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Community Education Digest
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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 PrideZone Program.
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PrideZone
Nearly 40% of all youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+. At Ozone House all our services are safe for ALL youth, no matter sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. PrideZone is an Ozone program specifically created to provide queer youth with a space of their own.
PrideZone is a social and support group for youth ages 13-20 who identify as LGBTQ+. The group meets every Wednesday evening from 6 - 8pm at the Ozone House Drop-in Center. Whether a young person identifies as transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, or an ally, PrideZone is a welcoming environment. The goal of Pridezone is to provide a fun, safe space for youth to talk about queer issues with others who also identify as LGBTQ+.
It is a safe place to:
- Socialize
- Build community
- Have fun in an open, queer space
- Access support services
Different Events and Activities include:
- Board game night
- Movie night
- Coming out over coffee
- Guest Speakers
- Activities in the park
- Craft nights
- Queer Prom and Drag Bingo Events
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Kellie is a Youth Specialist and Case Aide at Ozone House. She first joined the Ozone family in August of 2015 as a residential intern. In her capacity as a residential intern, Kellie coordinated the activities and food program for SafeStay. After demonstrating her ability to support youth as an intern, Kellie was hired on as a youth specialist. In April 2016, Kellie became a fulltime employee and added Case Aide to her list of roles at Ozone House. As a case aide, Kellie works with case managers to support both non-residential and residential clients.
Originally from a small town outside of Indianapolis, Ozone has always been Kellie's Michigan home. Prior to moving to Michigan, Kellie attended Purdue University where she studied human development and family studies. During college, her love for working with youth grew as she participated in service-work with her volunteering based fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. Whether it is working with children at a day care in Indiana or supporting youth in shelter in Michigan, Kellie loves the challenges and excitement that comes with working with young people. At Ozone House, Kellie recognizes that as a youth specialist, she is creating bonds with youth that often don't have many close or positive relationships with adults. She loves that she can provide stability and support for young people. She feels that Ozone house promotes such a safe and inviting space that working at Ozone feels more like being part of family than a workplace. When Kellie isn't with her Ozone family, she is out taking rides on her new motorcycle, playing in the park with her dog Denver, or just enjoying some quiet time and reading, or drawing.
If you'd like to know more about Kellie's journey, or hear about her crisp, fall,bike rides, you can reach her at
[email protected] or through our business line 734-662-2265.
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Resources for Youth in our Community
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WorkZone
The October 2017 WorkZone is a upon us! WorkZone involves a two week training period, from
Monday, October 23rd to Friday, November 3rd from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Followed by a 100 hour paid internship with a local agency or business. Applications are accepted through Monday, Oct. 23rd.
Youth 18-20 who need job training can still apply
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The Education Project Updates
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The Holidays and winter are quickly approaching! Please help us make sure that your students are included in our Holiday Giving Program by sending us up-to-date and accurate lists of students Identified as McKinney-Vento in your school or community.
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Below is the updated referral for the 2017 - 2018 school year! Please use this referral when working with students and families this school year. Any questions about the new referral can be directed to [email protected]
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.
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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.
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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. Click here to learn about ways you can help:
The Education Project Volunteer Flyer
The Education Project office is staffed regularly Monday - Thursday from 9am - 3:30pm.
Any questions regarding a young person's McKinney-Vento status and the supports available can be direct to
[email protected], or by phone at (734) 994-8100 x1518.
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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.
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Need More Information About Ozone House?
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| Ozone House Poster |
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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
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Ozone House Outreach Card |
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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
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