Garfield Elementary receives innovation award for Family Resource Room

By The LCS Communications Department | Lisa Roberson

LORAIN — Garfield Elementary School has been named the recipient of the 2025 Bev Lizanich Innovation Award from Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio.

The award recognizes Garfield's Family Resource Room for its approach to supporting families through access to food, hygiene products and household essentials, all within the school building. Since opening, the Family Resource Room has served an average of 80 families per month.

Garfield staff uses an order-ahead platform, which allows families to request items online at their convenience, removing the barriers of in-person distribution lines and offering a more dignified experience. The success of this model has inspired neighboring schools to consider similar programs.

At the heart of the Family Resource Room is school secretary Cindy Vegh, whose daily work to support students and families goes far beyond her job title. For Vegh, the work is personal.

"It is truly an honor for me," she said. "My parents were always active in our community, volunteering with children and families. It's a tradition my husband and I also instilled in our daughters. It's such a privilege and blessing to be in a position where we can continue to serve others.”

Principal John Monteleone said Vegh deserves full recognition for "all she has done to grow this program and serve as the focal point of such a great model. Her dedication and hard work have been truly instrumental to its success."

Vegh said she is motivated by knowing the room is making a difference.

"In the beginning, it was the children that motivated me, but with our pantry serving all ages, it is the thanks we receive when someone picks up a food box," she said. "Their smile or look of relief in letting us know that the box they picked up is truly going to help them get through the week."

Assistant Superintendent Ross May also played a key role in developing Garfield's first order-ahead dashboard, which made it easier for families to access support while protecting their privacy.

"We are proud to honor Garfield Elementary School for its forward-thinking Family Resource Room program — an effort that has reshaped how families connect with care and support in their own school community," Second Harvest President and CEO Juliana Chase-Morefield wrote in the award letter. "This model proves that innovation in action can spark lasting change."

Vegh credited the program's success to a dedicated team that includes Monteleone, Assistant Principal Olivia Akers, several volunteers — including those affiliated with the Adopt-a-School program — and Garfield's partnership with Second Harvest.

"I'm proud that what we're doing here will now be used to help others," she said.

Garfield will receive a $2,500 food grant as part of the award, which will be recognized at the Generous Helpings event on Sept. 28 at Second Harvest's Baumhart Road location in Lorain.