OSU College for the Day ~ first of two in 2016

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ACTION Ohio was proud to be a part of the second annual OSU College for the Day for foster care youth. 

Many thanks to our OSU partners, including CHEE, P12, and the Todd A. Bell Center, as well as FCCS and COVA.

Appreciating our Allies at OSU

ACTION Ohio and our amazing allies are preparing to host two "College for A Day" events on OSU campus for foster care youth, ages 14+

We can't say enough about how much we appreciate our allies in this effort.

Appreciating our Allies: Buckeyes for Adoption and Foster Care

ACTION Ohio loves partnering with Buckeyes for Adoption and Foster Care, an OSU student group that exists to promote awareness and to educate Ohio State students about adoption and foster care, aiding the community through volunteer work and fundraising.

My favorite part of attending one of their recent meetings was hearing what drew them to become involved in Buckeyes for Adoption and Foster Care.

Answers included:

• lifelong desire to foster and/or adopt
• having a sibling who was adopted
• growing up with bio parents who adopted and fostered

And, of course:

• because Jessica invited me to become involved

We truly are lucky to have Jessica Roller as a student leader and a voice for adoption and foster care on OSU campus.

2016 DC Sightseeing and Journeys Home

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 Thursday was a day to relax and celebrate the many accomplishments that youth had made during their fourth annual trip to DC. 

ACTION Ohio (Alumni of Care Together Improving Outcomes Now) was honored to sponsor and facilitate this week’s adventure.

2016 Legislative Visits - Day Two

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Legislative Visits on Wednesday were followed up by a Celebratory Dinner, sponsored by Casey Family Programs.

2016 Legislative Visits - Day One

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On Tuesday and Wednesday, youth visited 15 legislators' offices to share their two proposals. They also attended a Capital Hill briefing by Bryan Samuels, the Executive Director of Chapin Hall.

2016 Three Days on the Hill - Training and Meeting with HUD and HHS

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On Monday morning, youth participated in training, preparation and practice.

Followed by a 4 pm meeting at HUD Headquarters in Julian Castro's official meeting room that included their staff and representatives from Health and Human Services, including the head of the Children's Bureau.

Youth brought two proposals:

1. HUD-FASH:  A foster care housing program based off an existing successful veteran housing program. The youth asked that this program be implemented and made into an Ohio demonstration project (make it happen and we will show that it can work)

2. A proposal regarding Chafee, which is existing funding to help youth aging out of care, but has been flat funded since 1999 (meanwhile, the number of youth served is increasing)