ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO — With support from the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley’s River Valley Health Fund, the Belmont County Juvenile Probation Department turned $7,500 into something much bigger: dignity, motivation, and a lasting connection with youth who needed it most.
Through the “Healthy Supports for Belmont County Probation Youth” program, probation officers distributed 80 backpacks filled with essential hygiene products like soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, and more. They also handed out haircut certificates and hosted a community picnic complete with a healthy meal, recipes, and open discussion about well-being. Officers were hands-on in every aspect, even transporting youth to salons across the county for haircuts and hosting wellness discussions with guest speakers on mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Though the initiative was timed to align with the start of the school year, its effects have reached far beyond that first day.
“A simple gesture to support youths on probation with a backpack full of hygiene products had an overwhelmingly positive response,” the department reported. “Youth typically are provided access to school supplies and limited clothing through various agencies, but they had not previously experienced this type of support.”
One 14-year-old participant, who had never owned a new backpack, told his probation officer how proud he was to walk into school with one. Over time, his hygiene improved, his self-esteem increased, and he transitioned from a behavioral school back to his home district. He’s now off probation entirely.
Another youth was thrilled to get his first professional haircut: “The only person that had ever cut his hair was his mother,” staff recalled, “as the family could never afford a professional haircut.”
Officers noted how these simple items became tools for transformation. “Proper hygiene is essential for self-esteem, health, and school attendance,” they explained. “Many youths struggle with access to basic hygiene products, which can contribute to social anxiety and absenteeism.”
Results from surveys completed before and after the event underscore the program’s success:
- 83% of youth have attended school regularly since receiving the backpack
- 76% reported improved communication with their probation officer
- 71% said they would order the healthy meal again
- 63% talked about the program with their families
- 65% found the haircut certificates beneficial
Probation officers also observed lasting changes. “Youth are seen carrying the backpacks into the schools daily,” they wrote. “Improved hygiene has been noted for several youths, particularly males, and several youths have improved overall school attendance.”
The grant also brought new community partners to the table. Walmart offered a discount on backpacks, and the Ohio State University Extension office donated Band-Aids, measuring cups, and pencils to add to the packs.
As CFOV prepares to announce the 2025 River Valley Health Fund grant recipients, stories like this one highlight just how powerful strategic, community-centered investment can be — especially when it starts with something as simple as a backpack.
