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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 Pridezone.
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PrideZone
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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 Bingo Events
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 Although new to her position, Malak has been a part of Ozone House since 2015. Originally from the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor area, Malak graduated from Washtenaw Technical Middle College. She then went on to earn her Bachelor's in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University, while also working for the Community Action Network at the Bryant Community center after school program. To Ozone's good fortune, while at Eastern, Malak took a course taught by Colleen O' Brien, the then director at our Drop-In Center. After learning all about Ozone House, Malak was eager to join in the work, and did an internship at the drop-in center in 2015. She was then hired on as a drop-in center youth worker where she continued to provide support until heading off to South California to complete her MSW from USC. At the University of South California, Malak continued to develop her social work skills through her internship as a case manager with Communities in Schools in LA, specifically working with young people who have had involvement or affiliation with gangs. After receiving her degree in May 2017, Malak came back to Ozone as a youth employment coach at the Drop-In Center as well as a youth specialist through a residential program.
Throughout her journey, Malak's presence at the Drop-In has been a constant and as she embarks into this new role as Youth Resource Coordinator, she will continue to provide support at the Drop-In while also working to engage youth outside Ozone spaces. The resource coordinator will work with other youth serving organizations in Washtenaw County to develop stronger connections between organizations so that youth can always connect to the services and support they need no matter where they turn. Malak is excited spread the Drop-In energy throughout the county, in spaces where youth may not always have access or knowledge of Ozone House services. Malak believes that we need to not just think of youth as our future, but rather think about them as our present and truly work to bring their voice, their opinion and their creativity to the table. She loves the culture of Ozone House and the space the agency provides to empower both our staff and young people.
When Malak is not working, she can be found spending time with her little brothers and nieces, exploring local museums, sights and going to the movies. At the Drop-In, Malak can often be found, "DJing" at the computer, so it's no surprise that she loves to go to concerts and listen to music in her spare time. If you'd like to hear her thoughts on the current music scene, learn more about outreach or just say hello, she can be reached at the Drop-In or through email at [email protected].
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Resources for Youth in our Community
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October Resources
Tis the season for celebrating fall and preparing for the chilling weather From candy filled totes, cool bingo host, and warm gloves and coats; this October we are sharing events and resources that aim to provide a safe place, real support and fun for families.
DOWNTOWN SALINE TRUNK-OR-TREAT!
- Saline Main Street's Halloween Premiere Event | Wednesday October 24, 2018 6 to 8PM Absolutely nothing scary going on at this Halloween party! Calling all groovy ghoulies to come celebrate at one of our all-time favorite holiday events - it's time for Saline Main Street's funky Trunk or Treat! Our fabulous volunteers have been working nonstop to plan a family-friendly goodie fest for Saline's little ghosts and goblins, and on October 24th it's all happening right here in Downtown Saline! Located in the Lots behind Hartman Insurance and Key Bank in Downtown Saline!KeyBankRegion: Saline 100 W. Michigan Ave, Saline For more information visit, www.salinemainstreet.org.
Halloween Extravaganza & End of Dixboro Farmers Market
- Celebrate the end of the Dixboro Farmers Market Season with a Halloween Extravaganza. There will be a fall festival on October 26 from 4:30-7p and a Trunk or Treat from 5:30-6:30p. The Fall Festival typically includes: Pumpkin Painting, Crafts, Hay Rides, Games, Crafters.
Downtown Trick or Treat
- Milan Area Chamber and DDA-Milan are combining for a downtown trick or treat on October 26 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. Elementary and younger students are invited to don their costumes & trick or treat (accompanied by parents).
- Participating downtown merchants will have flyers in the window. Other Milan businesses not located in downtown will be located in Tolan Square and in front of the W. Main St parking lot.
- The Milan Baptist Church holds their Trunk or Treat at the same time and then invites the public to their Harvest Festival after the Trick or Treat. LocationDowntown Milan Region: Milan https://www.facebook.com/events/261407254514340
Washtenaw County Halloween Bash
- Put on your Halloween garb, and join us as the gymnasium is transformed into a Halloween haven! Get ready for some tricks, some treats and everything in between. Don't miss out on a festive night of family fun and prizes - and we'll top the night off with an amazing balloon drop!
- $6/person or $22 for family of 4 (each additional family member $3). Register online at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org today!
Briarwood Mall Boo Bash
- Ypsilanti Township is holding a Trunk or Treat event on October 27 from 3:00pm-4:30pm. There will be trunk or treating followed by games. In case of rain, trick or treating will be held indoors The event is free for Ypsi Township residents, $2 for other children. All children must register in advance so there are enough treats for all.
TRICK OR TREAT TIMES, Wednesday, October 31
Ann Arbor
| 5-8pm
Chelsea | 5:30-7:30pm
Dexter | 5:30-7:30pm
Milan | 6-8pm
Saline | 6-8pm
Ypsilanti | until dusk, no set time
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LOOKING FOR YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND WORK EXPERIENCE?
WorkZone Fall Session Begins October 22nd*
*If you know someone who would be a good fit, connect with Scott today and there may still be time for them to join!*
If you are between the ages of 18- 20 and interested in job training, building resume skills, and an internship, WorkZone is the place for you.
- This program offers young people an opportunity to participate in workshops on topics like job skill training, public speaking, personal finance and credit management, creative expression, team building, community resources, and education.
- Offer enhanced leadership and community engagement opportunities for high-risk youth ages 13-18 in Washtenaw County
- WorkZoners also have the opportunity to work with an Ozone House Case Manager to address other needs, around housing, child care, insurance, food, etc.
- Enhance financial literacy and other life skills
- Enable and empower youth to pursue other employment opportunities
If you are interested in becoming a POW, please fill out the
workzone application
end it to Scott Phillips at
[email protected]
or 734-485-2222.
You also must plan to attend the WorkZone starting October 22nd.
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UPCOMING EVENT
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HallOzone Party
Thursday October 25th
4:00pm-8:00pm
Join us for fun Halloween themed games and our infamous Fear Factor contest on October 25th from 4pm-8pm! Costumes optional but encouraged. This will be at the Ozone House Drop-In Center, 102 N Hamilton St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
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Queer Bingo
Friday October 26th
7:00pm-9:00pm
Come for a night of Bingo and Drag Performances at Riverside Arts Center!! Feel free to wear your spookiest costume!
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The Education Project Updates
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Education Projects Supports and Services
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Below is the 2018 - 2019 referral. Please use this referral when working with students and families this school year.
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.
Any questions about the referral or referral process can be directed to or call us at 734-994-8100 x1518.
Click here to obtain a copy:
If you have new staff or want to provide current staff with a refresher around the McKinney-Vento Law and how to support students in your school, please let us know and we will come to begin of the year trainings for teachers, administrators, school counselors, social workers or anyone in the community.
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Coats, Gloves, and Holiday Gifts Drive is coming soon!
If you are working with a student that needs these items please send us their referral as well as a list including their name, gender, and size. Please submit finalized coats, gloves ,and holiday gift list no later than NOVEMBER 1ST.
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THE EDUCATION PROJECT
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The Education Project is a joint program of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) and Ozone House. The Education Project 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
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The Education Project serves children & youth, ages 0-21, from the 9 school districts and thirteen public school academies (PSA) in the county.
Each district and PSA has a McKinney-Vento liaison and we work directly with them as well as allies within each school to provide support to students and families experiencing homelessness.
The Education Project works closely with community partners: Hospitals, clinics, shelters and other non-profits to make sure that students get the wraparound support they need.
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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
https://washtenawisd.org/services/ephy/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.
The Education Project office is staffed regularly Monday - Thursday from 9am - 4pm.
How can I help?
- Volunteer to pack backpacks and organize supplies
- Host a supply or gift card drive for:
- Back-to-School
- Holiday
- Graduation
- Or any time!
- Donate funds, gift cards or in-kind donations from our wish list, including: clothing, hygiene items, school supplies, bus tokens and more.
- Advocate to your federal legislators to keep the McKinney-Vento Act funded
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,text,or chat 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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