2024 NE Ohio Thanksgiving Together

2024 Northeast Ohio Thanksgiving Together for current and former foster youth took place on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, at the North Canton Chapel, 715 Whittier Ave. NW, North Canton OH 44720.

Link to more photos. 

The dinner included a meta-moment, when three participants recreated a photos from 2013 NE Ohio Thanksgiving Together. Same pose, 11 years later.

This event was made possible due to support from Melanie Montgomery and Hope Bridge. OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Lyric Ruffin also dedicated her time to help plan and prepare for this event.

2024 Foster to College Scholarship Testimony

On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, ACTION Ohio member Gabriella Craft gave legislative testimony before the Senate Finance Committee about the need for the state of Ohio to establish Foster to College Scholarships.

Link to individual photos.

Remembering Nikki, ACTION Ohio's Residential Liaison

Nikki Chinn's Spooktacular Celebration of Life took place on Friday, November 8, 2024 at the Whetstone Park of Roses. Mal worked incredibly hard to enact Nikki Chinn’s specific instructions. Nikki’s attention to detail was unparalleled, so this was no easy task. Thank you, Mal, for reflecting your love for Nikki in this way.

When facing a terminal medical condition, people react and respond in different ways. For Nikki Chinn, this took the form of dark humor and taking control of the situation. Participants commented that it felt like Nikki was there. They could tell that she wanted them to party in the face of death and to remember her fearless strength.

Participants shared what they love and remember about Nikki - stories about her advocacy and how how their lives intersected with hers. The most painful part was watching a young family member of Nikki’s cry. He is currently in foster care, and she was always his fiercest advocate. She even recorded her voice on a Build-a-Bear so that part of her would be with him.

FAN Presentation for The Ohio State University

On Friday, November 8, 2024, Gabriella Craft and Lisa Dickson presented at The Ohio State University about the Fostering Achievement Network. Over 20 future champions showed up to be of support. 

Link to more photos.

Link to presentation.

Caidyn Bearfield Receives the Nikki Chinn Champion of Change Award

On Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, Caidyn Bearfield was awarded the Nikki Chinn Champion of Change Award.  Caidyn's dedication to creating positive change is reflected by many things, including:

• Her testimony during the 2020 Columbus Foster Care Forum.
• Her legislative testimony about the importance of establishing a Youth Ombudsman Office
• Her speech during the 2024 Statehouse Rally about the need for Foster to College Scholarships

In the giving of this award, we were also all reminded of the legacy of Nikki Chinn. Her fierce and fearless heart, her protectiveness of youth who experience abuse, and her brilliant brain that always remembered every detail and was able to create countless lists of resources for others. 

Link to more photos.

Two Big Tables - and a Sweet Surprise

 On Wednesday, September 25, 2024:

• One Big Table was hosted by the Mirth Foundation: link to photos.
• One Big Table was hosted by the Junior League of Columbus: link to photos. 

Both Big Table events were focus on improving outcomes for young people in and from foster care. Here is a link to a document that illustrates how statistics are influenced by systemic factors. 

The Big Table is a community-wide day of conversation hosted by The Columbus Foundation that aims to inspire civic engagement and authentic human connection. The goal is to build momentum for a just and kind future for all. Volunteer hosts are equipped with a guidebook and materials to help facilitate discussions, in order to create open and natural conversations where all voices are hear.

It was a sweet surprise for ACTION Ohio Communications Chair Lisa Dickson to receive an award from the Junior League of Columbus. ACTION Ohio deeply appreciates JLC, and loves partnering with them on state legislation and the annual Central Ohio Thanksgiving Together event. They truly care about improving outcomes for young people in and from foster care. 

Presentation for Junior League of Columbus

On Friday, September 6, 2024, ACTION Ohio Communications Chair Lisa Dickson presented for the Junior League of Columbus about seeking better safeguards for youth who run away to escape from abuse.

Here's a link to slides from her presentation.