August 2024 Newsletter

JOURNEY FROM FOSTER CARE TO A FAMILY

Congratulations to Serenity and her family

Serenity’s adoption day makes us so happy. We are excited to celebrate as Serenity was adopted on July 19, 2024.

YOU ARE INVITED TO NOAS'

11th Annual Home Team Celebration

Join us for our 11^th Annual Home Team Celebration to be held at the YSU Stadium Club in Youngstown, OH. This gridiron-themed event includes cocktails on the field, a chance to win a truck, a buffet dinner catered by Jeffrey Chrystal Catering, a block poll, and auctions. The evening will be hosted by the dynamic Karli and Doug Datish. Put on your favorite college team jersey or colors and join us in rallying behind NOAS' vital mission to connect foster youth with caring families who open their homes. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, visit noas.com, call Kathy at 330-856-5582 ext. 110, or email kevans@noas.com.

SUCCESS WITH A YOUNG ADULT

During an unimaginable sequence of life events, our NOAS Bridges team advocated for and provided support to a young adult. After aging out of care, "Dar" found himself in dangerous situations that led him down a path of self-destruction. Surrounded by negative influences, Dar faced numerous challenges that threatened his future. We worked tirelessly to help him find hope and stability in spite of these circumstances.

In the months since that terrible night that changed his life, he has slowly opened up to Shyra and Susan (our Bridges supervisor and liaison). In addition to having a job and paying his own rent, he also has reliable transportation.

The NOAS Bridges team will continue to support him by offering regular check-ins and guidance.

Learn more about Bridges.

Our Bridges program relies on your help to reach Young Adults. Often, we provide them with gift cards to Walmart, Target, McDonald's, and Chik-Fil-A. However, we're almost out! Donate more gift cards to help these young adults in need. Your generosity can make a significant difference in their lives. Gift cards can be mailed or dropped off at NOAS, 5000 East Market St, Suite 26, Warren, OH 44484.

NOAS OFFERS TWO PROGRAMS

to help foster caregivers and professionals who work with foster youth.

Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) and CORE Teen (Critical Ongoing Resource Family Education) training programs and parenting classes help caregivers and professionals understand and navigate trauma in youth. The trauma-informed training programs are specifically designed for caregivers of youth or teenagers who have been placed in foster care, kinship care, guardianship, or adoption. These programs help parents of foster youth and professionals learn coping skills dealing with behaviors.

TBRI® training is provided to foster youth of all ages by NOAS' TBRI® Practitioner. It takes a variety of supplies, games, and strategies to help kids and families practice what they have learned. We need your help in restocking our long supply list. Help us by visiting our Amazon Wish List.

CORE Teen is a useful resource for prospective or current caregivers (foster, kinship, adoptive, and guardianship) or anyone who is or will be working with or raising older children from foster care who have moderate to severe emotional and behavioral challenges due to past trauma. If you are struggling to understand the behavior of your teenager, CORE Teen may be right for you and we want to help. 

Register for TBRI® or CORE Teen today – contact Simone at sgant@noas.com or call 330-980-4940.

Creating healthier habits and prioritizing self-care will help you feel your best! Stressors like work deadlines, traffic, family responsibilities, and other commitments can often take priority over our health and wellness.

Practicing self-care tips such as getting regular exercise, eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep, setting goals, staying connected, and staying positive are essential.

NOAS encourages employee wellness through walking Wednesdays, financial wellness lunches, team-building exercises, motivation Monday meditations, and other learning opportunities.

NICOLE MOONEY

Enhanced her education to provide improved support for foster youth.

Nicole, an LPCC-S, recently became certified in Training for Adoption Competency (TAC). This twelve month program is the nation’s premiere assessment-based certificate program for training mental health practitioners and developing adoption competency skills. TAC received accreditation from the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), making it a recognized top-tier program dedicated to public protection and excellence in practice.

KEEP SIBLINGS IN FOSTER CARE TOGETHER

Training begins September 18th

Two-thirds of foster children in the United States have a sibling in care. It is likely that these children will be separated from their siblings. Most of these separations are caused by workers being unable to find permanent placements for all children. Foster parents are in short supply. NOAS' team works to ensure that every child or sibling group is raised in a safe, secure, and stable environment. Every child deserves the chance to thrive and reach their full potential. Would you like to be a part of our team and help a child in need? Come to our next pre-service training class. Send an email to smoreton@noas.com or call 330-984-0873.

RECURRING MEANS

RECURRING: occurring repeatedly: happening or appearing multiple times.

This is the formal definition of recurring. A recurring gift to NOAS of any amount will ensure sustainability, support and connections to foster youth and families. With your gift, NOAS will be able to recruit, train, and retain families to nurture, guide, and provide a safe haven to foster youth in need.

Start Your $10 Monthly Donation Today

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