Making an impact

Members of Seneca Friendship Club are making an impact in the community. The club, an initiative of Seneca County Family and Children First Council, is a social club for young adults, ages 18-25, who struggle with social connections, sometimes due to high-functioning autism. The group provides a safe and encouraging environment for young adults to develop meaningful friendships. The group, which has about 20 members so far, has provided community service by working on landscaping and playing bingo with residents at Volunteers of America Autumnwood Care Center, helping with storage at Transformation Life Center, passing out treats at Seneca County Opportunity Center's Hoot in the Park, assisting with inflatables at Family Fest and supporting Seneca Mentoring Youth Links' basket party fundraiser. The group is led by Gabby Cesareo, who – through the Tiffin University work-study program – spent four years working at the Impact after-school program and Seneca Friendship Club since the club was created two and a half years ago. Cesareo was hired as Seneca Friendship Club's coordinator upon graduation. Dominic Consolo, who attended North Central Academy, has had a full-time job for two years. He is an assistant youth leader for a youth group, Kids for Christ church volunteer and a Vacation Bible School volunteer. Consolo said Seneca Friendship Club has helped and changed him as a person in the past few years, and he feels like he opened up and connected with people a lot more. Seth Miller completed the independent living program at Sentinel Career and Technology Center this spring. He is participating in a work program this summer and will attend Project Life to continue to work on developing job skills in the fall. Miller enjoys playing volleyball for Seneca County Opportunity Center. "Seth has enjoyed his time with his new friends at SFC and is looking forward to their next trip to the Toledo Mudhens," said his mother, Laura Miller. Tanner Gitcheff graduated cum laude from Columbian High School in 2016 and received a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in religion from Heidelberg University in 2020. Gitcheff works as a courtesy clerk at Kroger. He loves to sing, which he has been doing since he was 5 years old, and has won a couple of talent shows. He volunteered at Seneca County Museum and at Bascom United Methodist Church as a backup singer for its worship team. He is preparing to write a biographical essay. Timothy Culver works at Concordance, attends the Optima program and competes in basketball and track and field for the Seneca Arrows. "He enjoys hanging out with all his buddies at Friendship Club," said his mother, Lori Runion. "The club has given him people to connect with." Alex Gill, who has a full-time job, enjoys spending time in his shop and riding his ATV in his spare time. He enjoys working with his brother, running a sawmill; is active in family activities and spends a lot of quality time with his niece and nephews. "Alex enjoys spending time with his Seneca Friendship Club members," said his mother, Gail Channing. "Alex enjoys all of the outdoor activities and club events that lead him to new adventures." To learn more about Seneca Friendship Club, visit www.facebook.com/senecafriendshipclub or www.senecacountyfcfc.org, or call 419-447-2927.