Continuing the Legacy of Nina Bennett
Honoring Nina Bennett’s legacy of compassionate nursing and service, we help women, girls, youth, and families heal, grow, and lead across Summit County and Northeast Ohio.
Our Journey
July 12, 2025: Ohio nonprofit incorporation. 2025–2026: mission, governance, business, fundraising, and program planning. 2026: readiness work for the 12-session Community Healing & Empowerment pilot in Summit County. Next: after Board and operational approvals, open the pilot, measure results, report what we learn, and plan responsible growth.
Milestone One
Milestone Two
Milestone Three
Next Steps
More Frequently Asked Questions
The Nina Bennett Foundation focuses on empowering women, girls, youth, families, and communities. Our first pilot program supports 25-30 adult women in Summit County.
Who We Help
We serve women and girls, along with youth, families, and communities. Our initiatives aim to uplift and support those in need within our local area.
Housing Initiatives
Currently, we do not operate housing. Future plans include recovery and transitional housing to further assist our community's needs.
Impact Reporting
We ensure transparency by reporting verified program delivery, attendance, participant experiences, outcomes, and fund usage.
Services
Our Community Impact
We support women, girls, youth, families, and communities, focusing on empowering 25-30 women in Summit County through various initiatives and programs.
FAQ
Enrollment Status
Currently, enrollment is not open. We prioritize readiness approvals before accepting new participants into our programs.
Nonprofit Status
Partnership Opportunities
The Nina Bennett Foundation is an Ohio nonprofit corporation. Interested in partnering? Please contact us to discuss collaboration.
A Letter from Our Founder
Gabrielle T. Lyles, M.S., LPC, Founder & Executive Director, is Nina Bennett’s granddaughter and a licensed professional counselor. “Nina taught our family that caring for people is both a responsibility and a calling. We will listen to the community, build trusted partnerships, measure our work, and grow responsibly so women, young people, and families have the support they need to heal, grow, and lead.”
Services
Stronger Together
Join us in making a difference. We invite community partners to collaborate on workshops, volunteer opportunities, and sponsorships to enhance our outreach and impact.
Partners
Get Involved
We are seeking community partners to help us grow. If you know someone who can contribute, please refer them to us. Together, we can achieve more.
Support
Why Give
Your contributions help fund essential workshops, provide trained facilitators, and ensure accessibility for all participants. Join us in creating a safe and supportive environment.
Transparency & Accountability
The Nina Bennett Foundation is an Ohio nonprofit corporation, effective July 12, 2025. Board oversight, financial stewardship, participant privacy, and safety controls guide our work. Governance records, annual reports, and financial statements will be shared as they are finalized and appropriate for public release.
About Nina Bennett Foundation
Our Leadership Team
The Nina Bennett Foundation is dedicated to empowering communities through education and support. Our leadership team includes Gabrielle T. Lyles, M.S., LPC—Founder & Executive Director; Dr. Terri Wade-Lyles, Ed.D.—Board Chair/President; Tracey Dowe, MBA—Treasurer; Sonja James-Gaitor—Secretary; Jonathan Asa Cade, RN, MSN, FNP-C—Fundraising & Development; Remy M. Pugh—Programs & Community Engagement.
First-Year Goals & Strategic Priorities
We focus on empowering women through structured programs that foster growth and community support, ensuring a safe environment for all participants.
First-Year Goals
Launch a 12-session pilot program for 25-30 women in Summit County, ensuring all necessary approvals are in place for a successful start.
Training Facilitators
We prioritize training and clearing facilitators to ensure they are equipped to provide the best support and guidance to participants.
Outcome Measurement
Protecting participant privacy while measuring outcomes is essential. We will use feedback and financial reports to enhance our programs responsibly.
Mission & Vision
Mission: To empower women, girls, youth, and families through mental wellness, education, recovery support, leadership development, and community-centered resources that promote healing, stability, and opportunity. Vision: Communities where every person has the support, knowledge, relationships, and opportunity to heal, thrive, lead, and create lasting change for the next generation. Core Values: Compassion • Integrity • Empowerment • Community • Education • Service • Hope.
What We Do
Our foundation focuses on five key program areas aimed at uplifting communities and supporting individuals in need. Each initiative is designed to foster growth and resilience.
Community Outreach
We are actively building a network to connect individuals with local resources, fostering collaboration and support within the community.
Mental Health
Currently in development, this program will provide essential resources and support for mental wellness, ensuring individuals receive the care they deserve.
Recovery Housing
This future initiative aims to offer transitional housing solutions for those in recovery, providing a safe space to rebuild lives.
Join us in making a difference.
Why We Exist
The Nina Bennett Foundation connects individuals and resources, empowering women, girls, youth, and families. Our mission focuses on mental wellness, education, and leadership, fostering communities where everyone can thrive.
%20(2).jpg)
Our Story
Empowering Women and Girls
Nina Bennett Foundation carries forward the legacy of Nina Bennett, a compassionate nurse devoted to service and caregiving. We help women and girls heal, grow, and rise through mental wellness, leadership, education, and emergency support across Summit County and Northeast Ohio.
Meet Our Founder
Founder & Executive Director
Gabrielle T. Lyles, M.S., LPC
As Nina Bennett’s granddaughter, Gabrielle founded the Foundation to carry forward her grandmother’s legacy of compassionate care and service. A licensed professional counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she has experience serving children, adolescents, adults, and families. Her leadership brings together trauma-informed care, culturally responsive programming, strategic planning, partnership development, and community engagement.
