CHOICES, Inc. – Children Have Options in Caring Environments –
was founded in 1986 by Gina Frazier and Anita Johnson Patten. Led by their dreams and dedication to providing options in safe and caring environments for youth, Gina and Anita started a foster care agency. They were able to train and license five homes very quickly and provided six children with caring environments in those homes within months of opening their doors. The Foster Care Program has grown steadily over the years. As Gina was filling the role of Executive Director of the agency, Anita was able to explore other service opportunities.
In April 1988, the Independent Living Program was added. Through this important program we provide scattered-site apartment living for older teens aging out of foster care, a relatively new concept in Ohio in 1988. The CHOICES, Inc. program was one of the first in Ohio and has continued to grow over the years.

Gina served as the Executive Director until October of 1997 when she was shot and killed by her estranged husband. She was a gentle woman who valued harmony and peace very much. She earned a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution from Antioch and was a professional mediator. She is still missed by family, friends and colleagues. Anita was appointed Executive Director in 1999. She guided the agency through this difficult time and led the agency through years of growth before retiring in 2005.

In addition to Foster Care and Independent Living, CHOICES identified ways to help even more kids and families in our community and added our Home-Based Services and Mentoring Programs.

Gina and Anita created a solid foundation for the continued development of CHOICES, Inc. as an agency devoted to assisting youth and families in need. A passion for providing high quality services and care for
youth and families guides the agency today and will continue to be
their legacy.