Creating SAfe Rooms at Local Schools
Calming rooms available in schools to help students cope with social and emotional issues.
Rick and Beth Haney have created ‘John’s Safe Place,” special rooms at local schools where students can be open, decompress and find comfort. The rooms were created after Beth Haney took a class on mental health.
The first room was set up at Fairview Middle School in 2020, with the help of school administrators and teachers. It was designed with feedback from The Cleveland Clinic to create a calm, open atmosphere for students who are having a panic attack or just having a bad day to come to, decompress, find comfort.
The room has low lighting, comfortable couches, games, puzzles, art materials and an aquarium, and is monitored by the school’s guidance department.
By giving students time to color or play with a Rubik’s Cube or just sit and stare at the fish tank, you can see them start to calm down.
In addition to the John’s Safe Place rooms, the JCH Foundation provides mental health first aid classes to help school staff recognize issues in their students and to better equip them with how to respond.
Each room costs between $2,000 to $3,000 to create, with donations and funds raised by the JCH Foundation help go towards creating these rooms, including: furniture, aquarium, sensory-sensitive devices, headphones, paint and more.
The counseling staff at North Olmsted Middle School said since opening, John’s Safe Place has facilitated more discussions about suicide, anxiety, and depression.
The first room was set up at Fairview Middle School in 2020, with the help of school administrators and teachers. It was designed with feedback from The Cleveland Clinic to create a calm, open atmosphere for students who are having a panic attack or just having a bad day to come to, decompress, find comfort.
The room has low lighting, comfortable couches, games, puzzles, art materials and an aquarium, and is monitored by the school’s guidance department.
By giving students time to color or play with a Rubik’s Cube or just sit and stare at the fish tank, you can see them start to calm down.
In addition to the John’s Safe Place rooms, the JCH Foundation provides mental health first aid classes to help school staff recognize issues in their students and to better equip them with how to respond.
Each room costs between $2,000 to $3,000 to create, with donations and funds raised by the JCH Foundation help go towards creating these rooms, including: furniture, aquarium, sensory-sensitive devices, headphones, paint and more.
The counseling staff at North Olmsted Middle School said since opening, John’s Safe Place has facilitated more discussions about suicide, anxiety, and depression.
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Rooms:
First Room - 2020
Rooms - 2021
Rooms - 2022
Rooms - 2023
Crestwood High School
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Rooms - 2024
UPCOMING ROOMS - 2025
North Royalton High School
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North Ridgeville High School
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North Ridgeville Middle School
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Polaris High School
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Orville School District
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Testimonials
Our John's Safe Place has worked wonders for our students and staff, providing a magically calm space to relax and reset during a demanding school day. The calming ambiance not only benefits students, but has proven to also be an ideal setting for parent meetings, fostering open communication in a relaxed environment. John's Safe Place has become an invaluable asset to our school. We are very grateful to the Haney family for their impactful work. -Lynne Stark, Principal Vincent Elementary School
As a counselor working closely with students, I have witnessed the profound impact this space has had on their well-begin and emotional resilience. The Haney Family's support has been tremendous and has been far more than a partnership. Their commitment, generosity, compassion, and support have not only provided a space for students, but have also sent a powerful message to our students. Their belief in the importance of mental health and well-begin is certainly making a lasting difference in the lives of many.
One of the most remarkable aspects of John's Safe Place is being able to provide students with an extra layer of support. Knowing that this space is available and creates a sense of security and encourages students to reach out when needed. Students feel encouraged to seek help and to talk to someone during difficult times. - Holly Thrasher, School Counselor Cuyahoga Heights High School
JCH Foundation has brought a wonderful resource to our school- John’s Safe Place. Bringing mental health awareness as well as a place for students to go when they need a safe place to sort out their feelings. - Meredith
A beautiful , peaceful room was created in our school for any students who needed to regroup emotionally. I believe it was very appreciated by our school and staff members. Kudos to John’s family and friends who are working so hard to help kids. - Danielle
Wonderful organization that created a great space for students and staff in our building! - Josie
Great resource for students and staff!! It has made a positive impact in our school. - Lisa
This is incredible organization whose mission is so needed. I couldn’t be more thankful that our students have this resource as it’s been so beneficial to so many. - Alexa
I’ve utilized John’s Safe Place myself this year. Great organization, great cause! - Rachel
John’s Safe Place is an AMAZING resource. It has helped me as a teacher & as a dad. - Ken
The JCH does incredible work to help students get the help they need in a school setting. Being a teacher, I have witnessed how impactful a safe space can be for a struggling student who cannot get immediate 1 on 1 attention in a classroom. - Chris G.
I love the JCH foundation. They’ve brought wonderful safe space to not only our schools but surrounding areas. Keep up the great work. - Molly B.
This amazing family has given back through tragedy, and they have helped save more lives than we will ever know. They are inspirations! The high school I work at and the school system my children attend both have John’s Safe Space rooms for children to come to when they are not feeling okay. This room has been another great way to help our students. Thank you! I think it would be so helpful for as many schools as possible to have a room like this. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs Haney, for your generosity and strength to help others through your own tragedy. - Kristy
The John C. Haney foundation is near and dear to my heart. Mr. and Mrs. Haney lost their son to suicide. They have a mission to not allow any other kids feel the same way and give up. They want kids to know there is always hope and they are not alone. They began creating safe spaces for students to go to in schools to feel better. The high school I work for has one and it has been a game changer for many, many students. It gives them a place to decompress, calm down, lower their anxiety and just feel better before going back to class. My district cannot thank them enough for their donation. Our students find peace in John’s Safe Space. - Tricia