Our

Mission & Values

Hands held tight, together we fight...

Whit’s End Community Place is a not-for-profit, 501c3, organization dedicated to the provision of services and support for those impacted by cancer.  The goal of its founders once envisioned is now becoming reality.  Whit’s End will provide emotional support, practical education, and hope to all who are touched by cancer.  NO ONE should ever have to walk this journey alone!  Whit’s End truly is a community of caring, generous people whose mission is to walk with you every step of the way…hands held tight!!!

Our Founders

Whit’s End Community Place gained its roots from the generosity of many caring people.  Sandy Kline and Cathy Ballinger grew up in the same tight knit community.  They went to the same school and attended the same church, and little did they know they both would have another thing in common…the word cancer.  Sandy’s daughter was diagnosed in 2010 with triple negative breast cancer and Cathy’s husband was diagnosed in 2011 with colon cancer.  They both took on the role of caregiver and fought hard for the lives of their loved ones.  Through this journey, they both realized the importance a cancer resource center plays in the wellness of all who are touched by cancer.  Although both of their loved ones lost their battles, Sandy and Cathy once again had something else in common.  They both had the goal of turning a negative into something positive. 


Sandy and Cathy set their focus on another goal, and that was to bring a cancer resource center to the Wooster, Ohio area. The idea hit Cathy to name it Whit’s End…because when you are dealing with a diagnosis of cancer…you truly are at your wit’s end.  The spelling was altered to honor the name of Sandy’s daughter, Whitney. 

Sandy Kline

Creative Director

Sandy is a lifelong Wayne County resident with over 25 years of experience in business development, administrative assistant support, marketing, sales and customer service. She currently works as a Sales Coordinator for PRC-Saltillo. Sandy attended Akron University studying Marketing and Sales.  She has served on Wooster All Sports Boosters, Board of Directors for The Anne Wolf Foundation, DZ Meals for the homeless and Wooster City Schools PTO .  Her experience as a Cancer Caregiver came in 2010 when her daughter Whitney was diagnosed at age 25 with Triple Negative Breast Cancer.  Whitney passed in June of 2012. During that time Sandy used a cancer wellness services in Westlake, Ohio.  Sandy’s very passionate about offering cancer support locally because of the great need.

Cathy Ballinger

Creative Director

Cathy has a degree in Special Education from Ashland University and a Psychology degree from Ohio State University.  She has taught full time for Black River and Northwestern Local Schools.  She has also been in sales for 25 years.  She has over 30 years of volunteer and fundraising experience and has organized numerous fundraisers for both individual families as well as various charities.   Her volunteer experience includes work with People to People, Crank’s Creek, Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, as well as several local soup kitchens.  Cathy served as council president for St. Peter Lutheran Church and has previously been a 4-H advisor, a Compeer Volunteer, and a counselor at Recreation Unlimited. 



Cathy’s passion of why she wants to see a service similar to Stewart’s Caring Place (Whit’s End) come to the Wayne County area is personal.  Her story begins in 2011 when her husband Jeff was diagnosed with colon cancer.  He courageously fought the fight for 4 years, but he passed on September 10, 2015.  Cathy and her husband were so thankful for the resources and support offered by Stewart's Caring Place, and they quickly realized the need for a similar organization in our area.  NO ONE should ever have to go through cancer alone…it is Cathy’s MISSION to bring an organization like Stewart’s Caring Place to our area to help those who need it.

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