What we need for the First Responder Wellness Center!

The Wellness Center project consists of two main phases. The first is the build out and conversion of the main 5,500 square foot residence to a facility suited for wellness training, education, and mental health services for our First Responders and their families. The second phase of the project involves a conversion of a two story 6,000 square foot warehouse to a physical wellness annex.

The Smith Wellness Center’s main facility has a large conference room that can accommodate over 70 people for different events. A converted garage is set up as an additional training room with space for up to 30 people. A large converted living room is set up as an additional conference room for 15 to 20 people. A second living room will be a designated lounge with several couches and comfortable chairs. The second floor with four bedrooms is being converted to private rooms for one on one counseling or small group sessions. A main central kitchen of the residence is being preserved and upgraded to facilitate catering for training or events. The entire building has approximately 5,500 square feet that will be utilized for our First Responders. 

An important priority for the Smith Center is to provide a safe and comfortable space for fellowship between our First Responders. A large deck with fire pit, comfortable chairs, and tables is available for outside events or simply for rest and recovery while spending time with each other. Two gazebos on the property and a planned walking path will also allow our dedicated First Responders an opportunity for some needed rest from the rigors of what they deal with on a daily basis working in our communities.

Significant portions of the project have been completed with additional progress made every day. While we have some initial funding, each aspect of the project takes resources to work towards our goal of a dedicated Wellness Center suitable for our First responders. Some aspects of the project are listed below.

  • New roof & gutters 

  • Replacement and upgrade of HVAC

  • Electrical system upgrade

  • 97 car parking lot 

  • Exterior & interior paint       

  • Presentation & training equipment          

  • Plumbing upgrade 

  • Training tables, chairs and furniture 

  • Kitchen & bathroom upgrades

  • ADA compatibility 

  • Architectural & Engineering work           

  • New flooring for the facility             

The Physical Wellness Annex

Physical wellness is critical for first responders because it directly impacts their ability to perform their demanding jobs safely, effectively, and over the long term. The nature of first responder work—often involving high stress, irregular hours, physical exertion, and exposure to trauma places significant strains on the body. A key aspect of the Smith Wellness Center is to further operational readiness, injury prevention & recovery, stress management, chronic disease prevention, further job longevity, and sleep & shift work resilience. In short, physical wellness is not just about fitness—it’s a foundation for safety, performance, resilience, and long-term health for our First Responders.

A focus of the Smith Wellness Center is to provide a dedicated facility to help First Responders with this important aspect of their overall wellness. The Physical Wellness Annex of the smith Center which is located on site adjacent to the main Smith Center facility is a 6,000 square foot facility dedicated for this important purpose.    

While the Physical Wellness Annex will have facilities that provide traditional strength & cardiovascular training, a more holistic approach to physical wellness will be a significant focus. Additional services and equipment include:  

  • Cold plunge tubs for muscle & inflammation recovery.

  • Sauna for toxin detox from fire/smoke exposures.

  • Automated water massage table for muscle recovery.

  • Cold/Heat treatment table for injury recovery.

  • On-site physical occupational health services.

  • Group and occupation-focused counseling and education for diet and exercise life choices. 

How can you help our First Responders!

The first priority for the Smith Wellness Center project is to complete the conversion from a four-acre residential property, and adjacent warehouse, to a facility conducive to serving our First Responders. Funding for the conversion and subsequent operation of the Smith Center will rely on public funding, private sector community support, grant opportunities, and dedicated fund raisers for the Wellness Center. 

Private and Corporate Donors: The Clarence R. Smith Jr. Family – Mahoning Valley First Responder Wellness Center has been established as an Ohio non-profit corporation. We have successfully obtained certification as a tax exempt 501(c)(3) entity through the Internal Revenue Service. An established Board of Directors with established organizational by-laws oversees the budgeting and expenditure of funds for the build out an operations of the Smith wellness Center.

Public entities to include Townships, Villages, Cities, and Counties: While taking care of our First Responders is extremely important, we recognize that a priority for our tax dollars goes to providing services to our community. Any general funds must be stretched as far as possible for this priority. With this in mind the recent opioid lawsuit settlement funds that every government entity received, which has restricted uses, can be dedicated for use on this Wellness Center project. 

While every government entity should consult directly with their respective legal counsel, the Mahoning County Prosecutors Office and Mahoning County Mental Health Board has concurred that the use of opioid settlement funds for the Smith First Responder Wellness Center is an appropriate and approved use. Information on this finding can be provided upon request.

Community Support

This project will not happen without the support of our community and a focus of the Smith Center will be to recognize those partnerships. Levels of support for monetary, services, or goods that furthers the mission of the Smith First Responder Wellness Center have been established below.

Individuals and Families:

Devotion - $10,000

Service - $1,000

Promise - $250

Belief - $100

Public Entities and Businesses: 

Resilience $100,000

Valor - $25,000

Fidelity $5,000

Compassion - $1,000

Naming Rights:

Naming rights for Wellness Center rooms, programs, and services may be designated. This includes for  a significant donation enabling the build out of the Physical Wellness Annex .

We welcome anyone interested in donating funds, services, or goods to visit the Wellness Center to see what we are building for your First Responders.

To schedule a visit contact us at 330-770-1429 or TheSmithWellnessCenter@@gmail.com