Chip in for Children’s Mental Health to Benefit Akron Children’s

WARREN, Ohio – Covelli Enterprises, the largest franchisee of Panera Bread, is partnering with Akron Children’s Hospital for the second annual Chip in for Children’s Mental Health campaign.

From May 20-26, $1 from each Chocolate Chipper cookie sold at the 20 Covelli-owned and operated Panera bakery-cafes in the Akron, Canton and Mahoning Valley areas will help fund a school-based social and emotional learning coach to assist students who have experienced traumatic events that negatively affect their mental and behavioral health.

Covelli Enterprises has donated nearly $70,000 to Akron Children’s School Health Services program since 2022, which went to hiring Nicholas Morio, a community education outreach coordinator. Morio has worked with schools in the Mahoning Valley, Akron and Canton to educate teachers and staff on the impact childhood trauma can have on learning.

“We are very proud of our partnership with Akron Children’s and the impact it has had on our local schools,” said Sam Covelli, CEO of Covelli Enterprises. “Nicholas has done an incredible job in a short period of time to create positive classroom experiences for our students and teachers. We are so grateful for the support of our loyal customers and employees, which allows us to continue to support Nicolas’ vital work and expand the impact of the School Health Services program at Akron Children’s.”

Akron Children’s School Health Services works to educate and raise awareness of trauma and its impact on children and families through a trauma-informed Social and Emotional Learning initiative, led by school-based coach Missy McClain.

Morio has joined McClain to serve Akron Children’s local school partners and provide the following services:

• Ongoing training, specific classroom planning and support for teachers and school administrators. 

• Group professional development that will build staff understanding of the social and emotional needs of students and the evidence-based practices that can increase student engagement, reduce negative student behaviors, improve staff satisfaction and more.

“Almost half of Ohio’s children have experienced an adverse childhood event, or ACE, and those numbers are even higher for Ohio children of color and those who live in Appalachian counties,” said Michele Wilmoth, director of School Health Services. “This campaign and Covelli’s partnership and generous donation have helped us raise awareness of and elevate education around trauma and its impact on children and families through our trauma-informed Social and Emotional Learning initiative.”

Chocolate Chipper cookies can be purchased online or on the Panera app for pickup, delivery and catering. They can also be purchased at the following Valley locations: Warren, Niles, Austintown, Canfield, Hermitage and Boardman cafés on Market Street and South Avenue. Other locations include: Kent Road and Graham Road stores in Stow, Arlington Road in Akron, Belpar Street in Canton, North Canton, Medina, Brecksville, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Massillon, Wadsworth, Alliance and Brimfield.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.