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OHVA Opens Its Doors to Support Families Through Cardy’s Closet 

Community & Social
Image with text: OHVA Opens Its Doors to Support Families Through Cardy’s Closet

At Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA), supporting students means supporting their families, too. This fall, OHVA is finding a new way to connect families with essential resources through a special shopping day at its Maumee, Ohio, office. 

OHVA maintains Cardy’s Closet, a family resource closet stocked with donated clothing, shoes, hats, gloves, school supplies, and hygiene kits. Most of the items come from generous staff members, with additional support from the school’s charter sponsor, OCCS, and a grant. 

The closet serves families experiencing homelessness, helping ensure they have access to everyday essentials. Through these efforts, the family resource team supports academic success by removing barriers, meeting basic needs, and creating opportunities for students to focus on their education. 

Cardy's Closet
Clothing donations at Cardy’s Closet
Cardy's Closet
Winter coats at Cardy’s Closet

A New Way to Connect with Families 

In the past, OHVA has typically coordinated closet donations through staff referrals. Family resource coordinators would receive requests, gather the needed items, and ship them directly to families. 

This fall, the team is trying something new by inviting families to visit the closet in person and choose the items that best meet their needs. 

By welcoming families into the closet, OHVA hopes to make the process more personal and give parents and students the opportunity to select items that work best for them.

Cardy's Closet
Donation boxes at Cardy’s Closet
Cardy's Closet
Donation boxes at Cardy’s Closet

Offering More Than Just Essential Supplies  

OHVA’s Cardy’s Closet shopping day is about more than providing clothing and supplies. It is also an opportunity to build connections, share resources, and help families feel supported by their school community. 

The school’s family resource coordinators will host the event, helping families find the items they need. Susie Ebie, OHVA’s family engagement coordinator, will also attend to connect with families face-to-face, provide face-to-face credit opportunities for students and share information about the community and social activities available to OHVA families. 

These connections help families learn about additional ways to get involved and access support throughout the school year. 

Cardy's Closet
OHVA Family Resource team members, Heidi Ragar and Charlotte Rogier.

The Next Cardy’s Closet  

At OHVA, family support is an important part of helping students succeed. Through donations, community partnerships, and the dedication of staff members, Cardy’s Closet offers a practical way to help families access essential items when they need them. 

This fall’s shopping day builds on that commitment by creating an opportunity for families to connect directly with the people and resources available to support them. 

The next Cardy’s Closet shopping day is November 10th, 2026! 

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