HelpLine Honors Local Changemakers at 7th Annual HelpLine Guardians for Good Celebration

Event Highlights Men’s Mental Health, Community Impact, and Regional Leadership

DELAWARE, OH – HelpLine hosted its 7th Annual Guardians for Good Celebration, Tuesday, December 2, bringing together community members, leaders, and mental health advocates to honor individuals and organizations driving positive change across North Central Ohio. The theme, “Building Momentum: (re)Shaping Men’s Mental Health” ignited dialogue, elevated solutions, and united attendees around a shared commitment to reshaping, understanding and supporting men’s mental health.

WBNS 10TV News Co-Anchors Stacia Naquin and Jeff Hogan, opened the event by emphasizing the urgency of addressing men’s mental health as a community priority. Naquin stated, “Today, we don’t gather as spectators, we gather as partners in change,” she shared, noting that untreated or stigmatized mental health concerns affect families, workplaces, and entire communities.

HelpLine presented five awards to outstanding community members and organizations whose leadership and service exemplify the spirit of Guardians for Good:

• Dan Crawford – Honored for his advocacy for sexual assault survivors throughout the five-county HelpLine Sexual Assault Response Network service area.
• Richwood Coffee – Recognized for reinvesting over $923,000 into local nonprofits, fueling grassroots impact one cup of coffee at a time.
• Robin Irion & Adam Wadkins – Celebrated for empowering elementary-aged youth through emotional resilience and leadership programming.
• Justin Plummer – Acknowledged for expanding mental wellness and prevention initiatives for students at Big Walnut Local Schools.

“These honorees show us what momentum looks like in action,” Hogan said. “Their work strengthens the ecosystem of support around boys, men, families, and survivors.”

HelpLine Executive Director Dr. Tonia Pace and Associate Director Lauren MacDade presented powerful updates on fiscal-year 2025 program outcomes, including a sharp rise in crisis calls from men and boys, increased suicide prevention engagement in schools, and expanded support for survivors of sexual assault. The organization’s 24/7 hotline and textline made 19,256 contacts over the past year, with calls to 988 nearly tripling from the previous year. Other key highlights included:

• Crisis Engagement Coordination Program provided nearly 3,000 caring contacts to residents needing follow-up after crises.
• Prevention programming reached more students that ever before, specifically with the Signs of Suicide program serving 5,729 students – the highest number in HelpLine history.
• Sexual Assault & Victim Services supported 148 survivors and providing 24/7 response across five counties.
• Connections Volunteer Center mobilized 757 volunteers, fostering purpose and reducing isolation, especially for older adult men

Attendees also experienced a stirring performance by Kris Johnson, a 2024 GRAMMY-winning trumpeter, composer, and educator, who shared an original #LoopTherapy artistic presentation.

A panel discussion explored and dismantled stigmas, mental health literacy, and tangible solutions for reshaping men’s wellness. Panelists included:

• Greg Alfred, Licensed psychologist
• Jason Hughes, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
• Dino Tripodis, Advocate, ManTherapy.org
• Jarod Anderson, Author and poet

Together, they examined the cultural barriers that keep men from seeking support and how community connection and empathy can help overcome them.

The success of the HelpLine Guardians for Good Celebration was made possible through the generous support of the following event sponsors: Artina Promotional Products, Impact60
Delaware County Foundation, DelCo Water, Columbus State Community College, Ohio Living Foundation, Payne & Brown Insurance, OhioHealth, Liberty Casting Company, Accent and Minute Man Press – Lewis Center and ITA Audio Visual Solutions. Individual table and in-kind sponsors include: Linda and Skip Weiler Fund, Bryan and Jane Martin Fund Sue and Steve Hanson, Jim and Karen Waters, and the HelpLine Board of Directors.

“We are grateful to our sponsors, community partners, and attendees who continue to champion our mission,” said Dr. Pace. “Your support ensures that when someone reaches out, we are always here to answer.”

About HelpLine
As the community’s only 24/7 resource, HelpLine is the go-to for supporting and empowering change. Our highly trained specialists offer compassionate support to help meet the needs of anyone in crisis, connecting them with the right resources and empowering them to thrive. Our prevention programs address suicide and depression, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and family violence to influence change in our community. Rooted in strong partnerships with local nonprofits and agencies, HelpLine connects community members with the support, education, and volunteer opportunities they need to live healthy, connected lives.