Community Education Digest
 
February 2018
Welcome to our Community Education Digest! The aim of Ozone House's Community Education Digest newsletter is to connect our community's resources and services with the youth and families who need them most. Each month, the Community Education Digest highlights an Ozone House program along with related resources in our community. Many of these resources can also be found in the Ozone House Info Cards shown below. 

This month we highlight our Community Outreach and Education.

IN THIS ISSUE
Community Outreach and Education
SpeakOut Member - Ramone
Resources for Youth in our Community
The Education Project
Need Ozone House materials?

Ozone House Community Education and Outreach

Ozone House's Community Outreach and Education Programs are committed to spreading awareness about our services and the issues impacting youth and their communities. Through specialized training and a variety of outreach efforts, the agency aims to build relationships, increase safety and support, and meet the needs of at-risk youth in the community. 

 

SpeakOut
S
peakOut is comprised of formerly homeless youth who speak about Ozone House and youth homelessness at community events, in schools, and with local and state policymakers.

 

Peer Outreach

 Each year we have a Street Outreach Team of approximately 5-8 trained Peer Outreach Workers (POW's). This group is made of up youth, ages 15-19, that demonstrate leadership qualities. They provide homeless and high-risk youth with on-the-street support and information. POWs have an in-depth understanding of Ozone House services and why youth may need these services

 

Community Education
 
We connect Ozone House resources with the youth and families who need them most by providing outreach and education at middle and high schools throughout Washtenaw County.

 

Walk in their Shoes: Youth Homelessness Simulation
 
This interactive presentation offers a unique opportunity for you and a group of friends or colleagues to walk in the shoes of a homeless youth. This can take place during a lunch hour, after work, or in a private event at your home.
 
 

To learn more, visit the Ozone house website or contact our office at 734-662-2265

Meet SpeakOut's Ramone

Ramone is a member of the SpeakOut team for Ozone House. As a senior, Ramone spent half the year homeless. When another member of SpeakOut, heard his story, they knew he should connect with Ozone House. As a member of SpeakOut, Ramone has shared his experience of homelessness with others and brought awareness to at-risk homeless youth. Ramone loves performing and feels like he is working with a group of all-stars who have come together for a common cause. While SpeakOut is a relatively small group, the young people who form it make a big difference in our community. The members have met with state and local representatives, law enforcement, and provided a lens into what homeless youth experience on a regular basis. Ramone really appreciates that in SpeakOut they can use their voices to "speak for the voiceless."

Originally from Flint, Ramone has always valued working within the community. While completing his Associate's Degree at Mott Community College, Ramone helped mentor youth as part of his Honors Program. When not working with SpeakOut and Ozone, Ramone continues to work towards is goals. In 2016 Ramone earned his Bachelor's degree in Electronic Media from Eastern Michigan University. Every day, he tries to do little things that help him move him forward. He is often seeking out more opportunities to perform as it makes him feel completely comfortable and confident. As a member of the SpeakOut team, Ramone continues to engage the community and share his story as an advocate for youth. For an opportunity to see Ramone perform and hear more of his story and others contact Ozone House at 734-662-2265 or visit the Ozone House website to read more stories. 

Resources for Youth in our Community
826 Michigan Tutoring and Workshops

826MICHIGAN IS PROUD TO OFFER COMPLETELY FREE TUTORING PROGRAMS for students ages 8 to 18. Students may arrive at any time, at any point in the year while the program is running and receive homework help from one of our tutors in any academic subject. Students must bring homework assignments and study materials with them to tutoring, and parents or guardians must accompany students and complete registration paperwork on a student's first day.

MONDAY-THURSDAY
Tuesday, January 16 through
Thursday, June 7*
3:30-5:30pm
LIBERTY STREET
At 826michigan
115 E. Liberty Street, Ann Arbor
 
MONDAY-THURSDAY
Tuesday, January 16 through Thursday, June 7*
6:00-8:00pm
WASHINGTON STREET
At beezy's café
20 N. Washington Street, Ypsilanti

Handle With Care Community Information Forums

Handle With Care is in our community! The Washtenaw County Cradle to Career Collaborative, Washtenaw Intermediate School District, the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, and Washtenaw County Community Mental Health invite you to learn more about the Handle With Care initiative on:

Tuesday, February 27
4:00-5:00 pm
Washtenaw Intermediate School District
(1819 S. Wagner, Ann Arbor)

AAACF Community Scholarship Program

Multi-year scholarships to help increase college access and graduation rates for Washtenaw County students who are economically disadvantaged (currently or has in the past qualified for free or reduced price lunch), youth of color, and/or first generation college students.

The 2018 Scholarship Application is currently open! Applications are due March 13, 2018 at 5pm.  https://www.aaacf.org/Grants-Scholarships/Scholarships-Resources-How-to-Apply


UPCOMING EVENTS
Haiti Post-Revolution and Ambiguity of African-American Freedom
  • A series of books focused on sharing the stories of famous African Americans will be read each Friday. Ages 4-12 are encouraged to attend.
4 p.m. every Friday during February.
Riverside Arts Center, Off Center Gallery.


The Education Project Updates
EPHY ACTIVITIES ASSISTANCE

Are you working with a student who could benefit from being involved in an extracurricular activities but needs support with participation cost (fees, gear, and travel etc. l)?  If so, please contact EPHY for more information on "activities assistance" eligibility. Some activities covered include:
  • Athletic/Sports Participation Fee or Gear
    • Examples: YMCA, Dance Class, School or Recreational Sports...
  • Art  Program Fees or tools
    • Examples: Drawing/Painting Class, Drama Club, Instruments...
  • Youth Community Leadership Program Fees
    • Examples:  Registration, Memberships, Conferences...
We have Lice Kits!
Thanks to a generous donation from the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop, the Education Project was able to purchase lice kits to make sure that our students are getting the care they need and are able to return to school healthy and ready to learn! Please reach out about acquiring kits for students in need!
_____________________________________________________________________________
Below is the 2017 - 2018 school year! Please use this referral when working with students and families this school year. Any questions about the referral or referral process can be directed to ephycontact@washtenawisd.org or call us at 734-994-8100 x1518

Click here to obtain a copy:  

The referral is intended to be filled out by school staff or community partners with the students or families in need of support. Once a referral is completed, the information should be shared with the Education Project staff as well as the Local Liaison. 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

The Education Project, sometimes known as the Education Project for Homeless Youth, is designed to ensure that students experiencing homelessness or unstable living situations enroll, regularly attend, and succeed in school.  Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, students who are homeless must have equal access to free and appropriate public education

The Education Project works closely with Liaisons in the school districts, Allies within each school, community partners, and families to identify and serve all youth affected by homelessness. 
   _________________________________________________________________________________

Frequently Asked Questions about the Education Project

Who is Homeless?
Homelessness does not always look like a family living in a car or on the street; it exists in many different versions. The primary criteria we consider are: Is their housing Fixed? Is it Regular? And is it Adequate?

Fixed: Is it permanent or not subject to change? For example, is the person staying somewhere that they have a right to live? Are they not on the lease? Could they be asked to leave?
Regular: Are they staying the same place every night? Do they have to switch locations frequently?
Adequate: Is the residence sufficient? Do youth staying in the home have a bed to sleep in? Are there health risks and unsanitary conditions in the home? Does it meet the physical and psychological needs of a child?
 
Although we all hope that homelessness is very temporary, it can be a perpetual experience for many families and unaccompanied youth. It is important to ask these questions and understand each family and youth's situation.
 
How can I access the Education Project?
The education project is housed in the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. The website is http://www.washtenawisd.org/services/k-12-student-services.  Here you can find information about who is eligible for McKinney-Vento services, what services are offered and additional links and supports around youth homelessness and education.
 
How can I help?
The Education Project relies on a combination of grant support from the state and donations from members of the community. Many of the items provided to families, like toiletries and school supplies, are supplied through donations. This allows the Education Project the ability to fund other school related expenses like field trips, sports/activities, tutoring services and temporary transportation for students. Additionally, the program is always looking for volunteers to help pack up supplies for youth as well as deliver supports to schools within the districts. By having a team of volunteers ready to disperse supplies, EPHY will serve families more effectively. Visit the Ozone House website to learn more about how you can help.
 
The Education Project office is staffed regularly Monday - Thursday from 9am - 4pm. 

Any questions regarding a young person's McKinney-Vento status and the supports available can be direct to ephycontact@washtenawisd.org, or by phone at (734) 994-8100 x1518.

If you know a youth or family who could benefit from Ozone House services,
please have them call our 24-hour Crisis Line:

734.662.2222

There is always somebody here to listen. 
 
Need More Information About Ozone House?
null
Ozone House Poster

We will come to you!  
We provide educational presentations to middle and high school classrooms or assemblies, as well as organizations throughout Washtenaw County.
     
To order free printed education materials, or to schedule a presentation, 
contact Dawn Espy at 
call (734) 994-8100 x1518

Ozone House INFO Card

Ozone House Outreach Card
Ozone House Outreach Card
 

To learn more about all of our crisis intervention, housing or support services,  or to get involved with Ozone House,  please visit our website at