families right here in our community get the right care at the right time.”

The camp emphasizes fun, fresh air and friendship.

Healing in nature

Marci’s personal donation enabled the inaugural behavioral health summer camp, held Aug. 29-31, 2025, at Camp Y-Noah in Green. Designed for youth ages 12 to 17 who recently completed intensive behavioral health outpatient or partial hospitalization programs, the weekend offered a safe space to practice coping skills, forge connections and enjoy outdoor adventures – all at no cost to families. Twenty-seven campers from the Akron, Youngstown and Mansfield areas participated, enjoying hikes, rock climbing, fishing, obstacle courses and campfire reflections. Led by Camp Y-Noah staff with support from 11 Akron Children’s behavioral health team members, the event emphasized fun, fresh air and friendship. “I don’t know that we can put enough emphasis on the beauty, joy, and peace we find among those who are like us, particularly if we are feeling a bit too unique at times,” said Marci. “To offer a safe place to be both inclusive and diverse means offering a place for healing and hope, and to have that hope and healing outdoors with nature makes it even more impactful, freeing, and inspiring.” Doug Straight, director of the behavioral health service line, noted the camp’s therapeutic benefits. “The campers loved being outdoors. They got to hang out with kids who have had similar struggles, so they know they’re not alone,” he said. The department hopes to make it an annual event, inspired by the energy it brought to both kids and staff.

Campers enjoying a hike together.

The true difference giving makes

As a longtime supporter, Marci has witnessed Akron Children’s evolution. “Philanthropy allows Akron Children’s Hospital to offer a level of compassion and care that a for-profit business cannot always afford,” she said.
She encourages others to join her in supporting Akron Children’s, as well as behavioral health. “This is what I often tell people: you can find a way to help almost anything that matters to you by helping Akron Children’s, whether it’s a specific condition, age, topic, issue – there is a way to help,” she said. “By gifting to Akron Children’s, you are also continuing the beauty of the three promises that guide Akron Children’s: treating others as one would want to be treated, caring for each child as if they were one’s own, and never turning any child away.”