Article by John Diggins of Lorain County Leadership

Beginning in 2008, the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America began hosting one or more annual FCAA Thanksgiving Reunions for foster care teens, young adults and older alumni of the foster care system: http://thanksgivingtogether.wikispaces.com/

As former foster youth, we want our brothers and sisters of the system to know that they always have a seat at our table, their voices, talents, insights and mutual encouragement are what lies at the heart of this celebration and that it is an honor for us to stay in touch with them, as they enter into young adulthood, find their places in this world, and move beyond the shadows of their past to build bright futures and families of their own...

It takes a village to host these annual events, and we are deeply grateful for our alumni members, allies and sponsoring organizations for making it possible, in 2012, for Four Thanksgiving Dinners to be held, in SW, NW, NE and Central Ohio. The highlight of each these celebrations is inviting each participant to share their recent accomplishments and/or what they are most thankful for...

My name is John Diggins and, as I shared during the third annual Northeast Thanksgiving Dinner in Cleveland Ohio, I am thankful that my life is for a purpose.

I was placed in foster care 11 days after I was born, and I remained in care right up until I turned 18 years old.  I’m not sure where I would be without the foster care system, despite all of its flaws and wormholes. I am thankful for the caseworkers who serve in their role because they honestly care about children.

I am glad that I was in the system, because it made me a survivor. My father wasn’t there for me, and from his example, I learned the kind of person that I want not to be. I am thankful for all I have been through, and would do it all over again.

My experiences in foster care have put me in a position to see the world and people in a different way. I’ve watched and learned a lot about the system; who you can trust, and how to move forward to pursue your goals without doubting yourself. Today, I am a 22-year-old African American male. I am not a statistic or a failure. I am smart, calm and quick on my feet. I am this way because of the system.

I am who I am because of where I’ve been…  Being black in an all-white family… The years of being introduced as the “foster” son…. Being told, “We love you – you aren’t a job to us,” but why would you even need to say that if I’m not?  My questions and observations led me to spend quality time in my room alone – and it was there that I learned to express myself through words.

I’m thankful to have found my way here to Ohio. I am originally from Philadelphia, and I was 19 years old when I came here. I didn’t tell anyone…  I just packed up my bags and my desktop computer, and left. Foster care had taught me a lot about saying goodbye – and now, I wanted to say hello, to a new beginning.

I wasn’t sure what would be waiting for me when I arrived in Ohio and left the bus station. But I found my place in Lorain County. The children services staff went from being complete strangers to people that I could trust. I could tell them where I’d been, and what I wanted to achieve – and they actually cared enough to try to help me.

Today, I hope my story will help my brothers and sisters of the foster care system. I want them to know that not everything is bad – just learn from it. Don’t let your anger turn into hate. Don’t let your pain turn into bitterness. Not everyone is bad; give people a chance. Just follow what your body tells you, and don’t allow your personal boundaries to be violated.

If I could give one piece of advice to help the next generation, it would be this: “Don’t rush to get out of the system.”   My goal is for teens in foster care to focus on their dreams, turn them into to-do lists and surround themselves with people who will help them succeed. I don’t want them to hit the same brick walls that I did.

Connecting the Dots from Foster Care to A Successful Adulthood

An Article by Arthur Vincent Miller III:

What happens when a child has no place to call home?   This is a question that I have asked myself several times, while being in and out of foster care. My name is Arthur V. Miller, named after my uncle. I was born into a loving family despite the absence of my dad on April 19th, 1990 but like most families there were problems. In the beginning of the year of 1998 my uncle whom I was close to was shot and killed and I had to experience my first loss with no one to help me handle it. Due to my behavior change in school, Montgomery County Children Services (MCCS) had gotten involved and on February 13th, 1998 it was decided that I would be a part of the foster care system. Out of the five children my mother had I was the first to be placed in care.

Where are the lines to connect the dots for young people in and from foster care?  Can I find connection with my biological family – or through people who can relate to me and what I have experienced in the foster care system?  My foster care experience was originally expected to only last one month but, thanks to the continuing investigation of MCCS on my family, they found it best to keep me in care.  I initially had a hard time coping in several foster homes, and I did not find the correct environment that I could call home until I was 16 years old. 

I came to the home of a loving married couple I considered to be angels named Alma & Lamont Turner. They lived in Dayton, Ohio and had been foster parents for over 20 years and currently had 2 other foster children living with them. A loving home, people I could call family, a place where I did not feel alone and video games to match - what more could a kid ask for… I am now 22 years old and still in contact with The Turners and their family. Even today their family and they themselves treat me as a relative, blood or not. After meeting them I never felt alone again!

These are the connections I want for my brothers and sisters in and from foster care. And this is why I advocate for more opportunities like the Connecting the Dots conference, that focus on uniting counties and foster care youth from all over Ohio.

The 2012 Connecting the Dots Conference for Foster CareTeens and Young Adults took place on Friday, August 3^rd in Columbus, Ohio. This conference was made possible by the favorable response of ODJFS Director Michael Colbert to the Top Five Asks expressed by the Ohio Youth Advisory Board.  Ohio YAB Facilitators played a key role in conference-planning; Lisa Dickson served as Lead Facilitator, with the ever-amazing Doris Edelmann doing lots of work behind the scenes.

The primary purpose of the Connecting the Dots Conference was to connect Ohio foster care teens/young adults with Education, Employment, Health, Housing, Permanency and Youth Voice in Court. Conference. Registration was free, due to support from ODJFS, PCSAO, and the Ohio Youth Advisory Board. Archie Griffin's Keynote was made possible due to Director Colbert and the ODJFS Office of Families and Children.  ODMH and the ENGAGE initiative funded the entire cost of audiovisual materials for this event.

The 200 youth who attended the Connecting the Dots Conference not only got the chance to meet, explore, and befriend other young people of similar experiences, but also attend workshops to prepare them for the adult life that lies ahead… The event as a whole was focused on building the knowledge and resources of youth in and out of foster care, while empowering them to want to do and be better in society.

The 200 youth who attended the conference had the opportunity to browse through over a thousand clothing donations, as part of the Suits for Success initiative. To prepare for the Suits for Success area, Clothing Drives had been held at Ohio State Bar Foundation, the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the ODJFS Office for Workforce Development, Office of Unemployment Compensation, and Office of Families and Children. Many young people left the conference with full-piece suits and other professional attire that they could use in seeking future employment.

When it comes to the 2012 Connecting the Dots Conference for Foster Care Teens and Young Adults, it is the youth perceptions regarding the day went that are most important. Here are some quotes from youth evaluations: 

• Please keep this going, I love every bit of it. I feel and see that even people that don’t know me would like to see me succeed in life, and that gives me all the tools I need to keep my head up and stick to my road of success.

• I really liked the connecting the dots conference because I know there is other people out there like me

• I enjoyed myself and I’m glad that I came. A lot of teens should come.

• I think every course I did was great and I think they should be repeated next time

•  I received the right help

• I feel more confident about my future

• I would like to come to these each year

• I would be glad to come back next year and be one of the speakers and put forth my ideas to reach out to children that grew up like me

The event ended with the voices of current and former foster youth. Youth participants on the Youth Panel and during the Youth Speak-Out shared encouragement with their brothers and sisters of the foster care system. Things like this encouraged several people to say: “I can’t wait to see you next year” to other youth – indicating that they felt at home and that, in this case, they were not alone.

Foster care youth are often judged based on statistics or hasty generalizations – but the truth is, we’re pretty cool. Similar to teens or young adults who have not been through the system, we are planning for our future and looking for a place to call home.

Connecting the Dots Conference makes the front page of the Columbus Dispatch

The 2012 Connecting the Dots Conference for Foster Care Teens and Young Adults was featured on the front page of the Columbus Dispatch on Saturday, August 4, 2012.

CLICK ON EACH IMAGE TO VIEW:

Distinguished Nomination for Dauntea Sledge

Dauntea Sledge recently participated in the White House Young America Series at OSU -- and now, he is on his way to Washington, D.C.

The initial of 15 educational conferences provided a venue for young leaders (ages 18-30):

• To meaningfully engage and interact with officials from the Obama Administration
• To discuss diverse policy areas that affect their community.
• To address policy and programmatic areas of importance, while identifying local success stories and practices in policy areas that could benefit other communities across the country.  
• To connect with each other and Obama Administration officials to share tools and community solutions that can be leveraged to address larger issues.

As follow-up to the White House Young America Series, the Millennium Momentum Foundation has selected select one student from each of the 15 states targeted and served by the White House Young America Series to participate in the White House Young America Series Outcomes and Results presentation.

• To showcase initiative results, regional impact, and how the distinguished efforts of selected students accompanying MMF in the presentation are continuing to advance local communities in their respective regions.

Because of Dauntea's pioneering participation on site at the White House Young America Series in Columbus, OH and demonstrated contribution to change, he received a Distinguished Recommendation for this opportunity.

Dauntea's participation and presentation in DC took place from Tuesday, July 10 - Thursday, July 12.

Dauntea's experience in DC included the following activities:

• MMF Commemorative 10th Anniversary White House Visit and Tour
• Special Session with the Obama Administration
• Obama Administration Briefing

Adrian McLemore and the International Summit of Youth in Care

Congratulations to Adrian McLemore for being selected as one of 30 delegates for the 2012 International Summit of Youth in Care World Congress.

During this event:

• 30 emerging leaders and 30 senior leaders from across the globe will meet to discuss foster care practices and policies

The Summit will take place at the University of Maryland:

• June 26-28: Youth in Care World Congress: 30 invited delegates on-site and hundreds more around the globe will work for three days to share experiences and discuss the challenges they have faced in care and the transitions. Using these shared experiences, they will create the foundation for the first draft of the International Youth in Care Standards for Practices and Policies. Other youth in care, from across the globe, will be invited to participate through an online Virtual World Congress.

• June 29: Multi-generational Forum on Transition: Young activists, development professionals and policy-makers will engage in discussion together to find new answers and develop new standards for transition related practices and policies.

Crystal Oliver, Foster Care Alumna and Child Welfare Trainer

Crystal Oliver and her daughter pictured above.
This article was originally published in OCWTP's publication, Common Ground.

Crystal Oliver has become a household name within the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program, ever since Rebecca Battles of the NWORTC introduced her to the training system in 2011 as someone we should know. 

Since that time, Crystal has proved to be a dynamic, dependable, and an engaging individual with a promising future. She is a foster care alum who has "hurdled many obstacles" in life, and has worked hard to overcome each one. 


Crystal's perceptions and personal experiences about her life in the child welfare system and preparation for Independent Living are noteworthy. We asked Crystal to tell us about one area of foster care in which she would like to make a difference.

What is one of your specific advocacy areas related to foster care?

 

"I really want to focus on the aging-out population."

Can you give some examples of why this area needs reform?

"I aged out of the Independent Living Program at Lorain County and found myself in extremely vulnerable situations and unprepared to manage the challenges of life. Many foster care youth as young as 17 and 18 are faced with this same dilemma. Not all counties have adequate resources to provide housing, education, healthcare or material assistance to youth in transition from foster care to Independent Living. Yet, no youth should ever leave the child welfare system without access to basic survival needs. When this happens, homelessness, incarceration and other adversities are often the outcome.

"To avoid these consequences, I strongly believe youth and young adults in transition need knowledge of and access to available resources; financial assistance; and viable permanent connections with human support systems. Legislative reform at all levels of government is also critical. I want to serve as a resource to other youth aging out of foster care."  

How can caseworkers/foster caregivers/adoptive parents better equip foster youth in this area?

"There are four ways I think they can have a postive impact on youth:

1)Thorough training, including workshops that involve the trainers/co-trainers who have experienced foster care firsthand 

2) Advocacy

3) Community forums

4) Direct collaboration with foster youth and alumni for their perceptions about needed changes"

What are some creative ideas regarding how this information might be shared in a workshop setting?

"Invite foster care youth and alumni to participate as guest speakers and panelists, or even convene a panel that includes the youth, foster caregiver, and Independent Living caseworker to share stories from their own perspectives."

  

~ Crystal Oliver is a recent MSW graduate of the University of Toledo with a 4.0 GPA.  She currently enjoys spending time at home with her soon-to-be  two-year old daughter,  Jaycee Lynn as she prepares to transition from years of academic life into professional employment.

National Youth & Alumni Policy Council

On June 1st, the National Youth and Alumni Policy Council met with the Administration of Children and Families to present five proposals...

Our very own Alex McFarland,
with Representative Fudge of Ohio's 11th District

Appreciation for Attorney General Mike DeWine

We are grateful to the Ohio Attorney General for stepping up, once again, as a champion for young people in and from foster care.

Here is a slideshow of photographs taken during the Foster Care Symposium on May 11, 2012, hosted by the Ohio Attorney General's Office:


Below are the remarks that Communications Chair Lisa Dickson shared on April 4, 2012, when she was invited to serve on a Panel of Experts during one of a series of Child Safety Summits held this year by Attorney General Mike DeWine:

Good afternoon and thanks for being here. My name is Lisa Dickson, and I am here representing the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America and the Ohio Youth Advisory Board.

Did you know that nationally, there are approximately 12 million former foster youth in the USA?

Foster Care Alumni of America is a national organization made up of former foster youth (alumni) and our allies who share our mission.

• We Connect by providing a lifelong community that foster care youth can never age out of 
• We Transform by sharing our voices to make a positive difference
• Our efforts are characterized by Hope and an a Sense of Urgency 
• We believe that opportunities to improve outcomes for foster care youth continue to exist long after they leave foster care 

As alumni of the system, we have had the time to look back, reflect on our experiences and learn from them.

The current consumers of the foster care system are the youth of today. Here in Ohio, our state continues to invest in Youth Voice:

• The Ohio Youth Advisory Board, Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio, exists to be the knowledgeable statewide voice that influences policies and practices that effect all youth who have or will experience foster care. 
• Members range from ages 14 – 24 
• County Youth Advisory Boards have been established in Allen, Athens, Cuyahoga, Fairfield Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning, Montgomery, Stark, and Summit Counties 

Now, let’s talk about why we are here today:

• National measures of child welfare systems focus on how they measure up when it comes to Safety, Permanency and Well-Being 
• Foster youth are being parented by a system – therefore, it’s important for state government officials and child welfare staff to recognize the role that they have been given as PARENTS 

Child welfare systems tend to focus on where to place a child, where to put a child, where to house a child in the short-term – without always thinking in terms of that child’s long-term well-being.

Whereas, as a former foster child and parent, from the moment that I was entrusted with my stepdaughters, I knew that this 7 year old and 9 year old would be adults one day – and everything I do needs to prepare them for that.

One way we prepare our young people for adulthood is by empowering them. It is through empowerment that our young people learn that they are not victims – they are survivors. It is learning that they have a voice, that they are capable and responsible, that contributes to long-term resiliency.

Ohio foster care youth and alumni are grateful that our voices have been included in Ohio child welfare decision-making since 2006. We have shared our voices in the aftermath of Marcus Fiesel and the Gravelles cases - - we even helped write post-Marcus Fiesel legislation.

We are also grateful that the Ohio Attorney General is taking a good hard look at Child Safety. For a child to grow up to become an adult, and contributing person to society, that young person must first remain ALIVE. Therefore, we obviously care about and have concerns regarding premature reunification.

Too often “success” is measured in numbers, and sometimes we don’t count the right numbers when it comes to the safety and well-being of children. For example, we might count how many foster children were reunified with their bio parents within a certain amount of time. But it is just as important to count how many of these young people re-enter foster care after reunification.

Counting the right numbers MATTERS. To quote from a recent CCAI report, the Future for Foster Care: A Revolution for Change:

• “True reform of the foster care system depends on whether we are willing to measure ‘what counts’ – and what counts are the life outcomes of youth both in and aging out of foster care” 
• “The current system lacks crucial data on the life outcomes of youth in foster care.” 

We need to count the right numbers. These numbers matter to agencies and influence decision-making because they are often tied to funding – but every foster child in Ohio matters as an individual. They are OUR children.

 They are also OUR children when it comes to being over-medicated. The Ohio Youth Advisory Board and Ohio chapter of FCAA would like to know more about how Ohio plans to comply with federal law re: overmedication of foster youth.

A recent GAO Report indicated that hundreds of foster youth received five or more psychiatric drugs at the same time.

• We need to improve oversight and monitoring of psychotropic medications for children in foster care.
• We need to address lack of trauma-informed care. 

Before diagnosing any foster child with a label such as ADHD or RAD, the first thing to be considered is trauma and loss.

We here in Ohio could learn much from the example of Washington State:

• Washington State has worked with the community to establish “Red Flags” on mental health drugs that address the problem of “too many, too much, too young” 
• Washington State has started a second-opinion process for poly-pharmaceuticals (when children receive more than two anti-psychotics or more than four mental health medications) 
• Washington State has reduced the dosages of anti-psychotic and ADHD medications which exceeded recommended ranges 

Here in Ohio there is NO statewide mechanism for getting a second opinion on a diagnosis. No statewide mechanism that foster parents/caseworkers can use to advocate to reduce dosage level.

In other states, state attorney generals have launched a full-scale investigation into these practices.

Finally, we are grateful for the support of ODJFS Director Colbert and the Office of Families and Children for their ongoing communication and recent response to the Ohio YAB's Top Five Asks of the Department. We are particularly for the creation of two new positions, to serve as Transition Navigators.

Our hope is that these two new staff members can provide outreach throughout the state in order to ensure greater consistency regarding independent living preparation and aftercare support. Once again, speaking as a stepmother, I have two daughters - I would never choose to prepare one and ignore the other. However, at this point, the level of preparation and support that young people are receiving continues to vary greatly by county -- and that needs to change.

Foster Care Alumni Contributions to the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program (OCWTP)

Lamar Graham's recent article for the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program's Common Ground newsletter:

Meet Foster Care Alumni Trainer Lamar Graham   Lamar is currently serving a second year as an AmeriCorps member with Hands-On Central Ohio, where he is responsible for getting people excited about service and also recruiting volunteers for service projects.  We asked Lamar to give us some insight into what youth need to be prepared for independent living. What is one of your specific advocacy areas related to foster care? Education Can you give some examples of why this area needs reform? Many students finish high school with no idea of the career path they want to follow. I feel students should leave high school with at least four possible career options. They should know which careers require additional education, and understand the steps needed to be successful in the career they choose. If students have a clearer understanding of what they would like to accomplish after high school, they would save time and use financial aid more wisely. How can caseworkers/foster caregivers/adoptive parents better equip foster youth in this area? Each stakeholder listed above should understand their role clearly and know exactly how their role ties in with the success of foster youth. Caseworkers/foster caregivers/adoptive parents should coordinate a plan with the youth, outlining specific goals the youth may want to accomplish.   By scheduling regular meetings to discuss and monitor the youth's progress, many future challenges can be avoided.   What are some creative ideas regarding how this information might be shared in a workshop setting? I recommend the following:  1.  The training (or series of trainings) should start with a joint session with foster youth, caseworkers, foster caregivers/adoptive parents.  2.  Each "role" should then have their own session (foster youth, caseworker, foster caregivers/adoptive parents) 3.  There should be rotation in which two groups are paired up and the third is by itself:     -Youth will work alone, while foster caregivers /adoptive parents and caseworker work together      -Caseworker will work alone, while youth and foster caregivers/adoptive parents work together      -Foster caregivers /adoptive parents will work alone, while youth and caseworker work together  4.  Everyone comes back together for a large group session Lamar holds an Associate Degree in Business Management from Columbus State Community College and a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Management from Wilberforce University. Lamar's future plans include becoming a professional speaker, trainer, and coach to help people become the best person they can become.

Independent Living Preparation

In 2011, the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America began facilitating monthly Independent Living trainings at Village Network Columbus, in order to help foster care youth prepare for the transition to adulthood.

Our most recent workshop included a trust walk...

Fairfield County Youth Advisory Board

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America is a proud supporters of our younger brothers and sisters in and from foster care...

It is our joy and our privilege to serve in the facilitator role for the Ohio Youth Advisory Board, and to invest our time in helping build additional county youth advisory boards.


Congratulations to newly elected Fairfield County Youth Advisory Board Officers:

• President Kaytie Roger
• Vice President Kia Williams
• Media Spokesperson Tyler Reigle
• Secretary Shyanna Fritz
• Parliamentarian Destiny Williams
• Treasurer Cory Griffin

Spotlight on FCAA Ohio Members: Lamar Graham

Congratulations to Lamar Graham for being chosen for the Civic Scholars Program of the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in Chicago -- this was a nationally competitive process, and we in Ohio are incredibly proud of him!!

The National Conference on Volunteering and Service is the world's largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, corporate and government sectors.

The Civic Scholars Program provides 50 individuals with community involvement experience and high potential for future civic engagement with:

• waived Conference registration
• direct access to experts
• continuing education opportunities

Lamar Graham was chosen for this opportunity based upon his active civic engagement and community involvement, and his willingness to commit to this one-year initiative.

As graduate of Wilberforce University, and someone who has experienced foster care firsthand, Lamar’s desire is to help other young people succeed. His dedication towards this goal is exemplified through his actions.

• On numerous occasions, Lamar has met with foster care youth at Franklin County Children Services, Village Network and Syntaxis to share resources available through I Know I Can, the only college access program in Columbus: This national organization was founded by community and civic leaders who believed that no child should be denied a college education simply because they could not afford it – and Lamar’s vision is to bridge the gap between foster care and higher education.

• Lamar has dedicated his time to support the Children's Defense Fund as a servant leader in his teaching role at the Freedom School, and during CDF’s National Day of Social Action, when he shared his story with community leaders and the local press to advocate for continued funding for Pell Grants.

As an aspiring civic leader, Lamar continues to share his insights:

• In 2011, Lamar testified before the Ohio Senate Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee regarding a proposed bill, Foster Youth Notification Provisions, which would have required notification to the local community when a foster child moves into the neighborhood, at the same level as if that young person were an adult sexual offender. 

• It was Lamar who reminded Ohio legislators to imagine what it was like to be a young person in foster care, having experienced abuse/neglected by their parents, to then feel labeled and alienated by the community as well. And it was this level of courage and diplomacy that led to this proposed bill being overturned.

Lamar is an excellent team player, who pays close attention to detail. A talented public speaker, he can both captivate an audience and yet remains willing to take the back seat if necessary in order to enable, empower and encourage other young people to grow.

Lamar's recent decision to pursue nonprofit training certification at OSU is just one more indicator of his long-term commitment towards creating lasting change.

Spotlight on FCAA Ohio Members: Alex McFarland

Congratulations to Alex McFarland for being selected to serve on the inaugural National Foster Youth and Alumni Policy Council, headed up by FosterClub and Foster Care Alumni of America.

Alex currently serves as Legislative Liaison of Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter and Vice President of the Ohio Youth Advisory Board.

The majority of council members are between the ages of 16 and 24 at the start of their service. Two seats are reserved specifically for older alumni.

Requirements for Eligibility:

• Must have spent time in out-of-home care (may include foster care, residential treatment, kinship care, legal guardianship)
• Demonstrate capacity to participate in a leadership position involving child welfare policy (for example, through participation on a Youth Advisory Board or Youth Council)
• Be able to articulate ideas and solutions regarding youth issues and concerns 
• Have the ability to interact constructively with peers in a group setting

Alex's Qualifications:

Alexander McFarland has served as President of Ohio's statewide foster care youth advocacy board (Ohio YAB) for two years. He currently serves as Vice President.

When the Ohio YAB lost its funding and supportive staff, Alex immediately began advocating for alternative funds, and succeeded in attaining a grant for 25K that currently supports the continued existence of not only the statewide board, but county and regional foster youth advisory boards as well. Alex has traveled throughout the state of Ohio to help create and develop youth advisory boards..

Alex has served as the Legislative Liaison for the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America for three years. He participated in the 2008 FCAA Alumni Leadership Institute and the 2009 anniversary of Chafee funding. Alex was chosen by Ohio's First Lady to represent the needs of Ohio's foster care youth on Governor Strickland's 2010 Steering Committee to support Youth and Young Adults in Transition. In 2010, Alex was chosen as a FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader.

Alex is known throughout the state for his vision and determination. He testified before Ohio legislators to advocate for the restoration of the state Independent Living Allocation. He arranged for Ohio foster care youth, alumni and allies to visit 24 legislator’s offices on April 28, 2009, in order to promote Ready to Launch, a reminder to Ohio legislators of a front-end investment in transitional youth.

Alex recently met with the Ohio Attorney General on December 15, 2011 to encourage his office to partner with the Ohio Board of Regents in order to fund a full-time position to support Ohio Reach, a statewide initiative to increase the number of foster care youth who enroll in and graduate from college.

2011 Central Ohio FCAA Thanksgiving Dinner

The 2011 Central Thanksgiving took place in Columbus on November 20th: (link to more photos) The event was held at Capital University. Bethany Koshinsky served as Lead Facilitator.

Sponsors included: Capital University President Bowman's Office, Capital University ROTC Crusader Battalion, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Kappa Sigma Upsilon, Village Network, Capital University student organizations and Campus Ministries and the Koshinsky family. 

Many thanks to Angela Sattler for her article about this event, as published by Capital University's campus newspaper, Chimes.

2011 Southwest Ohio Thanksgiving Together

The 2011 Southwest Thanksgiving took place in Dayton on November 19th: (link to more photos)

This event was held at New Family Tree. Sponsors included: Jerri’s Catering and Family Restaurant, Majestic Nursery, Salem Student Ministry, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Meet Me Halfway Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and Val Bairnsfather.

Many thanks to New Family Tree for their efforts to assist former foster youth in their efforts to develop and achieve the skills and abilities necessary to live independently through their Journey to Independence program.

2011 Northeast Ohio Thanksgiving Together

The 2011 Northeast Thanksgiving took place in Cleveland on November 19th: (link to more photos)

The event was held at Antioch Baptist Church. Sponsors included: Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services, National Council of Jewish Woman: Cleveland Section, Antioch Baptist Church, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Adoption Network Cleveland and Village Network.
Representative Bill Patmon, Sandra Holt, and Chief Administrator for Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services Pat Rideout were in attendance.

The event was featured in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Northeast Ohio foster-care alumni reunite for holiday meal at Cleveland church

Northeast Ohio foster-care alumni reunite for holiday meal at Cleveland church

Ewinger, James. Cleveland Plain Dealer, Nov. 20, 2011.

LaTasha C. Watts, right, shares a hug Saturday with Zelma Brown during the annual Foster Care Alumni of America Thanksgiving meal reunion at the Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Dozens who grew up without family ties forged new ones Saturday at the annual Thanksgiving event for foster-care alumni from around the region.

The Northeast Ohio celebration was at Antioch Baptist Church, while two others were planned for Southwest and Central Ohio -- all under the umbrella of the Ohio Chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America.

It was a family-style Thanksgiving dinner for a really big family: roughly 90, most of whom had been in foster care before reaching adulthood and the rest, aged 16 and 17, still in foster homes.

For some, they renewed old acquaintances or made new ones. For others, they shared experiences. After the meal, there was an open mike session where they could sing, recite poetry or just talk about their experiences and the people who meant the most to them.

Lisa Dickson, founder of the Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter and a founding member of the national organization, said the get-togethers have been going on since 2007.

The first one took place with Thanksgiving dinner on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, she said, to support the Fostering Connections to Success Act which passed the following year.

Betsie Norris, founder and executive director of Adoption Network Cleveland, explained the transition to adulthood for young men and women in permanent foster care can be difficult.

The youths in permanent custody have been taken from their parents by the courts. They are eligible for adoption into new families, Norris said, but the older they get, the less likely they are to get adopted, which leads to aging out of foster care.

Many will have been in numerous foster homes by then, often separated from birth siblings and permanently severed from parents. The process deprives many of them of the stabilizing influences of a permanent family.

Adoption Network Cleveland does not place children in adoptive homes, but brings together the resources to help them as well as helping them find their birth families when they reach adulthood.

ANC joined with the Village Network, a private foster-care planning agency, Foster Care Alumni, Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services and the National Council of Jewish Women for Saturday's event.

Norris said that in 2004 there were 1,700 in permanent foster care in this county. The state-funded Adopt Ohio program helped cut that to 570, she said, but the number is at 680 this year and continues to creep up since the state cut off funds for the program in 2009.

Jurlee Thomas, 63, of Lorain had one of the most dramatic stories to relate Saturday.

"My mother was a foster child," she said, and so was she, as were her own six children. Today Thomas has eight grandchildren and six great-grand kids, all with their birth families.

Thomas said she remains in touch with four of her children and Adoption Network is helping her to find the other two. Meanwhile, she volunteers with ANC and the county "whenever I can."

"Being a foster child does not define who you are," Thomas said. "Your goals and aspirations define you. Foster care is just your house."

But the people who can best help foster youths transition into adulthood are others who have come out of the system.

"One foster child helping another," she said.

Terrell Howard, 18, was in foster care for 11 years -- with 13 different families. Today, he is studying criminal justice at a career college in Independence.

Joe Jackson of Children and Family Services said Howard testified before the Ohio legislature earlier this year, one of many who successfully argued against further child-welfare fund cuts.

"When he said he was going to college, he got a standing ovation," Jackson said.

The Thanksgiving feast, everything from cranberry sauce to turkey and ham, was dished up by a body of volunteer servers, who included Cuyahoga County Juvenile Judge Kristin Sweeney and County Councilwoman Yvonne Conwell.

Second Annual FCAA NE Ohio Thanksgiving Dinner

Once again, the NE FCAA OH Thanksgiving Dinner for Foster Care Teens and Emancipated Youth has truly captured the heart of what this event is all about… 

Reminding those who have experienced foster care personally that they always have a seat at our table. 

That it is an honor for us to stay in touch with them, as they enter into young adulthood, find their places in this world, and move beyond the shadows of their past to build bright futures and families of their own.

We want our young people to know that their voices, talents, insights and mutual encouragement are what lies at the heart of this celebration…

Many thanks to each of you for your role in hosting a Thanksgiving celebration that fulfills its purpose, and has our young people eager to return each year.

Words are simply not enough to express my gratitude.

Sincerely,

Lisa Dickson,

Foster Care Alumni of America, Ohio chapter

2011 FCAA Ohio Thanksgiving Reunion

A place where foster care teens, emancipated youth and adult alumni are always welcome.

Having experienced foster care ourselves, we know that holidays can be difficult.

Let's come together - share our strength and insights, rejoice in how far we have come.

Let's encourage one another for the next step in the journey....

Every year since 2007, Thanksgiving has been a time for Ohio foster care youth (ages 16+), alumni and allies/adult supporters to gather together.

This year, the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni is holding three Thanksgiving events, with help from our valued supporters:

1.) SOUTHWEST OHIO THANKSGIVING:

The Southwest Ohio Thanksgiving will take place in Dayton:

• Saturday, November 19, 2011, from 1:00 - 3:30 pm
• Salem Church of God, 6500 Southway Road, Clayton, OH 45318

Lead Facilitator: Michelle Conklin
Primary Sponsor: New Family Tree
Catering Sponsor: Jerri's Catering and Family Restaurant 
Additional Sponsors: Majestic Nursery, Salem Student Ministry, Wendy's Wonderful Kids, and the Meet Me Halfway Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Pumpkin Decorations: Val Bairnsfather

2.) NORTHEAST OHIO THANKSGIVING

The Northeast Ohio Thanksgiving will take place in Cleveland:

• Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, from 12:30-3:00 pm
• Antioch Baptist Church, 8869 Cedar Ave., Cleveland OH 44016

Lead Facilitator: Zelma Brown
Sponsors include: Cuyahoga County Children Services, National Council of Jewish Woman: Cleveland Section, Antioch Baptist Church, Adoption Network Cleveland, and Village Network

3.) CENTRAL/SOUTHEAST OHIO THANKSGIVING

The Central/Southeast Ohio Thanksgiving will take place in Columbus:

• Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011, from 1-3:00 pm
• Capital University - Harry C. Moores Campus Center, 745 Pleasant Ridge Ave., Bexley OH 43209

Lead Facilitator: Bethany Koshinsky
Sponsors include: Capital University President Bowman's Office, Village Network and Capital University student organizations and Campus Ministries, and the Koshinsky family

FINAL NOTE OF THANKS:

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America wants to express our appreciation, once more to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, for their generous donation towards the cost of all three FCAA Ohio Thanksgiving Events.

2011 Career and Entrepreneurship Event for Foster Care Youth and Alumni

Link to more photos.

ACTION Ohio was one of the primary sponsors of the Career and Entrepreneurship Event for Foster Care Youth and Alumni, which took place on October 28, 200. 

Communications Chair Lisa Dickson was the Lead Facilitator of the Planning Committee for this worthwhile event. It was her honor and privilege to work with fellow committee members, including:

• Sandra Holt, ODJFS Office of Families and Children
• Vanita Nevis, ODD Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division
• Doris Edelmann, OHIO Youth Advisory Board
• Kris Ross, Lorain County Children Services
• Penny Wyman, Ohio Children's Alliance
• Melissa Lindsay, Ohio Poverty Law Center
• Jen Foster, Village Network ~ Columbus
• And, of course.... our amazing author and keynote speaker Rhonda Sciortino

The event included the following:

• Resume Clinic , staffed by representatives from COWIC, Columbus/Franklin County One-Stop, and the New Directions Career Center.

• Workshops provided by the Building Trades Institute, Capital Law School Small Business Clinic, Central Ohio Minority Business Association, CSCC Center for Workforce Development, CSCC Culinary Apprenticeship Program, JOG Our Way, Ohio Means Jobs, PNC Bank (Money Management Workshop), and the Bridges Out of Poverty: Getting Ahead Program.

• Suits for Success, freely available to participating youth...

At the end of the day, our most valuable feedback came -- of course -- from the youth themselves...

Rhonda Sciortino's Keynote ~ Quotes from Youth Evaluations:

• “It was wonderful. I am SO glad she was able to come. It gave me a lot of insight, not only into my situation, but how to live my life.”

• “I liked that Rhonda encouraged us – we need more of that”

• “It was nice to be able to meet someone that was a foster child in the past, and that has a wonderful life.”

• “This session was really helpful and inspirational to me cause it gave a lot more hope for my future and it showed me that you can do whatever you want, if you have the passion for it and put your mind into it.”

• “Mrs. Sciortino taught me that no matter what anyone says to try and put me down and say that I can’t do it, that I’m the ONLY ONE who can change my life and succeed in my life.”

• "Was really interested in what Rhonda was saying – it gave me hope that I could become something in life. LOVED IT”

One young person just wrote, on the evaluation form regarding Rhonda's presentation: "Thank you."

Overall Event ~ Quotes from Youth Evaluations:

• “Worth the trip, thoroughly enjoyed it”

• “It was wonderful. I really enjoyed it. I hope we can do it again, soon.”

• “I loved it. This conference ROCKS! I hope we have another”

• “I thought that it was all very helpful! And I think that all the information I got today will help me down the line.”

• “Anything they said was helpful, if you just apply it to your life. A quote that always went through my head: ‘How to you live when you’re ruled by your past? But how do you forget a past that made you?”

• “I enjoyed it, and it will help me in the future.”

• “The event was a success in terms of the people I connected with.”

• “The whole event was very professional, and organized by the way that everything was set up and put together, and I believe everyone who decided to have this event for us are really caring people who really cares about the youth and where they end up, and who they become. Thank you very much for inviting me.”

• “I have really enjoyed the whole entire time I’ve been here. I appreciate every single person who taught me things that I didn’t know were possible”

• “I’m glad I came today, because I learned a lot of stuff that will help me with a successful future.”

• “I am really glad that I got to come up to Columbus; I am leaving with lots of new facts than when I came. I really think that all students need to do what I did today.”

• “I really enjoyed it, even though I had to get up really early. I liked it.”

• “I really enjoyed myself and really changed my perspective on jobs, life and success. Loved it!!!”