Community Education Digest
 
November 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 Holiday Giving Programs.

IN THIS ISSUE
Holiday Giving
Katie Foss
Resources for Youth in our Community
The Education Project
Need Ozone House materials?

Ozone Holiday Giving

Each year Ozone House puts together a holiday giving campaign to make sure the youth we serve know they are supported and valued by our organization and the community. 

W.I.S.H Holiday Gift Program: The WISH program (Wrapped In Support and Hope) asks youth to create Wish lists that we then seek to fulfill with the support of Community members.

Holiday Wishlist: At Ozone House, we serve young people transitioning into adulthood. Ozone has compiled a  holiday wishlist that supports our youth as they take those steps. 
 
Matching: All cash donations up to $75,000 will be matched $ for $ until December 31, 2017 through our matching gift campaign! 
 
The Education Project Holiday gifts: The goal is to distribute gifts to all the students identified as homeless this school year. Gifts are being collected through either a Giving Tree program or a Holiday Drive. Click the following pdf for more information on giving through the Education Project:  Education Project Giving
 
For more information on all of Ozone House's Holiday programs visit 
Holiday Giving on the Ozone House website. 

Meet Katie Foss

Katie Foss is the Ozone House Education Coordinator. Originally from New Boston, Michigan, Katie has always been passionate about working with youth and providing safe and supportive environments. While attending University of Michigan for undergrad, Katie participated in the community action and social change program. While at U of M, Katie volunteered with the Telling it Teen program at Riverside Arts, and even spent some time at the Ozone House Drop-In Center. In addition to volunteering, Katie also worked as a receptionist at the Hope Clinic as well as an after school counselor at the Emerson school. At the Hope Clinic, she honed some of her residential skills while supporting the food pantry and running an after school cooking class. In 2015, Katie officially joined the Ozone House team as a youth specialist.

Throughout her time with Ozone, Katie has moved around within the residential team, stepping up and filling in where needed. Since December 2016, Katie has taken on the roles of Residential Coordinator, Interim Residential Director, and now has settled into the position of Education Coordinator. In each role, Katie has brought the same enthusiasm and passion for positive youth development. Katie really values direct-care work, and appreciates the opportunity to introduce youth to new things and experiences they may not get to have on a regular basis. She loves that not only is she helping young people build positive and healthy relationships, but also supporting them in developing life-skills, like cooking, coping skills and self-care. Katie's favorite thing about Ozone House is the youth-first approach we have to everything we do. She says, "It's not about what is easiest, it's about what is in a youth's best interest." At Ozone House, youth have a voice in their own lives.

When Katie isn't at work, she enjoys swimming laps at the Y or hanging out in the park with her dog, Willow. She also likes to flex her vocal muscle, singing along to musicals and Broadway shows. Her crafting and painting skills are fantastic as well and come in handy frequently at Safestay.  If you want to sing some tunes with Katie or spend some time with Willow, you can email her at kfoss@ozonehouse.org or call our business line 734-662-2265.
Resources for Youth in our Community

T hanksgiving Meal Options


Ozone House Drop-In Center:  Nov. 21st | 5PM - 7PM| 102 N Hamilton, Ypsilanti, 48197 (for youth ages 12-20)

Brown Chapel AME Church: 
Nov. 22nd | 12 - 2PM| 1043 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, 48197 | (734) 482-7050 (*needs volunteers)

Aubrees Pizzeria & Grille: Nov. 23rd
| 12 - 4PM| 39 E. Cross St. Ypsilanti, MI, 48198 | (734) 483-1870 (multiple locations participating, check with location nearest you)

The Original Cottage Inn: 
Nov. 23rd | 10AM - 1PM | 512 E. William St, Ann Arbor, 48104 | (734) 663-3379

City Church:
 Nov. 23rd | 1 - 3PM | Ypsilanti High School, 2095 Packard St, Ypsilanti, 48197 | (517) 740-5525 (*needs volunteers: call Chloe at (734) 657-3083)

Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor: 
Nov. 23rd | 11:15AM - 5PM | 2275 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, 48104 | (734) 477-9135 (*needs volunteers: email homelessministries@vineyard.org)

Dexter Senior Center: 
Nov. 24th | 11:30AM - 2PM | 7720 Ann Arbor St, Dexter, 48130 | (734) 426-7737 (*needs volunteers)
 
Christmas Dinners
*will update with more next month*

Food Gatherers Community Kitchen : Dec. 25th | 3-4 PM | 312 W. Huron, Ann Arbor, 48103 (first floor of the Delonis Center) | (734) 761-2796


There's still time to apply for Toys for Tots! Below is the information about applying and distribution. You can also visit the Toys for Tots website:

FILL OUT APPLICATIONS: 5PM to 8PM
 
NOVEMBER 20-NOVEMBER 22
NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 1
 
TOY DISTRIBUTION DATES 5PM to 8PM
DECEMBER 4- DECEMBER 8
DECEMBER 11-DECEMBER 15
DECEMBER 18-DECEMBER 22
 
  ALL APPLICANTS, PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING:
1. PROOF OF INCOME OR DHS BUDGET BREAKDOWN
2. BIRTH CERTIFICATE, BIRTH AFFIDAVIT, IMMUNIZATION OR SCHOOL RECORD OF EACH CHILD, FROM 0-12
3. VALID MI STATE ID OR MI DRIVERS LICENSE WITH WASHTENAW COUNTY ADDRESS
4. CUSTODIAL PARENTS MUST HAVE SIGNED COURT GUARDIANSHIP PAPERWORK
 
APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION: THE KEYBANK BUILDING. 301 W MICHIGAN AVE. YPSILANTI IN THE BASEMENT

PLEASE NOTE- WE WILL NOT SEND ANYONE TO PICK UP ANY TOYS ON THE BEHALF OF TOYS FOR TOTS WITHOUT PRIOR DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL BY ARTELIA REEVES .

You May Contact Artelia Reeves, Washtenaw County Regional Coordinator At (734) 695-9391 Or Arteliareeves@Gmail.Com With Any Questions Or Assistance Needed Regarding The Program.



The Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development (OCED) and the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) announce the opening of winter warming centers for those experiencing homelessness during severe cold weather.

Jointly funded for the fourth year by the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County and lead by SAWC; the 2017/2018 winter weather response provides expanded winter shelter services for the homeless.
Expanded services include an:
  • overnight warming center at the Delonis Center from 7pm - 7am accommodating up to 50 people in the shelter's dining room and common areas; and 
  • daytime warming centers at area churches that will be available to the homeless population throughout the winter.
A current list of daytime center locations and hours are available here .

For individuals needing to escape adverse cold conditions (real or wind chill air temperature at 20 degrees or below) before continuing on their destination; temporary weather havens are also available. These sites are for all Washtenaw County residents and will be activated when the weather reaches extreme temperatures, requiring public school closings. A current list of weather haven locations and hours are available   here.  

The Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development is committed to ensuring that all Washtenaw County residents are protected during severe weather conditions.

The Education Project Updates
The Holidays and winter are quickly approaching! Gifts are scheduled to be delivered or picked up between Dec. 13th and Dec. 20th. Please contact the Education Project office to verify that the MV students in your school have all been included! 

In addition, please continue to request coats for your students. We will fill the requests as quickly as possible based on our inventory.
___________________________________________________________________________

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?
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