Tuscarawas JFS’s Nichole John presents Ryan Styer with the Voice for All Children Award
An award was presented during a weekend fundraiser for Noah’s Hope Child Advocacy Center.
During the 3rd annual gala, Nichole John, with Tuscarawas County Job and Family Services, presented the Voice for All Children award to Ryan Styer.
“He has inspired so many and I just want to read to you the nomination – Ryan Styer was instrumental in the creation of the Tuscarawas County Child Advocacy Center. After attending training, Ryan began asking the question, why didn’t Tuscarawas County have a CAC. From then on he put in the work to make it a reality.”
The former Tuscarawas County prosecutor was instrumental in implementing the local child advocacy center. He recalled a case, before taking office, where the statement from a child was not heard by a jury. Once elected, Styer says he received feedback about the need for better collaboration between departments.
“Everybody on these cases were doing their job. Children Services, police, prosecutors, counselors were doing their job but there was no hub of collaboration. What the CAC does is it’s a forum to not only require collaboration but also best practices.”
Overall, he was grateful for the nomination.
“I thank you very much. It’s an honor to be recognized for this and thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Noah’s Hope served 232 children in 2025 which was a 14-percent increase from the previous year. In 2026, from January 1st to April 7th, the facility has served 67.
Executive Director Mandy Willett says this year’s fundraiser will primarily go toward a new service dog as Alexa is set to soon retire.
“Will go toward the purchase of a K9 and the very expensive, extremely expensive training. The remaining proceeds will go toward care and maintaining our center.”
From the live auction and direct donations over $25,000 was raised. An unknown amount was raised from raffle tickets, a wine bottle pulls, and 50 silent auction baskets.
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