Utilizing Three Boundary Types

by Kelly Bailey

The first thing to accept is that you cannot control the actions of others. The only thing you can control are your own actions and reactions.

Healthy boundaries help outline actions to be taken when a particular set of circumstances arises.

Boundaries are limits, rules or guidelines someone sets to let others know what they are and are not comfortable with. Clear boundaries also outline a consequence.

There are three types of boundaries: physical, time and personal.

Physical boundaries create a safe space around your body and establish what you are comfortable with, such as: “I will hug you, but I will not kiss you” or “I do not like it when you touch me that way. If you touch me like that again, I will leave/ tell a parent/tell an authority.”

Time boundaries also are so important. This is my favorite for working adults because it sets schedule limits that can help create a work-life balance.

An example would be: “No, I cannot re-schedule your session for that time, but I can offer you this time” or “I do not work on Sundays, but I can get that done Monday.”

Finally, personal boundaries are guidelines we set to keep us safe with ourselves. This is another one of my favorites because it keeps people accountable for their own goals and expectations.

For example: “I want to eat healthy, so I do not keep junk food in the house” or “I want to save money, so I no longer shop for non-necessities.”

What if someone continues to break boundaries that have been communicated?

Unfortunately, there are people who feel entitled or are simply oblivious to boundaries.

If you feel you are in danger or you are being threatened, it is important to seek help immediately by contacting police and letting trusted friends and family members know.

Otherwise, if not in danger or at risk, ask yourself if the boundary was clear. Was expected behavior clearly explained? Was the consequence of not respecting that boundary clearly communicated?

If boundaries are not respected, there are further actions that can be taken, depending on what boundary is not being respected.

One is to re-state the boundary and give them one final chance to comply.

Another is to create distance by taking your attention away by ignoring, unfollowing or blocking the other person.

Finally, a boundary can be reinforced by clearly stating what the consequence will be: “I asked you to leave me alone. If you continue to follow/stalk/harass me, I will call the police/file for a protection order.”

Most importantly, if you do not feel safe, trust your feelings and contact police.

More help and support are available at https://bit. ly/3QwFd62

COMMUNITY: GEMS

Fund Helps Students Enter Trades

by Kent Von Der Vellen

When nearing the end of high school, graduates repeatedly hear a variation of the same questions: “What college are you going to?” or “What are you going to study?”

There is a societal expectation of attending college, even if it may not be the right route for many graduates.

This has changed some in recent years as awareness has grown of the importance and income that can be earned in the trades and as college costs continue to rise.

Secretary of the County Forward Fund, Kathy Breitenbucher, said her daughter often heard those questions about college at the end of high school.

Breitenbucher believes the question needs to be changed to instead asking what plans a graduate has following high school instead of assuming college will be the next step.

She said there are many rewarding and well-paying careers that do not require a college degree, which is why the Medina County Economic Development Corporation created the fund. They wanted to help those choosing to enter the workforce after high school.

The fund offers job scholarships and provides a career coach and a pre-apprenticeship program.

Breitenbucher works to maintain a close relationship with county high school counselors who recommend students who could benefit from the fund’s opportunities.

In the first year of the job scholarship program, eight applicants were approved and six were awarded scholarships, which included one winning student from each Medina County high school and the Medina County Career Center.

The $1,000 scholarships can be used to buy needed clothing, supplies, tools, or transportation to the new job. The goal is to award 13 scholarships by including Windfall School and the county’s alternative education schools.

Donations and grants provide fund for having career coach Mitchel Boehmke assess county student strengths and interests to identify possible job and career paths.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Program was started last spring using state-provided COVID funds and helped 21 students meet graduation requirements in May 2022. That number will be 85 students in May 2023.

To earn a high school degree, students can pass the state exams, earn a minimum of 12 points through a State Board of Education-approved program, or utilize the Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which consists of 11 modules teaching workforce soft skills.

The County Forward Fund is a 501c3 organization and relies on donations and grants from Medina County businesses, organizations and individuals.

To learn more about the fund, email Breitenbucher at kathy@medinacounty.org or visit the website at https://www. countyforwardfund.org/

A certified personal trainer and certified holistic nutrition coach, Kelly Bailey owns and operates Kelly Bailey Wellness. Find her blog, visit the Food Freedom page, and contact her at https://www.kellybailey.fit/ Learn more about Bailey at https:// bit.ly/3B9HkGm Following any recommendations are solely at your discretion and responsibility. Consult your medical professional prior to undertaking any suggested diet, lifestyle or exercise change or routine.

Kent Von Der Vellen has lived in Medina for more than 20 years and is cofounder of the Jakob F. Von Der Vellen Memorial Foundation. Learn more about Von Der Vellen at https://bit.ly/3Fg6PqQ Email him at Gems@ BlakeHousePublishing.com or call 330-421-0863. Learn about other area nonprofits at Giving Hearts

County Forward Fund, Inc.

144 N. Broadway Street, Medina, Oh. 44256

Phone: 330-723-6404

Web address:

Date of formation: 10/01/2018

Organization type: 501c3

Description of Organization’s Purpose: To provide vision, leadership, education and support for the economic and workforce growth of Medina County

Is the organization’s registration status current? Yes

The financial information below is from the organization’s most recent filing within the on-line system. If the items below are blank, the organization has not yet filed information on-line or they may be exempt from filing an annual report.

Reporting Year: 2021

Reporting Start Date: 1/1/2021

Reporting End Date: 12/31/2021

Total Revenue: $25.06

Total Expenses: $0

Total Program Expenses: $0

Percent of Total Expenses: 0 percent

Total Assets: $50,121.23

Director or Board Member List:

Amy Demlow

Grant Aungst

Kathy Breitenbucher

Frank Fresti

Becky Shotwell

Bethany Dentler