Seeking to Safeguard Youth Entrusted to Congregate Care Facilities

Addison Torrence and Lisa Dickson of ACTION Ohio are participating in monthly meetings with:

• Representative Crystal Lett 
• Legislative Aide Maura Masterson
• Jordan Ballinger, Policy Director of Disability Rights Ohio
• Caroline Cole, Human Rights and Mental Health Advocate

With an eye towards developing future policies to safeguard youth from abusive treatment in group homes and residential facilities. 

2025 Scholar Network Holiday Party at SH3

Link to more photos.

2025 Central Ohio Thanksgiving Together

2025 Central Ohio Thanksgiving Together took place on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 at Reynoldsburg High School’s Summit Campus, 8579 Summit Road, Reynoldsburg OH 43068.

Here is a link to more photos. 

Many thanks to the Junior League of Columbus, Reynoldsburg City Schools Leo Club, Temple Israel Columbus, Sozo Church, the Dave Thomas Foundation and My Very Own Blanket. 

2025 SW Ohio Thanksgiving Together

2025 SW Ohio Thanksgiving Together took place on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 at the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, 2400 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Here is a link to more photos. 

Many thanks to the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Midwestern Plumbing Service, Easley Blessed Foundation, NOaR, the Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board, and to Shaka Heyward and Barrett Carter of the Cincinnati Bengals. 

2025 NE Ohio Thanksgiving Together

2025 NE Ohio Thanksgiving Together took place on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 at the Compassion Center, 1012 Sunnyside St. SW, Hartville, Ohio 44632, thanks to support from Hope Bridge, BMW of North Canton, Toyota of North Canton, Summit County CASA program and Ellsworth Auto Body. 

Here is a link to more photos. 

Big Table with Junior League of Columbus

On October 21st from 6–8pm, the Junior League of Columbus, in partnership with the Ohio Youth Advisory Board and ACTION Ohio, facilitated A Big Table community conversation on K-12 success, college access, and campus supports for young adults transitioning from foster care.

Link to more photos.
Link to handouts.

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.

Jaleshia Brown receives the 2025 Nikki Chinn Champion of Change Award

Congratulations to Jaleshia Brown for receiving the 2025 Nikki Chinn Champion of Change Award, and many thanks to Caidyn Bearfield, who was last year’s recipient.

The Nikki Chinn Champion of Change Award is a way to honor a former foster who goes above and beyond in advocating and in supporting the voices of today’s foster youth. It is a “pay it forward award” in that each year’s recipient can choose who to recognize next year from a different county. Ohio has 88 counties and in them, there are 88 different experiences.

This award was named in honor of Nikki Chinn, who was literally the Erin Brockovich of foster care, when it came to tracking down police records, working with reporters and shutting down Pomegranate. As well as so much more when it comes to foster care advocacy and the Columbus State Scholar Network.

In the words of Caidyn Bearfield:

• Couldn’t think of anyone else I wanted to give this award to more!  I am so impressed with Jaleshia's hard work and feel heartened to know her and see Nikki’s legacy in action.

• When I think of my dear friend Nikki, I think of someone who doesn’t take “no” for an answer when it comes to youth safety and stays respectful and collected in conflict, who moves forward gracefully in uncertainty, who builds up the peers around them, and who can still laugh at the end of a long day.  Jaleshia, you’re doing it!  Absolutely crushing it!  Thank you!!!

In the words of Jaleshia Brown:

• Such an honor to receive the 2025 Nikki Chinn Champion of Change Award! This award honors a former foster youth who went above and beyond in advocating for and supporting the voices of today’s foster youth.

• Nikki Chinn left a legacy of making a difference in the face of obstacles. I am grateful to be recognized for my efforts to make a difference for current and former foster youth of Hamilton County and Ohio.

• The behind-the-scenes of advocacy work is not always easy or obvious, but I will continue to forge a path for my brothers and sisters of the system by putting their voices, their needs, and their experiences first! I'll continue to lead this work with purpose, vision and hope! 💪🏾