News & Events
FFN-GC Newsletter
Who We Are
Families & Friends Network of Greater Columbus is a 501c3 formed in 2022. It evolved from an informal and active family and friends association called FFN/On My Own which shared the same priorities. The mission of
FFN-GC is to promote independent living by providing support services to adults with mild developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families through in-home, social, educational, and recreational programs.
Meet Your FFN-GC Board
MEET THREE OF YOUR FFN-GC BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Bette Feist – Bette’s career as an early intervention specialist/service coordinator for Help Me Grow programs Montgomery county and Columbus began her passion for helping individuals with disabilities. She retired from Nationwide Children’s Hospital as an early intervention specialist working with young children and helping their parents find resources in the community to fill their needs through access to programs and contacts to reinforce options and possibilities. As a volunteer with FFN-GC she has connected with people with a variety of disabilities to build on their strengths as a learning opportunity by listening to the things the participants like, encouraging them to try new things and making it fun. She has held management responsibilities at both Help Me Grow and Nationwide Children’s. She is pleased with the new direction FFN-GC is taking as its 501-c3 and appreciates the chance to help with future planning and implementation.
Fred Merchant – Frederick Merchant is the husband of Sherrie Cohen-Merchant, son in-law of Sandra Cohen and brother-in- law of Ron Cohen. He graduated from Concord University with a BS in Business Administration and concentrations in Management and Accounting. He worked 26 years in the glass business primarily for Guardian Industries. He joined the family business as Sec., Treas. and CEO of Crosby’s Drugs Inc. in 2008. Since his graduation from college, he has served on many non-profit board positions as treasurer. Fred, Sherrie and their son Jerry reside in Bexley, OH. Fred will serve as treasurer on the FFN-GC Executive Committee.
Dennis Rankin – Dennis is a well organized and is focused on assuring key organizational support pieces are in place including identifying and documenting policies and procedures for consistency and relevance; reviewing and refining org database design, structure and maintenance processes; facilitating file sharing among Board and others…in short, helping FFN-GC pull together and update various records and materials from fragmented sources in our past so we can be better organized and efficient going forward and have things in place so new Board and other people can more easily be involved. He is also very willing and able to help out in other areas like planning projects and fundraising activities. He is very familiar and comfortable with the people we serve.
MANY THANKS TO PAT KARSHNER AND BOB KIEFFER
Pat and Bob are stepping down from the Board after many years of serving on the FFN board in various capacities and have volunteered at events and classes. We will look forward to their continued input with FFN-GC.