Woman Indicted on Child Endangerment Charges Amid Volunteer Work with Local Foster Care Organization

Toledo, Ohio — A local woman, Rachel Heier, 38, of Holland, Ohio, has been indicted on multiple felony charges of child endangerment following an investigation into deplorable living conditions at her home. According to court documents, Heier faces five charges of child endangerment, four of which are second-degree felonies and one third-degree felony.

The indictment stems from a child neglect referral received by the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office in September 2024. The referral, made by Lucas County Children Services, prompted an investigation that revealed unsafe and unsanitary conditions in Heier’s home. As a result, all children residing in the home were removed by Children Services. The sheriff’s office subsequently issued a warrant for Heier’s arrest.

Heier, who had previously volunteered with the Isaiah 117 House Lucas County, a local organization that helps foster children during their transition into the system, was known in the community for her support of child welfare efforts. Isaiah 117 House provides essential resources and comfort to children entering foster care, but the organization emphasized that Heier was never an official volunteer with their group.

In a statement, Isaiah 117 House clarified that Heier had never completed the extensive background check, fingerprinting, or trauma-informed training required to become a certified volunteer. Though Heier attended several events and was considered a community supporter of the organization, she did not meet the necessary standards for direct involvement with children.

“She was a community partner, but she never completed the volunteer certification process,” the organization stated. “All volunteers must undergo fingerprinting, an extensive background screening, and up to three months of child-informed trauma training before they are eligible to work with children.”

Heier’s involvement with the organization had been as a community member, not as a certified volunteer, and she had not been actively involved with Isaiah 117 House since 2023. Despite her strong support for the group’s mission, the organization acted swiftly to distance themselves from her after the indictment was issued.

“We have a very rigid and rigorous screening process for anyone who comes into contact with children or works with the Department of Children and Youth Services. Our policy is clear — anyone facing charges or under investigation cannot continue to support our mission,” said Ronda Paulson, the founder of Isaiah 117 House.

The charges against Heier, combined with her past connection to the organization, have raised questions about the importance of volunteer vetting and oversight when working with vulnerable children. While Heier had previously attended events supporting the mission of Isaiah 117 House, including a fundraising ceremony last July, the group has made it clear that she no longer has any affiliation with them.

In response to the ongoing investigation, Lucas County Children Services declined to comment on the details of the case. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in organizations that care for children in crisis.

The community continues to wait for further updates as the legal process progresses for Heier, who remains under scrutiny for her actions.