Ron and Catherine Tijerina, Co-Founders and Co-Directors of the RIDGE Project, received a Community

Champion Award from Molina Healthcare of Ohio for their work in helping prisoners reenter their families and communities successfully. The RIDGE Project is an Ohio based, Christian non-profit dedicated to building a legacy of strong families. They have offices in McClure, Ohio and Wooster, Ohio, and have served over 10,000 prisoners and their families with the programming developed by the Tijerinas.

The programs teach participants to become a TYRO, by way of healthy relationship training, fatherhood strengthening, workforce readiness/job readiness assistance, and leadership development. TYRO is a Latin word meaning, apprentice, novice, someone learning something new, a warrior. The TYRO program helps men and women become leaders in their homes, communities and workplaces. The participants learn what is truly worth fighting for- their children’s futures, righteousness, integrity and honor. The TYRO is a nationally recognized, evidence-based program shown to increase employment, reduce recidivism, and deliver hope for a better future.

Ron and Catherine received one of seven awards that recognized individuals who were making a substantial difference in the lives of others across Ohio during Molina’s ninth annual awards ceremony held at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio on October 10th, 2017. “It is such an honor to receive this award on behalf of the TYROs we serve across Ohio. They are the real heroes and champions. They are working hard to bring transformation to their families as they build a new legacy, one of honor- becoming TYROs, men and women worth following,” Ron said as he accepted the award. In addition to the award, The RIDGE Project received a $1,000 grant from Molina. “We are blessed to be a recipient of this prestigious award, and are so thankful for the support from Molina Healthcare,” stated Catherine.

The organization will use the funds to provide family day visits for the families of prisoners, and Welcome Home bags to recently released prisoners to help them as they start to rebuild their lives.