Cadence Care Network continues Buckeye State expansion into Columbus

Niles-based Cadence Care Network (CCN) recently announced the acquisition of Columbus-based Youth Advocate Services (YAS). Both nonprofits share a history of providing treatment foster care services and serving their respective communities.

Representatives said the acquisition will strengthen both organizations’ ability to respond to children’s behavioral health and child welfare needs.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Youth Advocate Services to expand our mission of helping children and families live their best possible lives. This acquisition allows us to build on the solid foundation of foster care, early intervention, and behavioral health services currently provided by YAS in Franklin County by incorporating our expertise in developing innovative home and community based behavioral health services,” said Cadence Care Network CEO Matt Kresic.

Kresic said 2024 was an exciting year for Cadence Care. The agency provided mental health treatment to more than 2,400 children and their families. There was a ten percent increase in foster care families served, and the number of foster care children adopted doubled from 2023. More than 3,000 students received services within one of the 15 school districts and technical centers from CCN full-time social workers or therapists.

YAS has served more than 52,000 children and families throughout its history and is consistently ranked in the Top 10 most-purchased service providers for Franklin County Children Services.

“As we begin this new chapter, I reflect on how amazing it is to be able to say that YAS has served the Central Ohio community for more than 46 years. We will still be here, serving our community with the same dedication to providing quality care,” YAS CEO Sarah Steuer added. “This merger allows us to do things we have dreamed of in expanding our programs, adding services, increasing our resources, and providing more opportunities for our staff. I am excited about what is ahead as we become part of Cadence Care Network and what we will be able to accomplish as part of an organization that is innovative, dedicated, and well respected in Ohio.”

The acquisition will expand Cadence Care Network’s geographic reach to Columbus, in addition to locations in Niles, Boardman, Ashtabula, and Toledo. More than 20 employees will be added to the agency’s roster of over 300 employees and will allow Cadence Care to serve more children and families than at any point in its 35-year history.