Why You Must Call Before Visiting Allen‑Oakwood (Even If You Have a Reservation)

Allen‑Oakwood visits are reservation only. You cannot just show up and expect to be worked in, even if you drove hours to get there. The other reason to call? Visiting hours can change without notice. Staffing shifts, schedules get adjusted, sessions are moved around. Your best chance of catching these changes before you're already on the road is to confirm directly with the institution. I recommend calling the same day you plan to travel, even if you already booked a time.

Allen‑Oakwood uses the statewide ViaPath visitation reservation system (GTL/ViaPath) for booking. Before you can reserve a visit, you need to be an approved visitor for the person you want to see. Once approved, you register through GTL VisitMe to make your reservation. One helpful feature: the system lets you make reservations 24 hours a day. But don't treat a reservation as a guarantee. If your reservation changes, the system sends an email notice, so checking your inbox becomes part of your visit prep. That's why calling matters even when you've done everything right online. The reservation system can notify you about changes, but only the institution can confirm what's actually running that day.

To confirm visiting hours or ask about day-of changes, call Allen‑Oakwood at (419) 224-8000. The listed address is 2338 North West Street, Lima, OH 45801.

Predeparture Checklist

• ✓ Make sure your visitor application was approved, then register through GTL VisitMe so you can make a reservation
• ✓ Have a legible photo ID ready (you must provide a legible copy with the visitor application)
• ✓ If you’re bringing a minor, submit the Minor Visitor Application (DRC2238) signed by the custodial parent or legal guardian, with documents that prove the child’s identity and custody, and wait for approval before the first visit

Before you walk out the door, check for the most recent reservation email from ViaPath/GTL. If anything changed, that message is often your first sign to call and confirm before you drive over.

1. Check your email. ViaPath/GTL sends an email if your reservation changes.
2. Call Allen‑Oakwood to confirm. Visiting hours can change without notice, so verify the schedule with the institution at (419) 224-8000.
3. Pause travel if you’re not sure. If you cannot get confirmation, it’s usually better to postpone than risk arriving for a session that is no longer running.