Jodi Behrendt, Founder and Executive Director / CEO
Jodi Behendt, RN, BSN, is a seasoned healthcare professional. She earned her Associates of Science in Surgical Technology from Owens Community College and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lourdes University. With over 30 years of experience in the operating room, Jodi has honed her expertise in patient care and medical procedures
Jodi Behendt, RN, BSN, is a seasoned healthcare professional. She earned her Associates of Science in Surgical Technology from Owens Community College and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lourdes University. With over 30 years of experience in the operating room, Jodi has honed her expertise in patient care and medical procedures. She also served honorably in the U.S. Naval Reserves for 8 years, during which she was deployed to Bahrain during Operation Desert Storm, adding a layer of resilience and dedication to her skill set.
Driven by her passion for helping others, Jodi is the founder and Executive Director/CEO of Waymaker Haven for Children, a crisis center dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing space for children in times of family crisis. Waymaker Haven serves as a refuge where parents can entrust their children when they are facing personal challenges, knowing their children will be cared for with compassion and respect.
Jodi's inspiration for founding Waymaker Haven came from a deeply personal experience. When her daughter faced a crisis, she sought support at The Blessing House, a crisis center in Elyria, Ohio, where her son was cared for until Jodi could assume responsibility. After returning to Toledo, Jodi recognized a significant gap in resources for parents and caregivers in Lucas County who needed short-term care for their children during a crisis, while still maintaining custody.
Motivated by the desire to provide the same kind of support she had received, Jodi reached out to Sister Mary at The Blessing House for advice on how to establish a similar center in Toledo. With guidance and unwavering determination, Jodi set out to create a safe haven for children and families facing difficult times.
Waymaker Haven for Children will be a vital community resource, offering both immediate care for children in crisis and long-term support for families navigating personal challenges. Through her work, Jodi will make an indelible impact, ensuring that no family in her community faces crisis alone.