tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56276620303046534432024-03-15T17:08:25.412-07:00Foster ACTION Ohio Alumni of Care Together Improving Outcomes NowLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.comBlogger537125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-71572545737094457832024-03-15T17:07:00.000-07:002024-03-15T17:07:32.283-07:00Suit Sorting Day Part 2<p>On Friday, March 15, 2024, ACTION Ohio facilitated a second Suits Sorting Day at Buckeye Ranch. We were deeply grateful to have Velda Hofacker, a long-time supporter of this effort, and her friends assist. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j1G1AdkUVBF8bT5vDSnRIWysc8FIn4fV3N1s1qpz4hk90ev_YhsvfZQcGQZJXJA6T4Jp3QCATx4z8Rw9RAh247igEFHCGmQO-l80b_1bO9UrdP9ke1NIrzW3ltjcwBHN_xX2DXWtg1twUWjA3SUh7Uno9G_XPU4qEU5UMezVGH9MbfkEQV-sIadaBwk/s4032/IMG_0189.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2816" data-original-width="4032" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j1G1AdkUVBF8bT5vDSnRIWysc8FIn4fV3N1s1qpz4hk90ev_YhsvfZQcGQZJXJA6T4Jp3QCATx4z8Rw9RAh247igEFHCGmQO-l80b_1bO9UrdP9ke1NIrzW3ltjcwBHN_xX2DXWtg1twUWjA3SUh7Uno9G_XPU4qEU5UMezVGH9MbfkEQV-sIadaBwk/w640-h446/IMG_0189.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BhfBZRGost75KHWJjZ3x-1CdwCdULUnv2vCBIWauEP-SDTmE5AMmh0WnbSEtSKtk5B_zaQsuYU-9l4b78qWQwB9lDYPCVkyQdbM20dlYZVvOMgFMMO-gLFcICJ217ppg0TIavzC_LjUXPlNDXt1QokDosOt8IuIcufVHZAVLGRhS-PhUBorNkVWtUuA/s3437/IMG_0182.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="3437" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BhfBZRGost75KHWJjZ3x-1CdwCdULUnv2vCBIWauEP-SDTmE5AMmh0WnbSEtSKtk5B_zaQsuYU-9l4b78qWQwB9lDYPCVkyQdbM20dlYZVvOMgFMMO-gLFcICJ217ppg0TIavzC_LjUXPlNDXt1QokDosOt8IuIcufVHZAVLGRhS-PhUBorNkVWtUuA/w640-h442/IMG_0182.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/DmGeeVn8mur6RePQ6">Link to more photos</a>.<br /><div><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-66474709520263188852024-03-09T04:59:00.000-08:002024-03-09T04:59:43.241-08:00Final Suits for Success pickup in Chillicothe<p>On Friday, March 8, 2024, with help from the wonderful Kristy Mullins and Tonya Gephard, Lisa was able to pick up the remaining men's professional clothing items from the Veteran Housing Program in Chillicothe. They had received a large donation of brand new suits from Men’s Wearhouse, and weren’t able to distribute the smaller sizes so they donated them to us for foster youth.</p><p>ACTION Ohio has ordered 10 wheeled clothing racks and will do another Suit Sorting this month. News to come in the future regarding young women’s clothing drive. All items will be freely available for current and former Ohio foster youth during the statewide Leadership and Life Skills Summit in June. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHO0yEToTxHwYP4VlcuAR3-8Ipnr-ZzZsx6GoFLNm1iqFXS3UciVWLiI7rO4vXLcgSDXt3Gs8llSUu_PJL5mcessPWeXcwYpif4KCUbl5loCSTsvFFX-vBFHkfzgGem1R1yo-ydV8xJolu993uYVVO0Hrgw8Cy5wl1wgadtG9EPQP2iEGb4r7th4I97U/s4032/IMG_0129.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHO0yEToTxHwYP4VlcuAR3-8Ipnr-ZzZsx6GoFLNm1iqFXS3UciVWLiI7rO4vXLcgSDXt3Gs8llSUu_PJL5mcessPWeXcwYpif4KCUbl5loCSTsvFFX-vBFHkfzgGem1R1yo-ydV8xJolu993uYVVO0Hrgw8Cy5wl1wgadtG9EPQP2iEGb4r7th4I97U/w640-h480/IMG_0129.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxst6XwbvF7b2A-j3ImrxxNe9oLPt5R9hGnt19XyqJppCAuopzz2i7GLPCfl9b5It5CYwl10cQ5dsFl0WcU-nTomF7HsqIYBdQhyphenhyphenPSk16b7_4-nACAvjCeew8V7yV0Ow_3p6N_qxla-oFyNZ576nsesEcUBG-cXApLKg3rINWXu4WIyEDpuhGmOqd6Dg/s3952/IMG_0131.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2647" data-original-width="3952" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxst6XwbvF7b2A-j3ImrxxNe9oLPt5R9hGnt19XyqJppCAuopzz2i7GLPCfl9b5It5CYwl10cQ5dsFl0WcU-nTomF7HsqIYBdQhyphenhyphenPSk16b7_4-nACAvjCeew8V7yV0Ow_3p6N_qxla-oFyNZ576nsesEcUBG-cXApLKg3rINWXu4WIyEDpuhGmOqd6Dg/w640-h428/IMG_0131.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><p></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-13488410863714160072024-02-23T19:06:00.000-08:002024-03-15T17:04:47.290-07:002024 February Suit Sorting Day<p>On Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, ACTION Ohio facilitated a Suits Sorting Day at Buckeye Ranch. We were deeply grateful to have Velda Hofacker, a long-time supporter of this effort, and her friend assist. <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXInyoRdcypvAVu1rPs_0_48C2EIeJT1szMYiPLfwVkM-acdlqKB8hQ7yNrvyexUFSl6jVtNU0ac19JG35xLK0RxHg9IRIEKwp7jWgIAxQh2W57L8I7iA4R833ybIRew9vcN6gYFci6SsxV1fDCqndajI2gKEFDFnS3PN4VwZElZobxd6kscyohPHX3Aw/s3871/IMG_0022.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3871" data-original-width="2896" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXInyoRdcypvAVu1rPs_0_48C2EIeJT1szMYiPLfwVkM-acdlqKB8hQ7yNrvyexUFSl6jVtNU0ac19JG35xLK0RxHg9IRIEKwp7jWgIAxQh2W57L8I7iA4R833ybIRew9vcN6gYFci6SsxV1fDCqndajI2gKEFDFnS3PN4VwZElZobxd6kscyohPHX3Aw/s320/IMG_0022.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Bo76Ue3ooMES_T5ZL4KBuugluaXOklFJgzzBzODzJTDa9bbsvxGi1FK-iubfTKqnmEDvvCA6zzb6kMUNfCmAbb0xegvmmuy___v56MbdRKVRqAyIUBAFANj3d5ixF4XET5B09VAkujYvFdsJEMsArTDIOBMPjoGD_2yTRqBTpnOKV1Gh_HLe0glZzbg/s3791/IMG_0020.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2290" data-original-width="3791" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Bo76Ue3ooMES_T5ZL4KBuugluaXOklFJgzzBzODzJTDa9bbsvxGi1FK-iubfTKqnmEDvvCA6zzb6kMUNfCmAbb0xegvmmuy___v56MbdRKVRqAyIUBAFANj3d5ixF4XET5B09VAkujYvFdsJEMsArTDIOBMPjoGD_2yTRqBTpnOKV1Gh_HLe0glZzbg/s320/IMG_0020.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCOwMkS1AfIW3kSrKLiHYgS3d8hUUZu0qLE4mQkJOBUbZXMO5T-PQKqZhC_fTRh3eQFFlsfijvvkJuH1RS7HVsi-RJVqaOjn6TvDrxBYqBO37Ts-ICUOD0VkcQ9cmTMW7WWqLgzamu1gSenRFI4I1E16hQS1akghq8KP3z5iTTz0p_KD0Mj9o41VnCnM/s3856/IMG_0009.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3856" data-original-width="2782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCOwMkS1AfIW3kSrKLiHYgS3d8hUUZu0qLE4mQkJOBUbZXMO5T-PQKqZhC_fTRh3eQFFlsfijvvkJuH1RS7HVsi-RJVqaOjn6TvDrxBYqBO37Ts-ICUOD0VkcQ9cmTMW7WWqLgzamu1gSenRFI4I1E16hQS1akghq8KP3z5iTTz0p_KD0Mj9o41VnCnM/s320/IMG_0009.jpeg" width="231" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTQgJoaE_PxTMqiPJD5d2qga_WYbV_fWe1ogqtyBaqENgQ6DfYPn2C-fVvqrCTx2g-05t_d0UQRptpawfG85gs55s0AJ0IOapVR5HaHi1YaRgSeXKEuNzG6nmPjxN0GZ_1Fk3MzeqGXcFEmPFuf-lZchedT9ZqgtoDLvxnHBr-6onXn1Io7-W0qF9KAA/s4032/IMG_0006.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTQgJoaE_PxTMqiPJD5d2qga_WYbV_fWe1ogqtyBaqENgQ6DfYPn2C-fVvqrCTx2g-05t_d0UQRptpawfG85gs55s0AJ0IOapVR5HaHi1YaRgSeXKEuNzG6nmPjxN0GZ_1Fk3MzeqGXcFEmPFuf-lZchedT9ZqgtoDLvxnHBr-6onXn1Io7-W0qF9KAA/s320/IMG_0006.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-12150067889362040832024-02-13T06:09:00.000-08:002024-02-13T06:57:22.317-08:00Junior League Panel Presentation<p>On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, the Junior League of Columbus hosted a community panel. <br /><br />Panelists included:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Moderator JoVonna Moxley of JLC Columbus</li><li>Lisa Dickson, ACTION Ohio</li><li>Kim Eckhart, Children's Defense Fund ~ Ohio</li><li>Katrina de los Santos, CSCC Scholar Network</li></ul><div>Here's a link to the <a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/2024-action-ohio-handout-for-jlc.pdf" target="_blank">ACTION Ohio handout</a> that Lisa shared. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoEFmoa_zpVFVyrk2CIYs75y8RHQV5xgW_1PjzWlX1fRSbYwuCKZ0BxXvWL_0zssSDdU0g4xEu80W2O9tRJlNWz2JPGgXyI00xBsva4rRHSWLWJjSFc96fl5yOrkJm4O7qGfIUNUV5vn6L66_l-mU986fAE3uSBdEbSPAyL3631A3MibZDWhr9RVF9Ag/s2466/IMG_9868.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1843" data-original-width="2466" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoEFmoa_zpVFVyrk2CIYs75y8RHQV5xgW_1PjzWlX1fRSbYwuCKZ0BxXvWL_0zssSDdU0g4xEu80W2O9tRJlNWz2JPGgXyI00xBsva4rRHSWLWJjSFc96fl5yOrkJm4O7qGfIUNUV5vn6L66_l-mU986fAE3uSBdEbSPAyL3631A3MibZDWhr9RVF9Ag/w400-h299/IMG_9868.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF539XyHOMBwZ2TcX9yB2OlRcShkZr43uqSLEwFWFrEcpwD8NGt3zvbTBfoFBLftV7Rv1WjJBcGYKIm27GJyJyrJM4hyphenhyphen8wYv7ByE2ps7QtWaDuGr4TeIS3LM6mONxp3V-zWizvRRN7vuDW8mliO7ldCg76jbkuoDnI5M-jmmj-kNQuCXPfb9Ly3RBu7GY/s2659/IMG_9870.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1781" data-original-width="2659" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF539XyHOMBwZ2TcX9yB2OlRcShkZr43uqSLEwFWFrEcpwD8NGt3zvbTBfoFBLftV7Rv1WjJBcGYKIm27GJyJyrJM4hyphenhyphen8wYv7ByE2ps7QtWaDuGr4TeIS3LM6mONxp3V-zWizvRRN7vuDW8mliO7ldCg76jbkuoDnI5M-jmmj-kNQuCXPfb9Ly3RBu7GY/w400-h268/IMG_9870.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1v-J27ndMFuaOIOW89cbvNiDncGVq_IMobSX1hnH5E1YGsmcz_HEwyn2H3mubbK-zbu2txlGX8HORTMmGSz05vgKUQnu7zo0nzK1-8Jj6rpyhuPFC6hQXpJg8zNpyumY2XsOyq5xc4Ov8ZIfzuPowIUoBjEbOhdaES4ux1_bdWfqj-3_VEmwuwUCi2s/s4032/IMG_9873.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1v-J27ndMFuaOIOW89cbvNiDncGVq_IMobSX1hnH5E1YGsmcz_HEwyn2H3mubbK-zbu2txlGX8HORTMmGSz05vgKUQnu7zo0nzK1-8Jj6rpyhuPFC6hQXpJg8zNpyumY2XsOyq5xc4Ov8ZIfzuPowIUoBjEbOhdaES4ux1_bdWfqj-3_VEmwuwUCi2s/w400-h300/IMG_9873.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYIC5VjyZNgY2eKLPESsIBMvNetVop1dE-5uKNVOX6Zm3gr9aE3D4oZWt8enxY35CyCHakcvThyxCB7z3JU1o1ZqPc1Jp7AqV0fkxNS2FQVb0FymMPNEI4emat1JBXf3LlPVefRyAtVMQ4eugl32l1Ksq-AUvV2OhReUD7Y8vVAValTDxL6Sanmos9DQ/s3593/IMG_9875.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3593" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYIC5VjyZNgY2eKLPESsIBMvNetVop1dE-5uKNVOX6Zm3gr9aE3D4oZWt8enxY35CyCHakcvThyxCB7z3JU1o1ZqPc1Jp7AqV0fkxNS2FQVb0FymMPNEI4emat1JBXf3LlPVefRyAtVMQ4eugl32l1Ksq-AUvV2OhReUD7Y8vVAValTDxL6Sanmos9DQ/w400-h336/IMG_9875.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKjvO3VQd3e-Wt3u7xiuGBn4Rdn7qNLzeJp4UGHgvmB0h74kviRgj7b7TTFz_qrKCCIvUi6vU5YU6GJsha5vOcGp_QbPwq0ZRX4w_YgTtSn59VlFfKB7FO7qPu9mlOctJPNHxPibl85nHjdoZKZCsUqL0IU9wRLhyphenhyphenSq9OoOQ2wuFcdWYn60o88rb3MiI/s3900/IMG_9877.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3900" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKjvO3VQd3e-Wt3u7xiuGBn4Rdn7qNLzeJp4UGHgvmB0h74kviRgj7b7TTFz_qrKCCIvUi6vU5YU6GJsha5vOcGp_QbPwq0ZRX4w_YgTtSn59VlFfKB7FO7qPu9mlOctJPNHxPibl85nHjdoZKZCsUqL0IU9wRLhyphenhyphenSq9OoOQ2wuFcdWYn60o88rb3MiI/w400-h310/IMG_9877.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-62644694466171745242024-02-02T14:26:00.000-08:002024-02-02T14:26:59.354-08:00Suits for Success pickup in Chillicothe<p>Went to Chillicothe to pick up suits today...<br /><br /><b>The first four photos are what I was able to fit in my car:</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-0eoUHLaiOgY-M1ddLY_aMtFgJEoPhlhQa8VMzSXluKrjibZB-NHgQhCWNTUQ9QxAnpqMobwOHHkqgjjAwIpPpHqPQrhfaKWG2-z-QBth-1rB-80xrzkM75cryUWoWyyfMB7ISPGrSf_tJmQt7d5CCmK4Q65UhetuFeiOLrXW8a4sc7aXC9wJrUZCls/s3917/IMG_9825.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2590" data-original-width="3917" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-0eoUHLaiOgY-M1ddLY_aMtFgJEoPhlhQa8VMzSXluKrjibZB-NHgQhCWNTUQ9QxAnpqMobwOHHkqgjjAwIpPpHqPQrhfaKWG2-z-QBth-1rB-80xrzkM75cryUWoWyyfMB7ISPGrSf_tJmQt7d5CCmK4Q65UhetuFeiOLrXW8a4sc7aXC9wJrUZCls/s320/IMG_9825.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCsOnusXYxb8sPqyosIQxyf_DhWWLp8Y0JaOnL_AZ_AcRm_dSt9a3EbSGZmc2nNaOI15BWmYWRZYAxpKUdJUNCIQAElo5YoAfUCuZYz_m3orBOFyCQxPKxh7jY0QvwmxsjfH-FtEqvESsyjxzAtdYGLxQBtyJ3UMGzWSHhj5qpdZLU-rqrCHQE1EjAgg/s3353/IMG_9828.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3002" data-original-width="3353" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCsOnusXYxb8sPqyosIQxyf_DhWWLp8Y0JaOnL_AZ_AcRm_dSt9a3EbSGZmc2nNaOI15BWmYWRZYAxpKUdJUNCIQAElo5YoAfUCuZYz_m3orBOFyCQxPKxh7jY0QvwmxsjfH-FtEqvESsyjxzAtdYGLxQBtyJ3UMGzWSHhj5qpdZLU-rqrCHQE1EjAgg/s320/IMG_9828.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi09cmHoo_fSQI38d7LlJadqqYd2Y9x2tbEDzOcnMMRNTJcOsF_TWp1UwG2t3xj2sq7tJq-h0WW6Ce9uwJt0y-Ca-23wZpbDn63_4DmpL3tXAcjqhMcsWXODba-aHY8344W6S6xRho_d-8TxinV-cuQqh4AouC27OhgRLb7vFQkZ8nyCUx5GFXDIsI7Y/s3176/IMG_9830.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3176" data-original-width="2756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi09cmHoo_fSQI38d7LlJadqqYd2Y9x2tbEDzOcnMMRNTJcOsF_TWp1UwG2t3xj2sq7tJq-h0WW6Ce9uwJt0y-Ca-23wZpbDn63_4DmpL3tXAcjqhMcsWXODba-aHY8344W6S6xRho_d-8TxinV-cuQqh4AouC27OhgRLb7vFQkZ8nyCUx5GFXDIsI7Y/s320/IMG_9830.jpeg" width="278" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCVjInCdB3pMTQj3lm_-IYcbqUrNbgCwkyeNjbfZ1RogHE9Kc0xXM0SYsYsqyhh7AyQmuX2DwRAnSfSNsbHSrYtBI2AMova06GMut6ZwyBCDtULrO8faHJw5IVYAekq4uvYeDAcAMx1rRcPlPSbLTTxSyEGHbqK_e3jyIqYRTtugiPo0eF5Nas1ej3Kw/s4032/IMG_9832.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCVjInCdB3pMTQj3lm_-IYcbqUrNbgCwkyeNjbfZ1RogHE9Kc0xXM0SYsYsqyhh7AyQmuX2DwRAnSfSNsbHSrYtBI2AMova06GMut6ZwyBCDtULrO8faHJw5IVYAekq4uvYeDAcAMx1rRcPlPSbLTTxSyEGHbqK_e3jyIqYRTtugiPo0eF5Nas1ej3Kw/s320/IMG_9832.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>The last three photos are what is still there for us to get later:</b><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENw44MWEVzosHgo4UIytAKwNGXvDXeC7i6rBOCgCBX_Fisaj_86HdBAkdKDm-S-2OlU6psjACFER1krvrzEE3xPgorgfqiwDeIQUTb1JYmLVV574Bd6JjPkkYhAIGWNbEFvEH7D97UGFV31tlJHUzotBiS0CVnAiwf7wWM8BhZnZ9-vikXJUhdMoxMT4/s3463/IMG_9812.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2409" data-original-width="3463" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENw44MWEVzosHgo4UIytAKwNGXvDXeC7i6rBOCgCBX_Fisaj_86HdBAkdKDm-S-2OlU6psjACFER1krvrzEE3xPgorgfqiwDeIQUTb1JYmLVV574Bd6JjPkkYhAIGWNbEFvEH7D97UGFV31tlJHUzotBiS0CVnAiwf7wWM8BhZnZ9-vikXJUhdMoxMT4/s320/IMG_9812.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfbBxSDXz737gxJc7P0y-GNmTWQSbegZJzIBjx77KQCgGSZ-JMObhc1oKGfZ5On-Lw5EK1fevXMdTVJ0Vocv2hViqs2N-558w0sRKKNd_qb-Y_W4V_gU-5MdU4ocN4J8-ZkEUEOYxRWwrjGono1mnuFkodj2ywZZLgl9Tc1n1jgdzYvUupkCYdsBuMhU/s3808/IMG_9814.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2634" data-original-width="3808" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfbBxSDXz737gxJc7P0y-GNmTWQSbegZJzIBjx77KQCgGSZ-JMObhc1oKGfZ5On-Lw5EK1fevXMdTVJ0Vocv2hViqs2N-558w0sRKKNd_qb-Y_W4V_gU-5MdU4ocN4J8-ZkEUEOYxRWwrjGono1mnuFkodj2ywZZLgl9Tc1n1jgdzYvUupkCYdsBuMhU/s320/IMG_9814.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1DoPnQ5-XUbiw_jBKgSjvTp9nYZKnMR8wtYow5QB36HLScEoxBerdpzdamE8Iv1LBgBS0TDPpxO8kkDEHK4qSGD4UTq-ypjZMWUayf5lZmKoXT5sfJwvnEgwcUbswgiMo8njft6qpqNjeQDwEjzoUxtgDti9Uj6XDrQcPXzzea_EgE5Gns-Is6OvCYI/s4032/IMG_9823.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2010" data-original-width="4032" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1DoPnQ5-XUbiw_jBKgSjvTp9nYZKnMR8wtYow5QB36HLScEoxBerdpzdamE8Iv1LBgBS0TDPpxO8kkDEHK4qSGD4UTq-ypjZMWUayf5lZmKoXT5sfJwvnEgwcUbswgiMo8njft6qpqNjeQDwEjzoUxtgDti9Uj6XDrQcPXzzea_EgE5Gns-Is6OvCYI/s320/IMG_9823.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-21679707209001396302024-01-16T07:43:00.000-08:002024-01-16T07:43:50.024-08:00Suits for Success in 2024 -- another generous clothing donation<p>ACTION Ohio was contacted by Kristy Mullins, Program Support Assistant for the Veteran Housing Program in Chillicothe. They had received a large donation of new suits from Men’s Wearhouse, and weren’t able to distribute the smaller sizes. They want to donate them to us for foster youth.<br /><br />Similar to the previous donation we received from Polaris Fashion Place, these suits will be distributed to foster youth at the <a href="https://fosteractionohio.org/leadership-and-life-skills-summit/">2024 Leadership and Life Skills Summit</a> for Ohio foster youth, aged 14-24.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNpFhjG-iToFbANjiMLkIKSRrc0HLlDi0hFkUXJJhsabUnE_sNoL8JUbvj6fxicJEvXsBlw8LPLMcmwct-xPlzbRSQWXEgjsM7Sr-JX26BXdurJMabON3lESyvHkx3YQf8rJPQwJZQuP1woVJgTF-WAl1FunQIkepn42rHt0cOCVAXPwj-MYyFVh4v5I/s2048/suits%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNpFhjG-iToFbANjiMLkIKSRrc0HLlDi0hFkUXJJhsabUnE_sNoL8JUbvj6fxicJEvXsBlw8LPLMcmwct-xPlzbRSQWXEgjsM7Sr-JX26BXdurJMabON3lESyvHkx3YQf8rJPQwJZQuP1woVJgTF-WAl1FunQIkepn42rHt0cOCVAXPwj-MYyFVh4v5I/s320/suits%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9CYwAYhzfeAsgnDIrHwS3pjSpZYCDZaKLYuL3AMKG2956Ih_n7b9TrqXlCptitc12JnNG7rStrsbGxsRYe9VsMhZgj8NJb5fRq7RYBmnY3kDG2iXHNcLl3wzSMcH0YqO6lVUWi4G6vyCtc-cYlqrqnsXPFZjJ8MQi7NOhQFbwldcvC-yJqEBUynKGqc/s2048/suits%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9CYwAYhzfeAsgnDIrHwS3pjSpZYCDZaKLYuL3AMKG2956Ih_n7b9TrqXlCptitc12JnNG7rStrsbGxsRYe9VsMhZgj8NJb5fRq7RYBmnY3kDG2iXHNcLl3wzSMcH0YqO6lVUWi4G6vyCtc-cYlqrqnsXPFZjJ8MQi7NOhQFbwldcvC-yJqEBUynKGqc/s320/suits%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkPUzwUe_7L3DrYyHL029NWJndtRLN98sBhN0KMaRuTgKLCMgwPts60QuRe6z8wxhYqfxM7AA7dEIridWRY-Lm1IlWqIRQu394oh_tGZoxGdKp0eT8fpKZbuVX8fMpOcMZBwssnboOUKknnnkSWbJAiof9-ehdC75XsnAVtTwUQULmRW9F8yByLgPnsY/s2048/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkPUzwUe_7L3DrYyHL029NWJndtRLN98sBhN0KMaRuTgKLCMgwPts60QuRe6z8wxhYqfxM7AA7dEIridWRY-Lm1IlWqIRQu394oh_tGZoxGdKp0eT8fpKZbuVX8fMpOcMZBwssnboOUKknnnkSWbJAiof9-ehdC75XsnAVtTwUQULmRW9F8yByLgPnsY/s320/shoes.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-51611699109932000172023-12-22T04:55:00.000-08:002023-12-24T08:43:07.197-08:00Suits for Success in 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHv9uySOmc7zEpI3vqBRSG8uJ8vmzk2rB_j9MY-VpxcRoaIYRtxM4wI-AyezcT_4RtfCv0xsc2Fg9wOJNLwQ4wT_9oSf6TbPQe-Q3mqaTqML70iSpOwUx2_-IzULBwB9uDAXCHxbhP2FWH4Sj04ncDA8O_6By-Z3reeXs7lM3R0e98wZuRthSnZVwm48/s1500/2023%20Suits%20Donation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHv9uySOmc7zEpI3vqBRSG8uJ8vmzk2rB_j9MY-VpxcRoaIYRtxM4wI-AyezcT_4RtfCv0xsc2Fg9wOJNLwQ4wT_9oSf6TbPQe-Q3mqaTqML70iSpOwUx2_-IzULBwB9uDAXCHxbhP2FWH4Sj04ncDA8O_6By-Z3reeXs7lM3R0e98wZuRthSnZVwm48/w640-h340/2023%20Suits%20Donation.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/RTAGyhM1vDA4YD3j6">Link to more photos.</a> </p><p>Throughout the entire state of Ohio, <a href="https://www.cleveland19.com/2023/08/08/now-what-bbb-offering-advice-after-american-commodore-tuxedo-stores-close-across-ohio/" target="_blank">every American Commodore Tuxedo location</a> closed permanently earlier this year. When their Polaris location closed down, they abandoned all their merchandise and failed to pick it up by the required deadline, making it the property of the mall.</p><p>General Manager Tamra Bower and Marketing Director Ben Harrison of Polaris Fashion Place decided to donate these 200+ items to ACTION Ohio. <br /><br />The suits will be distributed to foster youth at the <a href="https://fosteractionohio.org/leadership-and-life-skills-summit/" target="_blank">2024 Leadership and Life Skills Summit</a> for Ohio foster youth, aged 14-24.<b> </b>There will be volunteers on hand to show youth how to tie their first tie. Young people in and from foster care will be able to wear these suits for job interviews and other important life events. <br /><br />We are deeply grateful to Polaris Fashion Place, and to the Ohio Children's Alliance, Buckeye Ranch, El’Lesun and the Central Ohio Community House for their support. </p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-91040218862760668952023-12-04T07:32:00.000-08:002023-12-04T07:32:34.646-08:00Imprint Podcast: Making Holiday Traditions for Foster Youth<p> John Kelly of the Imprint came to Central Ohio Thanksgiving Together this year, and interviewed ACTION Ohio Communications Chair Lisa Dickson on his podcast afterwards. </p><p><b><a href="https://imprintnews.org/podcast/making-holiday-traditions-foster-youth">Here's the link:</a></b> <span style="color: #38761d;"><i>(it starts with national updates, and Ohio-specific stuff starts at the 20 minute mark) </i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3eVPMtFxLMSc7Rd6OjNBkVMdpw278N3RIKDRK03Ub01TvPxNxyCZxH96o7vSyMN4gx78MHurUOLPDcnBBQ73Yn7scRMtLkc_GTEAqJ5BLkZTuok4GC7bzsxMFxcdqu7hs0vHu5aoa2gB98wXh2lnC7OJbF_a5jYSy_JYKFQh2jMvFmWcT74lOhxJKyQ/s1978/John%20Kelly%20Imprint.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1978" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3eVPMtFxLMSc7Rd6OjNBkVMdpw278N3RIKDRK03Ub01TvPxNxyCZxH96o7vSyMN4gx78MHurUOLPDcnBBQ73Yn7scRMtLkc_GTEAqJ5BLkZTuok4GC7bzsxMFxcdqu7hs0vHu5aoa2gB98wXh2lnC7OJbF_a5jYSy_JYKFQh2jMvFmWcT74lOhxJKyQ/w640-h420/John%20Kelly%20Imprint.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-85446648806622307562023-11-20T07:50:00.000-08:002023-11-23T11:40:49.799-08:002023 Central Thanksgiving Together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mf5fMLy1KSoPIgv3Pa_cMNjvpK34Yzwi5gcIfvJIWIhIkhAAaYHqmbFOhO0YvqCsbx3vLtgwWHySsGq7tMpCJq2sTyjGSLlagsfoTDn7tnjs7KYZ1hFlbapdZDC84LeNxe5VIA0Ahes_N1v63r53f464Xra76jtNwh-8CjATZ-ZQpsdqSjr1I4Zrvwo/s1500/2023%20Central%20Thanksgiving%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mf5fMLy1KSoPIgv3Pa_cMNjvpK34Yzwi5gcIfvJIWIhIkhAAaYHqmbFOhO0YvqCsbx3vLtgwWHySsGq7tMpCJq2sTyjGSLlagsfoTDn7tnjs7KYZ1hFlbapdZDC84LeNxe5VIA0Ahes_N1v63r53f464Xra76jtNwh-8CjATZ-ZQpsdqSjr1I4Zrvwo/w640-h340/2023%20Central%20Thanksgiving%20.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>2023 Central Ohio Thanksgiving Together for current and former foster youth took place on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, at Reynoldsburg High School’s Summit Campus, 8579 Summit Road, Reynoldsburg OH 43068.</p><p>This ACTION Ohio event was made possible due to support from Reynoldsburg City Schools, the Leo Club, Temple Israel Columbus, the Tzedakah Collective, Beth Tikvah's Sisterhood, Randi Lewis, the Junior League of Columbus, Andi Atwood, and Kristin Gilbert.</p><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/zyJqozR9cHr76cGN8" target="_blank">Link to more photos</a>. </p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-65340329284407475312023-11-20T07:46:00.000-08:002023-11-20T08:15:42.064-08:002023 SW Ohio Thanksgiving Together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_NfUc9fWy1frr_wEzkC3HRJ1b6E3d4SABxaHY8J47BJtzv8RpnM6wIsPNc7xuOIrnqPuCLU7khgQjeDWgqhjZIVehuucSgJ4Dd6cQM-glz1rxaPaXvrWhi803elDm3cU-mYuJyalbCp4rNJnKEi2iXYR5xf1RuOZj1eL90KQ813hm4eSLm2SImNIz8o/s1500/2023%20SW%20Thanksgiving%20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_NfUc9fWy1frr_wEzkC3HRJ1b6E3d4SABxaHY8J47BJtzv8RpnM6wIsPNc7xuOIrnqPuCLU7khgQjeDWgqhjZIVehuucSgJ4Dd6cQM-glz1rxaPaXvrWhi803elDm3cU-mYuJyalbCp4rNJnKEi2iXYR5xf1RuOZj1eL90KQ813hm4eSLm2SImNIz8o/w640-h340/2023%20SW%20Thanksgiving%20.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>2023 Southwest Ohio Thanksgiving Together for current and former foster youth took place on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, at the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, 2400 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45202.</p><p>This ACTION Ohio event was made possible due to support from United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Easley Blessed Media, Safe Pastures, My Very Own Blanket, Zachary Super and Midwestern Plumbing Services, and Opportunities Knocking. <br /></p><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/mKDFQUTdrrv5us618" target="_blank">Link to more photos</a>. </p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-30843511875657410852023-09-19T06:32:00.001-07:002023-09-19T06:32:09.502-07:00Proud of Dauntea Sledge<p> Dauntea Sledge was featured in the August 10, 2023 issue of the Ohio Supreme Court bulletin:<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZOgz-0OG5zxmYJJeJBQguJ65oHDbXJq9qop6AMsdghckrEUO1eQvVAw2Kn5oLGp98PMbiwPOKEEXWdPToEwjtpp8NByiRC8c7Dp8bHKTIpJ-i5fipDZtJ6YCGSE8mtXwNeMi67YJjJ13isq-vpCqaQ6S9PEmGFm9ViHaSoKM44A0MLqrTFKUqD4s7ao/s2152/dauntea%20sledge1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="2152" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZOgz-0OG5zxmYJJeJBQguJ65oHDbXJq9qop6AMsdghckrEUO1eQvVAw2Kn5oLGp98PMbiwPOKEEXWdPToEwjtpp8NByiRC8c7Dp8bHKTIpJ-i5fipDZtJ6YCGSE8mtXwNeMi67YJjJ13isq-vpCqaQ6S9PEmGFm9ViHaSoKM44A0MLqrTFKUqD4s7ao/w640-h276/dauntea%20sledge1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFn5RzC2e_jxvlO2PpBaJHBfT4Hw4xn7qjpHwaxB3EuPCIm2o8JYzIro-P1u9QK8o5L5AyxnlIS43DKsQTfYNE8uSRCo7dmgj3Gthsfzim8po73VavrAPDqEy6RV9-nq52pHwSZgHJm5cv_gpFnIQ9GYJ-dYg0o16y9Oe3DhVQKQu4G-0GyvkYNomhcw/s1800/dauntea%20sledge2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1800" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFn5RzC2e_jxvlO2PpBaJHBfT4Hw4xn7qjpHwaxB3EuPCIm2o8JYzIro-P1u9QK8o5L5AyxnlIS43DKsQTfYNE8uSRCo7dmgj3Gthsfzim8po73VavrAPDqEy6RV9-nq52pHwSZgHJm5cv_gpFnIQ9GYJ-dYg0o16y9Oe3DhVQKQu4G-0GyvkYNomhcw/w640-h344/dauntea%20sledge2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij550UxAFMHruOC4fpAAD9jcsqmPqnuHY6yyd7LVgaB69b7Q-B067SQks2QPtAhbHqPkWnwbGTdVW6mx4D7opr1sY8pM6aPoQXZRxxuSWFng7xEGaV9SY952eWJ7uT6y-J2XAezMEfKzOft71UgL9BNuZjkz0o1p7bWlEqiN0LsetjybtTDcyF81a0nFY/s1978/dauntea%20sledge3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1978" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij550UxAFMHruOC4fpAAD9jcsqmPqnuHY6yyd7LVgaB69b7Q-B067SQks2QPtAhbHqPkWnwbGTdVW6mx4D7opr1sY8pM6aPoQXZRxxuSWFng7xEGaV9SY952eWJ7uT6y-J2XAezMEfKzOft71UgL9BNuZjkz0o1p7bWlEqiN0LsetjybtTDcyF81a0nFY/w640-h250/dauntea%20sledge3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-48016164968416626842023-09-09T06:24:00.004-07:002023-09-09T07:39:23.232-07:002023 Self Care Summit for Foster Youth and Alumni<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9syi9B1zFSoD6FxISFA3NBpfpl2i2WcW-psFFjbLR15AEjKJZyq1RcYNEey14ab4NKPqdCY-GPbJNCqxpUDrF0Kuor8F8Vi7Dtskam_Vjhi3nKbWtHsQvrPxWG5CyzEX7INLbhPfaa0eLPcPdMV0uEpPMBgBI9qxJ0e3pc54SNAapGkvxO1xAV6Gs_ls/s1500/2023%20Self%20Care%20Summit.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9syi9B1zFSoD6FxISFA3NBpfpl2i2WcW-psFFjbLR15AEjKJZyq1RcYNEey14ab4NKPqdCY-GPbJNCqxpUDrF0Kuor8F8Vi7Dtskam_Vjhi3nKbWtHsQvrPxWG5CyzEX7INLbhPfaa0eLPcPdMV0uEpPMBgBI9qxJ0e3pc54SNAapGkvxO1xAV6Gs_ls/w640-h340/2023%20Self%20Care%20Summit.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/69DNLTBz6s2FToFi8" target="_blank">Link to more photos</a>.</p><p>September is Self-Care Awareness Month, and the OHIO YAB and ACTION Ohio partnered with Hope Valley and the Ohio Supreme Court to facilitate a self care retreat for current and former foster youth (ages 14-24).</p><p>The 2023 Self Care Summit for Ohio Foster Care Youth and Alumni took place on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at the Hope Valley Retreat Center, 4560 Gratiot Rd SE, Newark, OH 43056. We are grateful to the Ohio Supreme Court for sponsorship, Hope Valley for hosting, adult supporters for transporting youth, and to two CSCC professors for facilitating self-care activities. </p><p>We received RSVPs from Allen, Athens, Belmont, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lawrence, Licking, Lorain, Perry, and Van Wert counties. </p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-38265858879479642672023-06-30T08:41:00.001-07:002023-06-30T08:41:10.781-07:00HB 33 has no mention of Bridges, Ohio's extended foster care to age 21<p><b><i>The following message was sent to members of the Conference Committee, and a series of calls were made to their offices by Ohio foster care youth, alumni and allies: </i></b></p><p>Thanks so much for serving on the conference committee. We care and understand that it’s been a complicated budget year -- the bill is literally over 9,000 pages long. </p><p><b>As current and former foster youth, </b>we are deeply concerned that Bridges (Ohio’s extended foster care to age 21) has been completely overlooked in the latest version of Ohio’s budget (HB 33). Previously, 12M per year was dedicated to support the Bridges program. Without this funding, this statewide resource will be in jeopardy.</p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>KID Line 830506 is the funding line item for children service programs, </b></span>and the most recent version of the budget does not have a specific earmark for the Bridges program (Ohio’s extended foster care to age 21), as it does for other programs. </p><p>Please understand that the Bridges program literally provides a bridge for former foster youth when they turn 18 years old. It avoids them being immediately homeless after foster care. It provides support as well as accountability because to remain eligible, Bridges participants must be enrolled in college or other post-secondary school, be employed at least 80 hours a month or participate in a program designed to remove barriers to employment. </p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>Ohio’s investment in the Bridges program isn’t just the right thing to do</b> – it is the cost-effective thing to do.</span> When Ohio’s former foster youth finish high school, go to college, and attain employment, we are able to financially contribute to our state via our taxes and our dedication to support our community. </p><p> --- </p><p><i>The Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board is a statewide organization of young people (ages 14-24) who have experienced foster care. The OHIO YAB exists to be the knowledgeable statewide voice that influences policies and practices that impact youth who have or will experience out of home care.</i></p><p><i> ACTION Ohio stands for Alumni of Care Together Improving Outcomes Now Ohio. We are an alumni group of adults who have experienced foster care personally, and who volunteer our time to improve outcomes for the next generation. Our initiatives include Thanksgiving Together and Three Days on the Hill.</i></p><div><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-69332883022563214632023-03-20T06:20:00.005-07:002023-03-20T06:22:16.920-07:00Op Ed by Jonathan Thomas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDaBrPFLfetC8kY3-nOXMn_dkaiKm1V_Xd-PFWmCaFsw_7jCpdjUxPqVXIrkeu5iIOADKYHqScdiI3VCdaih3YqosDrpwSGBGCpxtceuZJcCzvFUMrJAEoerVCHFZKBPRRHeizuJXjgkhzH6cmADXfT6gzFcJvNCLXOICwBCINwt7qDhbH1kFg6PB/s1620/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-20%20at%209.16.18%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="1620" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDaBrPFLfetC8kY3-nOXMn_dkaiKm1V_Xd-PFWmCaFsw_7jCpdjUxPqVXIrkeu5iIOADKYHqScdiI3VCdaih3YqosDrpwSGBGCpxtceuZJcCzvFUMrJAEoerVCHFZKBPRRHeizuJXjgkhzH6cmADXfT6gzFcJvNCLXOICwBCINwt7qDhbH1kFg6PB/w400-h151/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-20%20at%209.16.18%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>As a former foster youth and a person of color,</b> I am concerned that efforts to renew a federal law that exists to protect youth from abuse have repeatedly been delayed. Concerns have been expressed by biological parents and their allies that foster care systems demonize poverty and promote white supremacy and classism. The voices that are missing in national discussions regarding the renewal of this bill are those of young people who have experienced familial abuse personally.</p><p><b>The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)</b> provides federal funding to states to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. It requires states to facilitate mandated reporting and procedures to respond to ensure children’s safety. This federal bill expired in 2015 and is still awaiting renewal.</p><p><b>Foster care is imperfect and many aspects of it can be improved. </b>However, without foster care, my siblings and I would have continued to experience abuse without intervention. As a child, I often wished that someone would stop by my house and witness the abuse that my siblings and I were experiencing. I hear stories about other kids whose summers were filled with sunny day adventures. My summers were filled with abuse and fear.</p><p><b>Being placed in foster care created a seismic shift from the environment of my childhood.</b> It gave me a new understanding that a home could be physically and emotionally safe. It provided me with a different mindset about relationships and what it means to be a man.</p><p><b>Claims have been made by family rights advocates </b>that Children’s Services has a hidden agenda to surveil and regulate families of color, for the purpose of taking more youth into care. What I’ve witnessed is the opposite: Within the overworked foster care system, young people of color must often report their abuse many times before their voices are heard.</p><p><b>The abuse that took place within my family was deeply ingrained and life-threatening. </b>We were deliberately insulated from authorities by my father, and told, “What happens in the home stays in the home.” It was my sister who found the courage to tell a teacher what was happening. Even after doing so, she had to take the next step and run away, to further demonstrate the danger of our living situation.</p><p><b>It’s important to note that disproportionality among races within the foster care system exists</b> -- but it does not exist within a vacuum. Our nation’s housing, education, health care and policing systems are overshadowed by a history of racial inequities and racist practices. Addressing those structural issues will help improve outcomes for families of color. Linking families with services and resources can assist in many circumstances. But, in situations of abuse, the safety of youth can never be sacrificed. </p><p><b>As a survivor of abuse, I want to emphasize that children and teens of all races and ethnicities deserve to be protected.</b> It is vitally important that youth safety remains first and foremost. Experiencing abuse as a child doesn’t just impact your present – without intervention, it can undermine your future. At the very time as a child when you are developing autonomy, the abusive surroundings are robbing it from you.</p><p><b>When it comes to national conversations regarding the renewal of the CAPTA legislation, there is one more voice that hasn’t and cannot be heard:</b> The voices of children and teens who have lost their lives due to abuse.</p><p><b>A 2021 study by Case Western Reserve University’s Schubert Center for Child Studies</b> revealed that Cuyahoga County’s “rate of confirmed abuse or neglect-related child deaths is significantly higher than the national average.”</p><p><b>In my role as a Youth Ambassador for the OHIO YAB (Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board),</b> I will continue to advocate for safeguards to protect today’s young people. My goal is to leave a legacy of better and ongoing protections for those who experience abuse as a child.</p><p><i>~ Jonathan Thomas credits the foster-care system with turning around his life and that of his siblings after they suffered abuse as children and were removed into foster care. He currently serves as a youth ambassador for the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board, a statewide organization of youth ages 14 to 21 who’ve experienced foster care.</i></p><div><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-40154888417096624402023-01-13T05:43:00.004-08:002023-01-13T05:44:23.317-08:00Youth Leaders Discuss Safety Concerns for Cuyahoga County Youth<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtMM1KAcfVOdGY8ANaz1J4R_ObqgfbElOQC76Kp1z2WyErBdl5MCvYvfo78r15gEmEs7fzN8BhZ9XV-CYRA0UYiMIS2PhJJ05c2KCIuTo-H7JIl-fYHv-CsD6vTuv8pQRbHs5hKq6ipHEpSfavaR0-t0j86Sa7MLQuec67qNLMe0K97ZgB4rBz8NiW8A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtMM1KAcfVOdGY8ANaz1J4R_ObqgfbElOQC76Kp1z2WyErBdl5MCvYvfo78r15gEmEs7fzN8BhZ9XV-CYRA0UYiMIS2PhJJ05c2KCIuTo-H7JIl-fYHv-CsD6vTuv8pQRbHs5hKq6ipHEpSfavaR0-t0j86Sa7MLQuec67qNLMe0K97ZgB4rBz8NiW8A" style="cursor: move;" width="223" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Councilwoman Yvonne Conwell</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, Cieria Roman, Raven Grice and Lisa Dickson participated in a virtual meeting with Councilwoman Yvonne Conwell and Policy Advisor LeVine Ross to discuss safety concerns related to Cuyahoga County youth, especially those that have been spending the nights in the Jane Edna Hunter building on a regular basis since 2018.</p><p>This was preceded by a prior meeting with Councilman Dale Miller, during which he recommended that we speak with Councilwoman Conwell.<br /><br />Ohio youth leaders shared their <a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/2022-recommendations-for-cuyahoga-county.pdf" target="_blank">concerns and recommendations</a>, and how important that it is to have foster care youth and alumni at the table. Because it is our lived experience that brings a sense of urgency. Today's youth and young adults often come up with creative solutions that others might not think of...</p><p>As Cieria said, <i>“We come ready, we come with our hearts, we come with solutions. These are our brothers and sisters and this is our legacy.”</i></p><p>We also shared:<br /></p><ul><li><a href="https://fosteractionohio.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/raven-grice-testimony-life-skills-preparation-2020.pdf" target="_blank">Raven's written testimonial</a> about the need for Independent Living Departments</li></ul><ul><li>The work that the OHIO YAB has done on <a href="https://fosteractionohio.org/hands-on-activities/" target="_blank">Life Skills Training</a> </li></ul><ul><li>The videos created by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoaG_hyWoBE" target="_blank">Jewel Harris</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQy_opoRVCE" target="_blank">Marissa Alcorn</a> and her chosen family to recruit foster parents for teens, and Kelsie’s three part video about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj9Xrz9AT4g" target="_blank">What It’s Like to Be a Teen Mom in Foster Care</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkXa4RJVlac" target="_blank">What Teen Moms in Foster Care Need From Their Foster Parents</a> and that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ-WWoCRqEs" target="_blank">Teen Moms in Foster Care Have Rights and Resources</a></li></ul><p></p><p>Councilwoman Yvonne Conwell followed up by sending a message of thanks, and some ideas for next steps forward. </p><p><br /></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-14583640213431526892022-11-24T06:14:00.006-08:002022-11-25T05:21:37.330-08:00Messages of Encouragement, By Foster Youth For Foster YouthMessages of encouragement, created during the early Thanksgiving dinners...<br /><br />Here's a <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/UiMJk7AD63NHegCQ7">link to more photos</a>.<div><br />Front of card:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZH317TSrWEb2c7cmKyucb1U6LROGu5oJZt0nqCocVkf6HhwplwsAW4eXYXFSIaNPMUJZ0qVadC08h78A1hwOs111pZgZhsbbaSTY3B6QMy3GluwSTW1K2VDX9IC_GNv42DJQIQy-nVXUIqGwbp7YaDiffILe7b9963fU0xxkbGQD5G1Mbx5VfaYFY/s1500/2022%20front%20of%20cards.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZH317TSrWEb2c7cmKyucb1U6LROGu5oJZt0nqCocVkf6HhwplwsAW4eXYXFSIaNPMUJZ0qVadC08h78A1hwOs111pZgZhsbbaSTY3B6QMy3GluwSTW1K2VDX9IC_GNv42DJQIQy-nVXUIqGwbp7YaDiffILe7b9963fU0xxkbGQD5G1Mbx5VfaYFY/w640-h340/2022%20front%20of%20cards.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br />Back of card:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23hntZJ_7Y-y5oIALlno0P_69VNkJrxl1aUa5XsrFhjw0rAuryC5M8cTIulPH-aKRpIsI2V-hVdxvVgPzsKCFFfcCQQ0FjFZtK8XNb3PVeBxvYJJF89KLNY1RPFzJyKfZx3gVE7l7jzseKHEMXgiTiXOWX_R64VOZgyUWNOAekFFviNCHKruI6ncu/s1500/2022%20back%20of%20cards.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23hntZJ_7Y-y5oIALlno0P_69VNkJrxl1aUa5XsrFhjw0rAuryC5M8cTIulPH-aKRpIsI2V-hVdxvVgPzsKCFFfcCQQ0FjFZtK8XNb3PVeBxvYJJF89KLNY1RPFzJyKfZx3gVE7l7jzseKHEMXgiTiXOWX_R64VOZgyUWNOAekFFviNCHKruI6ncu/w640-h340/2022%20back%20of%20cards.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-76609670858049790232022-11-22T06:18:00.001-08:002022-11-22T06:18:03.193-08:00Ohio's First Youth Ombudsman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimL_R0WeoDZ9wYY-SJOPoUJ9WxDtqS3yXtg95SCwWhkcpff3NCN57bMH4FQKPX_yLM4yM2uIHEXDJUiyOSYJYo93eIPCmdSDolOpJfrhb4ZzuJLoSUKm4Rn2-sq_-aUInBNyPq7QRwowjyLL-QbYRGvB3dbH9c9yqVxreDfRexdbB2a6neWxo/s2048/Jenny%20and%20Betsie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimL_R0WeoDZ9wYY-SJOPoUJ9WxDtqS3yXtg95SCwWhkcpff3NCN57bMH4FQKPX_yLM4yM2uIHEXDJUiyOSYJYo93eIPCmdSDolOpJfrhb4ZzuJLoSUKm4Rn2-sq_-aUInBNyPq7QRwowjyLL-QbYRGvB3dbH9c9yqVxreDfRexdbB2a6neWxo/w300-h400/Jenny%20and%20Betsie.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Ohio’s very first Youth Ombudsman, Jenny Stotts, was honored as one of Adoption Network Cleveland’s two 2022 Triad Advocates of the Year. She entered foster care as a baby, was adopted and her adoptive parents still serve as foster parents today. </p><p>She and Assistant Youth Ombudsman Jeff Phillips would love our help in letting youth know about the Youth Ombudsman Office. Ohio foster care youth, alumni and allies first began advocating for a Youth Ombudsman Office in 2018. We met with legislators, gave testimony, and worked with CDF Ohio to build up a coalition. Let’s continue to spread the word, and let youth know how to <a href="https://youthandfamilyombudsmen.ohio.gov/youth/" target="_blank">contact the office</a>.</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/StqoO8h5SxY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-42262076467499813382022-11-21T07:22:00.007-08:002022-11-25T05:21:09.500-08:002022 Central Ohio Thanksgiving Together<p>The 2022 Central Ohio Thanksgiving Together for current and former foster youth took place on Sunday, November 20, 2022 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, at Reynoldsburg High School’s Summit Campus, 8579 Summit Road, Reynoldsburg OH 43068.</p><p>This ACTION Ohio event was made possible due to support from Reynoldsburg City Schools, the Leo Club, the Dave Thomas Foundation, the Tzedakah Collective, Beth Tikvah's Sisterhood, Randi Lewis, the Junior League of Columbus, Bethany Workman, Cieria Ramon, Andi Atwood, and Cece Norwood. </p><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/72aM7MDZ5vuVb7WaA" target="_blank">Link to more photos</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMv-LgkWTputmcBdoyiTRu49FfoNjmfef4vpZW6t09BDX7F19lJ6kUPaN2VUt2qjmPHfczCx9wP97BeSFV0Y1Pyc-GBFL2ZRdUGaASW8q7L-dZwqL-fCfMhwB0d0CudLSDNUnltvp5b2H62Wl3MRk02gSHbVTmg0ysqQD4nS8JWwlAbx-tmK9ZHFD6/s1500/2022%20cols%20thanks.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMv-LgkWTputmcBdoyiTRu49FfoNjmfef4vpZW6t09BDX7F19lJ6kUPaN2VUt2qjmPHfczCx9wP97BeSFV0Y1Pyc-GBFL2ZRdUGaASW8q7L-dZwqL-fCfMhwB0d0CudLSDNUnltvp5b2H62Wl3MRk02gSHbVTmg0ysqQD4nS8JWwlAbx-tmK9ZHFD6/w640-h340/2022%20cols%20thanks.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Advocacy for post-secondary supports:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ_UVYzks3iSsWZ3KMWauCtAiZuyMC35YjQp74nyYnOGI1wB3WdAw_alruIZh3xC4zSk9WHExObmydp5OArLxHSRcfWp5IO6M_dHcqd8Saye_jWewluIRL7koEEXoisFfnVDWzjvOEzer5qj_tJOpKVVjwv8rbIjG4IQgYRanpBjcpQPvukW96sIj/s1500/2022%20central%20reaching.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ_UVYzks3iSsWZ3KMWauCtAiZuyMC35YjQp74nyYnOGI1wB3WdAw_alruIZh3xC4zSk9WHExObmydp5OArLxHSRcfWp5IO6M_dHcqd8Saye_jWewluIRL7koEEXoisFfnVDWzjvOEzer5qj_tJOpKVVjwv8rbIjG4IQgYRanpBjcpQPvukW96sIj/w640-h340/2022%20central%20reaching.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Blankets from My Very Own Blanket:<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat__I65TNlSEDlHngwWMFgmBKzHNsM0csv5OWS-xWLAFhpJHxsbMgiwXP4zJBY4BkJEqKpfLSD90Ih1_svN1JiAJOdDwD8FHdffHMhHQtaqUb8U1n3lIFv7ehPs0WHB0Wy3hsEZKCJlYeTXiblFMnUhXqWUuheo9Cn6_rvqYe6i9rD4BF8IRJGViz/s1500/2022%20MVOB.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat__I65TNlSEDlHngwWMFgmBKzHNsM0csv5OWS-xWLAFhpJHxsbMgiwXP4zJBY4BkJEqKpfLSD90Ih1_svN1JiAJOdDwD8FHdffHMhHQtaqUb8U1n3lIFv7ehPs0WHB0Wy3hsEZKCJlYeTXiblFMnUhXqWUuheo9Cn6_rvqYe6i9rD4BF8IRJGViz/w640-h340/2022%20MVOB.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-70906440589612566262022-11-15T06:00:00.002-08:002022-11-15T06:00:11.870-08:00Remembering Those We Have Lost<p>As Vinney Male mentioned during the 2022 SW Ohio Thanksgiving dinner, even as we come together to celebrate our annual Thanksgiving reunions, we also want to remember members of our chosen family - foster care alumni and allies - who are no longer with us: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvZcHog4Nw5hM9bN640cr_V6ImmUw3VUvmRBCah49J3TA3tgOw2iQ3GskwIRaxW7GqgxLgqqaIdTloOAQFblLfYJ81nAte-nbhwOpzmRf_Qv0odgSPAXdr1bFE2KxDndz0pmVoF7xBklt1nY8st_Wn5hQchIdFkT467CUnokRfbKLdFN4bQjq7-cn/s1500/2023%20remember.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvZcHog4Nw5hM9bN640cr_V6ImmUw3VUvmRBCah49J3TA3tgOw2iQ3GskwIRaxW7GqgxLgqqaIdTloOAQFblLfYJ81nAte-nbhwOpzmRf_Qv0odgSPAXdr1bFE2KxDndz0pmVoF7xBklt1nY8st_Wn5hQchIdFkT467CUnokRfbKLdFN4bQjq7-cn/w640-h340/2023%20remember.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-45672185482425676922022-11-13T06:49:00.011-08:002022-11-25T05:19:34.805-08:002022 SW Ohio Thanksgiving Together<p>2022 Southwest Ohio Thanksgiving Together for current and former foster youth took place on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 12:30 – 3:00 pm, at the Emerge Banquet Center, 2960 West Enon Road, Xenia OH 45385. <br /><br />This ACTION Ohio event was made possible due to support from local churches, the Emerge Emancipation Program, the Dave Thomas Foundation, My Very Own Blanket, Zachary Super and Midwestern Plumbing Services.</p><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/SkFKjGDk8GtiBarq9" target="_blank">Link to more photos</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSY-gzoLLoeF_ymrzmG3DHAH-iTSz33nRxxwpXlGHpaosqbdL6rNkZ1N_rAHKOReneC0wGGNz007ApXxLKjzVuGlytlmYKkbmdusDpzxOzypuQw_2NEYVGMelEQm_wsoRvYdMtHZDqkZqc7gcT_S_70kdB6GhKmcr6vEZrqpKQUJsbXIJCWLTqDWbK/s1500/2022%20SW%20Thanksgiving.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSY-gzoLLoeF_ymrzmG3DHAH-iTSz33nRxxwpXlGHpaosqbdL6rNkZ1N_rAHKOReneC0wGGNz007ApXxLKjzVuGlytlmYKkbmdusDpzxOzypuQw_2NEYVGMelEQm_wsoRvYdMtHZDqkZqc7gcT_S_70kdB6GhKmcr6vEZrqpKQUJsbXIJCWLTqDWbK/w640-h340/2022%20SW%20Thanksgiving.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cards created by foster youth, for foster youth:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNZiEssuo8Y1pYk6quWpdpVB8YRcJfF0OKdeQaTclzszHA19u9UyuNKoLQOtCJfIwgC8D_rEUT-Irk0D2jqgQth7uGTO2vN3qZv4H5qvm-_2mP8DmKGJvfqL6go3yGryEcrg88smXc3Tb4epfL7rb-LVV3iFEltUcKJCD0Kzxi-a-VPR-03kQKkke/s1500/2022%20SW%20Thanksgiving%20cards.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNZiEssuo8Y1pYk6quWpdpVB8YRcJfF0OKdeQaTclzszHA19u9UyuNKoLQOtCJfIwgC8D_rEUT-Irk0D2jqgQth7uGTO2vN3qZv4H5qvm-_2mP8DmKGJvfqL6go3yGryEcrg88smXc3Tb4epfL7rb-LVV3iFEltUcKJCD0Kzxi-a-VPR-03kQKkke/w640-h340/2022%20SW%20Thanksgiving%20cards.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br />Advocacy for post-secondary supports:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhOAFcYPNdt7_fGKj1HHcRF__y2TS6VFtxwFMPeHKgdTWOlvX7EzUcFRlcXNwzySqcABCzRlonosh44H0BWnQe5MjvA7adMOYXMj-bZmyw6G41Eqx4LR2kthy8ULxAQaZVM__Qo8E3KG7ZtpwRI5cs0C4ccq8-MuUGtNok_l0HYq2T8Y8HUeWr7BY/s1500/2022%20SW%20Reach%20signs.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1500" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhOAFcYPNdt7_fGKj1HHcRF__y2TS6VFtxwFMPeHKgdTWOlvX7EzUcFRlcXNwzySqcABCzRlonosh44H0BWnQe5MjvA7adMOYXMj-bZmyw6G41Eqx4LR2kthy8ULxAQaZVM__Qo8E3KG7ZtpwRI5cs0C4ccq8-MuUGtNok_l0HYq2T8Y8HUeWr7BY/w640-h340/2022%20SW%20Reach%20signs.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-49342039154248902652022-10-16T06:55:00.003-07:002022-10-16T06:55:45.153-07:002022 Victory: Establishing Ohio's First Youth Ombudsman Office<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jbYhbLF2WAs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-42889872852415090662022-09-06T06:31:00.001-07:002022-09-06T06:31:06.812-07:002022 Foster Youth Rights Video<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8ChbMKNi5aw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-34453733705187694892022-06-26T06:44:00.002-07:002022-06-26T06:44:28.181-07:00Virtual meeting with Ohio's first-ever Youth Ombudsman<p> Details forthcoming...<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUW9pmkisGF3PdkAi4mQKPElIbklGM5aj0DghqSapCpoDY1h5GyxAd6fw4dMOb1APv1N_yjwe059shGhuBF3VhznHAxMyBTWfIye0lNiJf5RtPffdtwBvWuQIMEtNMfKUE7Pjec7MFGgZkSaq5P8qtaGwasHDFN7tMMKJ8t0MNi-R00jpjLg0v20E/s1990/Youth%20Ombuds1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1990" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUW9pmkisGF3PdkAi4mQKPElIbklGM5aj0DghqSapCpoDY1h5GyxAd6fw4dMOb1APv1N_yjwe059shGhuBF3VhznHAxMyBTWfIye0lNiJf5RtPffdtwBvWuQIMEtNMfKUE7Pjec7MFGgZkSaq5P8qtaGwasHDFN7tMMKJ8t0MNi-R00jpjLg0v20E/w640-h366/Youth%20Ombuds1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_i2zSH1N6OjjMxAwOZXogCqstPM-Ud7g0ItrKPq8uA62_-EkWunGRGMbYHWK_QLQ96q1n47U_jzDjGsr1NzgHchcLQ3WPcRqqVUFfPfeICIZwU77k2jJ3FFGUwOZbxNtm32C-tOD0uFL4eSUTTQiqqxkQxOjhRqPoIFE0ZqGAu1wWSH_znK-PbOz/s1962/Youth%20Ombuds2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1962" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_i2zSH1N6OjjMxAwOZXogCqstPM-Ud7g0ItrKPq8uA62_-EkWunGRGMbYHWK_QLQ96q1n47U_jzDjGsr1NzgHchcLQ3WPcRqqVUFfPfeICIZwU77k2jJ3FFGUwOZbxNtm32C-tOD0uFL4eSUTTQiqqxkQxOjhRqPoIFE0ZqGAu1wWSH_znK-PbOz/w640-h366/Youth%20Ombuds2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-HIsL8FjlL3myAjiD7uGvZroqc5gzyNFN6MzyTTDJU1lY-jf6yW1iWb5tTX_rJkoRB-PMoj5UcstZHncW66A3BmyUmwv3tu6Ng0OwQ9J634ekYrzXmDYqys3ofH8tC2Zg2x7Kvxs8KHIXh4AJJ0gg4Ds-UpSgfY2xD-zd4LUPl5qnX_d1khjQi_x/s2006/Youth%20Ombuds3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="2006" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-HIsL8FjlL3myAjiD7uGvZroqc5gzyNFN6MzyTTDJU1lY-jf6yW1iWb5tTX_rJkoRB-PMoj5UcstZHncW66A3BmyUmwv3tu6Ng0OwQ9J634ekYrzXmDYqys3ofH8tC2Zg2x7Kvxs8KHIXh4AJJ0gg4Ds-UpSgfY2xD-zd4LUPl5qnX_d1khjQi_x/w640-h356/Youth%20Ombuds3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-2490242069885106752022-05-20T08:44:00.002-07:002022-05-20T08:44:25.596-07:00Press release from CDF-Ohio about Ohio's first-ever Youth Ombudsman<p> <b><i>Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio applauds Governor DeWine’s appointment of Jenny Stotts as its first Youth Ombudsman, a role dedicated to ensuring that the concerns of youth in foster care are listened to and resolved</i></b></p><p>COLUMBUS — Today’s announcement of Ohio’s first Youth Ombudsman by Governor DeWine is good news for youth in foster care across the state of Ohio.</p><p>Earlier this year, Governor DeWine signed H.B. 4, which established the role of the Youth Ombudsman, who is charged with investigating complaints made by youth in foster care and advocating for their best interest. The OHIO YAB (Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board), the statewide organization of young people (aged 14-24) who have experienced foster care, Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio (CDF-Ohio), and ACTION Ohio (Alumni of Care Together Improving Outcomes Now Ohio), were partners in the Youth Ombudsman advocacy campaign and are especially thankful for today’s announcement as the culmination of work by both groups and the fulfillment of a commitment by Governor DeWine, a longtime advocate for children in foster care.</p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Stotts is a leader who demonstrates a sense of urgency when a young person’s concerns have not been addressed by those entrusted with their care. This role is critical, especially in instances where youth find themselves in an unsafe placement. We urge her to prioritize protecting youth from retaliation,”</span> said Kim Eckhart of CDF-Ohio.</p><p>H.B. 4 requires that the OHIO YAB have input into the selection of the Youth Ombudsman. The OHIO YAB submitted this input during the selection process and welcomes the appointment of Stotts, who embodies their recommendations. They recommended that the leader be proactive in informing youth about the Foster Youth Bill of Rights and how this office can help to enforce those rights. At a minimum, they will have experience in advocating for youth who have experienced foster care, such as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Also, they should have experience in investigations and understand the rules and laws of the child welfare system in Ohio, as well as the different processes among counties. The key recommendation is that youth can trust this person and recommend the office to their peers who are experiencing a situation of abuse or rights violations.</p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Stotts served as a county CASA director and is someone who understands trauma and how it affects behavior. She is an adoptee who grew up with foster siblings. She has made it possible for foster youth to share their voice and insights on numerous occasions, and we trust and know that she will welcome their ongoing insights in the future,”</span> said Lisa Dickson, co-facilitator of the OHIO YAB.</p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Stotts moves with intentionality and consideration that will greatly benefit the youth this office will serve. We are excited to hear of her announcement and have faith she will bring that to the role,”</span> said Deanna Jones, MPA, BSSW, LSW, Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio Consultant and former foster youth and caseworker.</p><p>The OHIO YAB and CDF-Ohio are hopeful that the Youth Ombudsman will serve to enforce the Foster Youth Bill of Rights and play a key role in educating youth about their rights. They urge the Youth Ombudsman to identify and advocate for system-level reforms to protect youth. They see this role as a key part of holding the system accountable and making the system more responsive to youth needs from the youth’s perspective.</p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5627662030304653443.post-31767382127367690712022-05-20T03:49:00.002-07:002022-05-20T03:49:46.116-07:00Press Release from the Governor's Office regarding Ohio's first ever Youth Ombudsman<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzUq9BFkerDZy_74tF7695KDkxSmHeeKfyPDTD5yhxMWvU55EA9lqoUODAHDIxupIVxMv_zi7sK076M72zdmcFUZvfEohtGkn0TAUTj7T_wIZzqwEtLWdGsuqiucHSEy5J8Y-QVOAoTvEvv6qJfOiuMv0dJm9mEZOfrKQV9ctOCdeWM3fq7JdPvYH1Q/s1280/dewine%20gov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzUq9BFkerDZy_74tF7695KDkxSmHeeKfyPDTD5yhxMWvU55EA9lqoUODAHDIxupIVxMv_zi7sK076M72zdmcFUZvfEohtGkn0TAUTj7T_wIZzqwEtLWdGsuqiucHSEy5J8Y-QVOAoTvEvv6qJfOiuMv0dJm9mEZOfrKQV9ctOCdeWM3fq7JdPvYH1Q/w640-h360/dewine%20gov.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><b>Governor Appoints Two Ombudsmen to Lead New Office</b></p><p><i>May 19, 2022</i></p><p>(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Governor Mike DeWine today announced the selection of two individuals to lead the Youth and Family Ombudsmen Office. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jenny R. Stotts will serve as the first-ever Youth Ombudsman</span>, while Jennifer A. Sheriff will serve as the first-ever Family Ombudsman. The office, a recommendation included in the Children’s Services Transformation Advisory Council’s Final Report, will be housed in the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and is set to open May 31, 2022.</p><p>“Members of the Children Services Transformation Advisory Council heard over and over again from foster youth, former foster youth, and families that separate, independent ombudsmen were needed to listen, investigate, and find solutions when there are concerns,” Governor DeWine said. “I am proud that we are enacting this recommendation, and I am confident that this new office, combined with other council recommendations, will help Ohio better serve kids and their families.”</p><p>On February 28, 2022, Governor Mike DeWine signed Amended House Bill 4 into law, creating the Youth and Family Ombudsmen Office. The office, which consists of both a Youth Ombudsman and a Family Ombudsman, will ensure the independent and impartial review of youth, family, and community complaints and concerns, while attempting to resolve the issues.</p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;">Prior to accepting the Youth Ombudsman position, Stotts served as the Executive Director of the Athens County Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian Ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Program and the Regional Coordinator of CASA in Southeast Ohio. Her professional experiences include direct practice in child protective services as a caseworker and forensic interviewer. Stotts also served in workforce preparation as part of the University Partnership Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program (UPP). Stotts is a licensed social worker.</span></p><p>Family Ombudsman Sheriff most recently served as the Lucas County Child Protection Ombudsman. After graduating from law school in 2008, she spent the next eight years prosecuting criminal cases with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Beginning in 2016, she managed a challenging child abuse and neglect caseload as an Assistant Attorney General representing the Arizona Department of Child Safety.</p><p>“Having been a foster parent, I know the value in an office dedicated to helping both youth and families,” said ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder. “The Youth and Family Ombudsmen Office, and our recently published bills of rights for foster youth and resource caregivers, are examples of how we can empower families and make the system easier to navigate.”</p><p>Damschroder also announced that in addition to the appointment of the Ombudsmen, Rachel Selby has been selected to serve as State Liaison for the office. In her role, she will serve as a liaison between the office and its stakeholders to grow awareness about its services. Selby has a Masters of Humanities and most recently served as Philanthropy Officer for Dayton Children’s Hospital Foundation.</p><p>Governor DeWine created the Children Services Transformation Advisory Council in late 2019 to hear directly from those who have experienced the children’s services system first-hand and make recommendations to help children’s services better meet the needs of the families they serve. Following 10 field hearings, the council issued their final report that included 37 recommendations. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has fully implemented or has made significant progress in implementing 36 of the recommendations to ensure lasting change for Ohio’s children and families.</p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944993180509479994noreply@blogger.com0