In recent years, opiate abuse and deaths have risen across Ohio. Lima, Ohio, is no different. This crisis has shattered families, including leaving some children without parents.

Awareness of that reality informs the Lima Area Freedom Schools, with which Trinity Lima United Methodist Church is affiliated. Several of the 40 students have lost one or both parents to overdose.

Freedom Schools are multicultural, empowering spaces that emphasize social action, servant leadership, and self-esteem building. Understanding the reality of some students, program director Bliss Hairston prepares her Student Leader Interns (SLIs) in advance.

“I tell the SLIs to show up as their authentic selves and to have patience to know kids are growing up in a different climate,” Hairston said.

As leaders teach the core Freedom School curriculum, they prioritize creating a safe space for students to express pain or anger and to share if they are having a difficult day.

Hairston, who has led this program for many years, remains because she believes in its mission and how it can enrich lives.

“By the end of the program, students feel safe enough to let you know if they need to take a time out or just talk to an adult,” Hairston said. She also reinforces that students deserve to learn where they have come from and to know their future is limitless.

Lima Area Freedom Schools ended on Saturday, Aug. 1, with a community celebration at the Bradfield Community Center.

Click here to read “Freedom School celebrates summer program” on Limaohio.com.

Written by Amy Graham, Freelance writer for West Ohio Communications