Children’s Rehab Center Forges Ahead with New Name

HOWLAND, Ohio – The Children’s Rehabilitation Center in Howland has seen several changes over the years. Now it’s making another.

The organization changed its name Wednesday to Northeastern Ohio Children’s Rehabilitation Center, the a result of a year-long rebranding process.

Along with the name change, the rehabilitation center also unveiled a new logo and website, NEOCRC.org.

The rehabilitation center provides physical, occupational and speech therapy to children with special needs. The organization serves children from Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

Michael Crogan, executive director of the Northeastern Ohio Children’s Rehabilitation Center, said the rebrand will help the organization stand out. Over the years, the center was frequently confused with other entities, including another rehab center across the street.

“Children’s Rehabilitation Center was sort of informative, but it didn’t show we encompass a tri-county area,” Crogan said. “It didn’t have enough info for us.”

The nonprofit was originally named the Halsey W. Taylor Rehabilitation Center when it opened in Warren in 1957. In 1969, it moved to its current location in Howland, and took its previous name two years later.

The rebranding was funded through a charitable fund, and carried out by RMH Creative CEO Richard Hahn.

Desirae Monaco, president of the Northeastern Ohio Children’s Rehabilitation Center board, said the next step is to get more exposure and expand their services.

“Definitely getting our evaluations up so we can start from a young age,” Monaco said. “The sooner we can get the kids in the door, the more good we can do.”

Judy Valenti sent her son to the facility for occupation, speech and physical therapy. Her son has graduated from the program, but she still helps volunteer.

“From what I’ve seen so far, it looks like they’re going in the right direction and definitely need to make the public more knowledgeable,” Valenti said.

Crogan said the rebranding was driven out of need. The number of children the rehab center serves has remained constant for the past several years. However, the organization is down four employees from three years ago.

Crogan said 85% of their patients are on Medicaid and the cost doesn’t match the income.

Monaco said the organization would like to expand its staff, but it would depend on funding. 

 “So many parents and families out there are just lost when they when they get a diagnosis,” Monaco said. “They don’t know where to go next. We want them to know they can come here and we can help.”

Pictured: Northeastern Ohio Children’s Rehabilitation Center executive director Michael Crogan and board president Desirae Monaco announce the new name.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.