Earlier this summer, Zepf Center was honored with Alera Health’s prestigious G.R.I.T. Award. The award was presented during the 2025 ONEcare Symposium, a national event that brings together healthcare professionals to explore and celebrate new ideas in behavioral health and primary care.

The G.R.I.T. Award, which stands for Grit, Resilience, Innovation, and Tenacity, recognizes individuals and organizations that show strong dedication to improving health and wellness in their communities. Now in its second year, the award pays tribute to the memory of Jill Lineberger, a former Senior Vice President at Alera Health who was deeply committed to quality care and wellness.

Zepf Center was selected for this award because of its active involvement in the Ohio Behavioral Healthcare Provider Network (OBHPN). Over the past year, leaders and staff from Zepf Center have played an important role in helping the network grow. Their input, ideas, and support have helped OBHPN expand services while connecting like-minded behavioral healthcare agencies to enhance the well-being of their local communities.

While the award celebrates the efforts of the whole agency, special recognition was given to Beth Ayer, Senior Director of Revenue Integrity at Zepf Center. Her commitment to improving client care, her tireless work ethic, and her ability to lead with compassion made her stand out among hundreds of behavioral health professionals across the country. Although the recognition came as a surprise to Ayer, she expressed deep appreciation for the honor and pride in the work she does.

“I am both humbled and honored to have been selected for this award,” Ayer said. “It is not often that someone doing behind-the-scenes work at a healthcare facility is selected for recognition, so that makes this that much more meaningful to me and my team. We take great pride and joy in being associated with a leader like Jill Lineberger, and the legacy she has left behind.”

At Zepf Center, grit isn’t just a buzzword; it’s part of the culture. By consistently showing up, doing the work, and living out the agency’s core values, even in the face of adversity, staff are constantly advocating for their clients and working to make real change in the lives of the individuals, families, and communities they serve. The organization’s mission is grounded in providing hope, healing, and support for those living with mental health or substance use disorders, and its mission is essential in every service from therapy and primary care to crisis intervention and vocational support.

Each year, Zepf Center works with thousands of clients through its trauma-informed, integrated care model to address both their mental and physical health. However, beyond the data, the true impact of the agency’s work shows up in small, powerful moments when community members stop staff at the grocery store, restaurants, or gas stations just to say thank you. Some even credit the organization with saving the lives of their loved ones. These moments remind the Zepf team why their work matters and inspire them to keep pushing forward.

Like many other behavioral health providers, Zepf Center has faced significant challenges in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic added a new layer of difficulty for many organizations, requiring rapid adaptations to continue care while keeping staff and clients safe.

Zepf Center was able to meet these challenges head-on, pivoting quickly to implement telehealth services and expanding its integrated care model. Today, Zepf Center is both a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) and an FQHC Look-Alike, allowing the organization to deliver whole-person, coordinated care for both mental and physical health. These changes have positioned the agency to become a trusted leader in behavioral healthcare throughout Northwest Ohio.

Beth Ayer also played a key role in making this progress possible, as she relentlessly worked through unexpected setbacks, developed innovative strategies, and provided creative, forward-thinking perspectives that positively influenced her peers. She continued to push through roadblocks, offering creative ideas and strong leadership to move important projects forward. Her efforts ensured new strategies were not just talked about, but rather put into action, reviewed, and improved for the benefit of clients and staff alike.

“We’ve seen tangible benefits for our clients and a renewed energy in our staff thanks to the work of Beth Ayer,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “She exemplifies what it means to embody G.R.I.T., and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”

Earning the G.R.I.T. Award has further energized the Zepf Center team, serving as a powerful reminder that their work is important and that their passion, even during tough times, continues to make a real difference.

Special thanks to Alera Health for this honor and to Beth Ayer for her continued dedication, strength, and leadership.

To learn more about OBHPN and Alera Health, visit obhpnetwork.com.
To explore Zepf Center’s services, visit zepfcenter.org.