Meeting discusses home for boys

The home won't open until it gets state approval.
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BERLIN CENTER -- The man who wants to open a group home for troubled boys addressed a standing-room-only crowd in an attempt to clear up any misconceptions about the facility.
"I didn't call the meeting; some concerned members of the community called the meeting," George Syrianoudis, the owner, said Tuesday.
The meeting, originally intended to have Syrianoudis answer questions written on slips of paper as residents filed into the Western Reserve High School gymnasium, quickly broke down as angry people shouted questions and demands, mostly regarding how he intended to ensure the safety of the Ellsworth Township community, where he intends to open the home.
Christine and Joe Kerpsack, who recently built their "dream home" about a mile from the property purchased by Syrianoudis, are concerned for the safety of their three children. "This is why we live in the country, to have a safe environment," Joe Kerpsack said. "We don't need this out here."
About the home
The home, to be called Redemption House, has one sole purpose, Syrianoudis stated. "That purpose is to help children that otherwise wouldn't have a chance. We won't be bringing in kids with a felonious record."
When the crowd wanted to know what he would do if a boy escaped, he insisted the home, which will accommodate up to 10 boys, will be staffed 100 percent of the time. A security system also will alert staff members anytime someone tries to leave the house.
Syrianoudis pointed out that with his wife and others working at Redemption House, they have a vested interest in being certain the home is safe, though he and his family will not be living there. They reside in Canfield.
The home will operate for a profit, Syrianoudis acknowledged.
"I'm not doing it for the money," Syrianoudis said. "I'm not doing it for free, but I'm not doing it to get rich. There's a difference."
Not everyone had a negative viewpoint.
"I lived in a place like this for a year," Mark Blevins said. Blevins, of Ellsworth, said he was fighting an addiction to crack at the time.
The youths who will live at Redemption House, and possibly go to school in Ellsworth, are no different from some who already do, Blevins said.
"People are worried about what these kids might do in the school and the community, but they're already here. I used to be that kid. I probably was worse than the kids who are coming here, and nobody opposed me living in Ellsworth.
"Places like this being offered -- it saves kids' lives. The community has a chance to change these kids' lives," Blevins said.
Licensing
Syrianoudis has applied for a state license to operate the group home, and it can't open the facility until he receives approval. He and his wife have fostered children for 10 years and are the parents of seven children.
Beth Syrianoudis is a certified teacher for severely behaviorally handicapped youths. She will oversee the educational program for the boys at the home on 11780 Western Reserve Road.