I came to know Jerry Freewalt through our shared work to advocate for multi-system youth in Ohio, although he had been at it much longer than me. Jerry was an instrumental part of years’ long efforts in Ohio to bring better coordinated care to children and youth dealing with complex behavioral health care needs, which has resulted in OhioRISE.
Jerry was an integral part of the Multi-System Youth Coalition, housed at The Center for Community Solutions. Jerry’s role in this effort came from his heart. He shared personal stories from difficult times in his family in public settings, including at the Statehouse, to emphasize the need to do better for kids in Ohio. He was joined by fellow parent advocate, Mark Butler, in an uphill battle to move toward a system of care that put kids and families at the center.
Jerry exemplified the principals of social justice more than anyone I’ve known.
Mark had this to say: “Jerry exemplified the principals of social justice more than anyone I’ve known. He deeply valued the dignity of every person and went out of his way to uplift everyone he encountered. Because of Jerry's dedication and willingness to share his own experiences with legislators, children with complex needs in Ohio today have better access to services and more opportunities to stay in their family homes. He wasn't just an effective professional; he was a compassionate advocate. I am honored to have been his friend for 26 years and to have collaborated with him frequently in the pursuit of justice and peace.”
Stories from family members who lived through the painful results of a too fragmented system for kids with complex needs, sometimes resulting in forced custody relinquishment to receive services, were instrumental in moving the policy needle. I am forever grateful to have been connected to Jerry’s advocacy.
Last year, we lost Gayle Channing Tenenbaum, who dedicated her whole being to making a better world for every child and who counted Jerry as one of the best advocates there was. There is still work to be done, and I will continue to think about all that Jerry put into this cause and try to carry it forward.
To read more about Jerry’s life’s work and those at the heart of it, his family, read his obituary on the Dispatch.
