06/09/2026
✨June Business Spotlight ✨
This month, we’re thrilled to highlight Sylvania Community Services! Read below to learn more about them!
💗Can you share the story behind the founding of SCS and what inspired its creation?
"Sylvania Community Services (SCS) was founded in 1976 through a partnership between the City of Sylvania, Sylvania Township, and Sylvania Schools. Community leaders recognized that many programs and services were operating separately, which created duplication and made it harder to coordinate resources. Their vision was to bring these efforts together under one organization to better serve the community. Since then, SCS has continued to evolve to meet the needs of Sylvania residents. Today, the organization supports the community through programs including the Sylvania Senior Center and several child care and preschool programs, helping people of all ages connect, learn, and grow. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year, we are proud to continue building on that original vision of strengthening the Sylvania community."
🌳Can you share the story behind the name?
"The name Sylvania Community Services was intentionally chosen to reflect the organization’s broad mission. When the nonprofit was created, the goal was not to focus on a single program but to provide a wide range of services that support the entire community. Nearly 50 years later, the name continues to represent that original vision. SCS remains committed to serving residents across generations, from young children in our early education programs to older adults at the Sylvania Senior Center."
🌟 How does your business contribute to the local community in Sylvania?
"Sylvania Community Services contributes to the community by providing programs and services that support residents at every stage of life. Through our child care and preschool programs, we help working families access reliable, high-quality early education. Through the Sylvania Senior Center, we provide opportunities for older adults to stay active, connected, and supported with health, social, and educational programs. Beyond our programs, we work closely with local schools, community partners, and other nonprofits to strengthen the overall network of support in Sylvania. Our goal is to create a community where people of all ages have opportunities to connect, learn, and grow."
😆 How do you foster a positive work culture within your company and what do you look for when hiring new employees?
"At Sylvania Community Services, we focus on creating a workplace culture built on collaboration, respect, and a shared commitment to serving the community. Our team works closely across programs, supporting one another while keeping our mission at the center of everything we do, engaging the Sylvania community to connect, learn, and grow. When hiring new team members, we look for people who are not only skilled in their field but who also care deeply about making a difference in the lives of others. Individuals who value teamwork, compassion, and community impact are the best fit for our organization."
🪴How does your business support and nurture your employees’ growth and well-being within the business?
"At Sylvania Community Services, we believe that supporting our team is essential to fulfilling our mission of serving the community. We strive to create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and connected to the impact of their work. We encourage professional growth by providing opportunities for learning, collaboration across programs, and leadership development. Just as importantly, we prioritize a workplace culture where staff feel respected and supported in their roles. When our team members thrive, they are better able to serve the families, children, and older adults who rely on our programs every day."
🏓Could you describe a particularly memorable experience the team has had while in operation?
"One of the most memorable experiences for our team is seeing the impact our programs have across generations in the Sylvania community. Over the years, we have watched families who once participated in our programs return with their own children, continuing a connection that spans generations. In some cases, former students from our preschool and childcare programs have even come back years later to work with us as part of our teaching staff, helping guide the next generation. Another meaningful story comes from our Sylvania Senior Center. A gentleman began attending the center a couple of years ago after the loss of his wife. He was feeling lonely, and a neighbor encouraged him to visit because he had enjoyed playing ping pong when he was younger. Although he had not played in many years and is now 90 years old, he decided to join our weekly ping pong group. He loved it from the start and quickly became a regular. Today he attends the weekly games and many other activities at the center. He has built new friendships and rediscovered a sense of joy and connection. Seeing him go from feeling isolated to thriving in our community has been incredibly meaningful for our team and is a powerful reminder of the role community programs can play in people’s lives."
💡 How do you stay innovative and adapt to changing market trends?
"Sylvania Community Services stays innovative by continually listening to the needs of the community and adapting our programs to meet those needs. Our team regularly evaluates services, collaborates with local partners, and looks for opportunities to strengthen how we support residents across all stages of life. Over the years, this approach has led to the development and expansion of programs such as child care, preschool, and services through the Sylvania Senior Center. By remaining responsive and proactive, we are able to evolve alongside our community while staying focused on our mission of helping Sylvania residents connect, learn, and grow."
❓What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about your industry, and how do you address it through your business?
"One common misconception about nonprofit organizations is that they operate only through donations and volunteer efforts. While community support is incredibly important, nonprofits like Sylvania Community Services operate with the same level of planning, accountability, and operational management as any business. Another misconception we often encounter is that a senior center is similar to a nursing home. In reality, the Sylvania Senior Center is a vibrant and energetic environment where adults age 55 and older come to stay active, learn new things, build friendships, and participate in health, educational, and recreational programs that help them continue to live independently and thrive. Through our programs, partnerships, and professional staff, we work to demonstrate the important role nonprofits play in strengthening the community and supporting residents at every stage of life."
🎶 If your business had a theme song, what would it be and why?
"If Sylvania Community Services had a theme song, it would be “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers. The message of the song reflects the heart of our organization, neighbors supporting neighbors and a community coming together to help one another through every stage of life. At SCS, our programs bring people together, whether it’s children learning and growing in our early education programs, families finding support, or older adults connecting through the Sylvania Senior Center. The spirit of “Lean on Me” captures the idea that strong communities are built when people support and care for one another."
⭐What’s the most creative use of your product that you’ve seen from a customer?
"Because Sylvania Community Services focuses on programs rather than a single product, some of the most creative uses come from the connections people make through our programs. One example we see often is participants at the Sylvania Senior Center forming their own groups and initiatives, such as the Participant Council, which raises funds and helps purchase items that enhance programs and services for others in the center. Moments like these are a great reminder that our programs are more than activities, they are spaces where people build community, take ownership, and find ways to give back to one another."
