ROC's History

Founder/Executive Director, Tara Klebowski developed the Richland Outreach Center (ROC) in 2015 to assist the needs of the community and bring opportunity and joy to underserved families.

In 2015, ROC began with a Facebook group just helping the members of the group (5500 members). Donations began to increase.

Founder/Executive Director, Tara Klebowski, ran the organization out of her home and began the Richland Outreach Centers 501c3 status March 1, 2016.

ROC had limited space at the Ocie Hill Community Center. In the 1 room on the 3rd floor, ROC developed and then moved to 2 rooms on the 3rd floor of the same building. In 2018, ROC moved to the main hallway of the community center and had the whole right side of the hallway which included a game room, offices, Kidz ROC room, pantry, and a community room along with a 3rd floor storage room. When Ocie Hill closed its doors due to safety reasons, ROC purchased the 20,000 sq ft Toy Time (280 N. Diamond St Mansfield OH 44902) building in 2021 with the help of community support. This building also had a great structure but was in poor condition and took too much time away from serving the families and youth in the community that needed them the most. The building was sold in 2022. Now ROC purchased the Old Newman Park and 415 Wayne St. Parcel.

Groundbreaking was held on January 4, 2023. ROC plans to add a pavilion, building, community garden and revamp the basketball court.

ROC's Board of Directors, Executive Director and Executive Support Team serve to organize, manage, market and execute seasonal events throughout the community as well as provide resources such as a Diaper pantry.