Ohio Legal Help - for foster care youth and young adults

 Ohio Legal Help is a two-year old non-profit organization that was established through a joint effort of the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, the Ohio Supreme Court, Ohio’s legal aids, and other stakeholders in Ohio’s legal system.

They want to add a special section on their website to support the legal needs of current and former foster youth.

Below are the Top 14 Legal Needs that have been identified so far. They have also Ohio foster youth and alumni who are interested to become beta user testers and provide their feedback in the future.

Youth Ombudsman Advocacy

 The work continues... 

2021 Thanksgiving Together

Those of us who have experienced foster care firsthand know that the holidays can be a painful reminder of lost connections. That’s why ACTION Ohio works with our allies each year to host early Thanksgiving dinners for foster care teens (ages 14+) and alumni (ages 18+).

This annual celebration began in 2007, and has continued ever since. As former foster youth ourselves, we want our brothers and sisters of the system to know that they always have a seat at the table for Thanksgiving.

Due to ongoing complications related to COVID, we were only able to host one statewide Thanksgiving Together event this year. The event took place on Sunday, November 14, 2021 in Columbus.

• We had over 200 RSVPs.
• My Very Own Blanket donated 200 handmade blankets, as well as pillowcases, teddy bears and infinity scarves.
• Project PASSION, as facilitated by El'lesun and the Fostering Achievement Network made clothing items available to participants, with support from the Ohio Children's Alliance
• Youth received lanyards attached to flash drives that were pre-loaded with resources to support their transition into young adulthood
• Every youth participants received a gift card in the raffle this year

One of the most powerful moments during the event was when a young man who is currently homeless gave a speech praising Star House. He invited staff members to stand and be recognized. He then asked participants to raise their hands if they are currently or have ever been homeless. The plethora of hands raised throughout the room underscored the urgency of supports to support foster youth in their transition into young adulthood. 

Link to more photos.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, including: Reynoldsburg City Schools, the Leo Club, the National Council of Jewish Women: Columbus Section, Junior League of Columbus, My Very Own Blanket, Project PASSION, Andi Atwood, Jenny Stotts, Bethany Murray, Kristin Gilbert, Cece Norwood and Ruth-Ann Jones Thompson.

Congratulations, Cloe Cooper

 

Cloe Cooper was recently honored by receiving the 2021 Triad Advocate of the Year Award from Adoption Network Cleveland.

Significant contributions by Cloe and how they have made a difference for others include, but are not limited to: 

1.) Serving as a Scholar Coordinator for the CSCC Scholar Network. This program exists to support current and former foster youth who are currently enrolled at Columbus State Community College by providing ongoing mentorship, peer support, and leadership experiences.

2.) Founding and directing the Fostering Achievement Network (FAN), which serves as a campus support network for former foster youth who are currently attending The Ohio State University. 

3.) Serving as a Peer Mentor through Ohio Reach, a network of professionals, advocates, and students across the state of Ohio who are determined to support former foster youth on their higher education journey.

4.) Playing an integral role in the design of CMHA’s Columbus Scholar House for Former Foster Youth which serves former foster youth ages 18-24 who are pursing post-secondary education.
 

5.)  Serving as an appointed member of the Ohio Supreme Court Subcommittee Responding to Child Abuse, Neglect and Dependency, and advocating for trauma-informed changes in the court system in response to the voices of those with lived experience.

6.) Partnering with Jaye Turner of El'lesun to facilitate Project PASSION, which empowers and supports young adults in or from the child welfare system and provides them with no-cost professional attire as they enter and maintain jobs in the workforce.