Community Education Digest
 
August 2017
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 Case Management Program.

IN THIS ISSUE
Case Management
Sha'Ran Love
Resources for Youth in our Community
The Education Project
Need Ozone House materials?

Case Management

Ozone House offers case management services to youth experiencing homelessness, ages 17 - 20. Young people often come to Ozone House looking for independence and stability; our case management services are designed to facilitate that process for youth through individualized goal planning and support. All clients participate in the Ozone House intake process and are then paired with a case manager based on their specific needs. With the support of an Ozone House case manager, youth have the opportunity to:

  • Set personal goals and create an individualized action plan
  • Find and maintain safe housing
  • Get and keep a job
  • Enroll in school 
  • Have enough food to eat
  • Address health concern
  • Connect with state and local resources
  • Acquire picture IDs and/or birth certificates
  • Learn valuable Life Skills
Case managers will meet with clients at all Ozone locations as well as other places convenient to the young person. To learn more about participation in case management contact our crisis line at 734-662-2222.


Meet Sha'Ran Love

Sha'Ran is coming up on her one year anniversary with Ozone House and has made a lasting impression in a short time. Originally from Milan, Sha'Ran has made the Ypsilanti area her home while attending Eastern Michigan University for both her undergraduate degree and a recent Graduation Certificate in Business Administration/ Human Resource Management. Prior to joining the Ozone House team, Sha'Ran gained familiarity with the area's school systems as a long term substitute Teacher for the WISD and as the Director of Champions, a before and after school program with Ypsilanti Schools.

As the office manager, Sha'Ran connects with every area of the agency. She has reorganized our donation efforts, stepped in countless areas and lifted the spirits of young people and visitors who have walked through the Ozone House doors. She loves working at Ozone House because of the work we do to make sure that youth in our community are safe every day and the staff that help make that happen. In her position, Sha'Ran loves having the opportunity to get involved with multiple programs and really learn how the agency runs. 

When she's not working, she loves spending time with her dog Migo, her parents, and her best friend since Kindergarten, Joselyn. During the summer she tries to get in as much time as possible outside, rafting in Argo Park and taking Migo for walks and to her parent's house to run around. If you need to find Sha'Ran, you will usually find her on first floor of Ozone House supporting volunteers and everyone else in the building. She can be reached at slove@ozonehouse.org or through our business line 734-662-2265.
Resources for Youth in our Community
It's time to get back to School!


UPCOMING EVENTS






The Education Project Updates
We have Backpacks and School Supplies!


Volunteers are currently packing up 750+ backpacks filled with school supplies and toiletries for your students!

If you need backpacks for your students, building, or classroom please email despy@washtenawisd.org with the need and we can arrange distribution.

As of July 1st, any referrals received will reflect the 2017-2018 school year.*

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 ephycontact@washtenawisd.org

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. 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 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?
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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