Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio Chapter

2011 Central Ohio FCAA Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-23T15:39:00.001-08:00

The Central Ohio FCAA Thanksgiving Dinner was made possible by:

Capital University President Bowman's Office
Capital University ROTC Crusader Battalion
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Kappa Sigma Upsilon
Village Network
Capital University student organizations and Campus Ministries
The Koshinsky family

Many thanks to Angela Sattler for her article about this event, as published by Capital University's campus newspaper, Chimes.

2011 SW OH FCAA Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-23T15:38:00.003-08:00

The SW Ohio FCAA Thanksgiving was made possible by:

New Family Tree
Jerri's Catering and Family Restaurant
Majestic Nursery, Salem Student Ministry
Wendy's Wonderful Kids
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Meet Me Halfway Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Val Bairnsfather

Many thanks to New Family Tree for their ongoing efforts to assist former foster youth in their efforts to develop and achieve the skills and abilities necessary to live independently through their Journey to Independence program.

2011 Northeast Ohio FCAA Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-23T15:38:00.001-08:00

The NE Ohio FCAA Ohio Thanksgiving was made possible by:

Representative Bill Patmon, Sandra Holt, and Chief Administrator for Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services Pat Rideout were in attendance.

Northeast Ohio foster-care alumni reunite for holiday meal at Cleveland church

2011-11-22T10:32:00.000-08:00

Northeast Ohio foster-care alumni reunite for holiday meal at Cleveland church

Ewinger, James. Cleveland Plain Dealer, Nov. 20, 2011.

LaTasha C. Watts, right, shares a hug Saturday with Zelma Brown during the annual Foster Care Alumni of America Thanksgiving meal reunion at the Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Dozens who grew up without family ties forged new ones Saturday at the annual Thanksgiving event for foster-care alumni from around the region.

The Northeast Ohio celebration was at Antioch Baptist Church, while two others were planned for Southwest and Central Ohio -- all under the umbrella of the Ohio Chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America.

It was a family-style Thanksgiving dinner for a really big family: roughly 90, most of whom had been in foster care before reaching adulthood and the rest, aged 16 and 17, still in foster homes.

For some, they renewed old acquaintances or made new ones. For others, they shared experiences. After the meal, there was an open mike session where they could sing, recite poetry or just talk about their experiences and the people who meant the most to them.

Lisa Dickson, founder of the Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter and a founding member of the national organization, said the get-togethers have been going on since 2007.

The first one took place with Thanksgiving dinner on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, she said, to support the Fostering Connections to Success Act which passed the following year.

Betsie Norris, founder and executive director of Adoption Network Cleveland, explained the transition to adulthood for young men and women in permanent foster care can be difficult.

The youths in permanent custody have been taken from their parents by the courts. They are eligible for adoption into new families, Norris said, but the older they get, the less likely they are to get adopted, which leads to aging out of foster care.

Many will have been in numerous foster homes by then, often separated from birth siblings and permanently severed from parents. The process deprives many of them of the stabilizing influences of a permanent family.

Adoption Network Cleveland does not place children in adoptive homes, but brings together the resources to help them as well as helping them find their birth families when they reach adulthood.

ANC joined with the Village Network, a private foster-care planning agency, Foster Care Alumni, Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services and the National Council of Jewish Women for Saturday's event.

Norris said that in 2004 there were 1,700 in permanent foster care in this county. The state-funded Adopt Ohio program helped cut that to 570, she said, but the number is at 680 this year and continues to creep up since the state cut off funds for the program in 2009.

Jurlee Thomas, 63, of Lorain had one of the most dramatic stories to relate Saturday.

"My mother was a foster child," she said, and so was she, as were her own six children. Today Thomas has eight grandchildren and six great-grand kids, all with their birth families.

Thomas said she remains in touch with four of her children and Adoption Network is helping her to find the other two. Meanwhile, she volunteers with ANC and the county "whenever I can."

"Being a foster child does not define who you are," Thomas said. "Your goals and aspirations define you. Foster care is just your house."

But the people who can best help foster youths transition into adulthood are others who have come out of the system.

"One foster child helping another," she said.

Terrell Howard, 18, was in foster care for 11 years -- with 13 different families. Today, he is studying criminal justice at a career college in Independence.

Joe Jackson of Children and Family Services said Howard testified before the Ohio legislature earlier this year, one of many who successfully argued against further child-welfare fund cuts.

"When he said he was going to college, he got a standing ovation," Jackson said.

The Thanksgiving feast, everything from cranberry sauce to turkey and ham, was dished up by a body of volunteer servers, who included Cuyahoga County Juvenile Judge Kristin Sweeney and County Councilwoman Yvonne Conwell.

Second Annual FCAA NE Ohio Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

Once again, the NE FCAA OH Thanksgiving Dinner for Foster Care Teens and Emancipated Youth has truly captured the heart of what this event is all about…

Reminding those who have experienced foster care personally that they always have a seat at our table.

That it is an honor for us to stay in touch with them, as they enter into young adulthood, find their places in this world, and move beyond the shadows of their past to build bright futures and families of their own.

We want our young people to know that their voices, talents, insights and mutual encouragement are what lies at the heart of this celebration…

Many thanks to each of you for your role in hosting a Thanksgiving celebration that fulfills its purpose, and has our young people eager to return each year.

Words are simply not enough to express my gratitude.

Sincerely,

Lisa Dickson,

Foster Care Alumni of America, Ohio chapter

2011 FCAA Ohio Thanksgiving Reunion

2011-11-04T06:19:00.001-07:00

A place where foster care teens, emancipated youth and adult alumni are always welcome.

Having experienced foster care ourselves, we know that holidays can be difficult.

Let's come together - share our strength and insights, rejoice in how far we have come.

Let's encourage one another for the next step in the journey....

Every year since 2007, Thanksgiving has been a time for Ohio foster care youth (ages 16+), alumni and allies/adult supporters to gather together.

This year, the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni is holding three Thanksgiving events, with help from our valued supporters:

1.) SOUTHWEST OHIO THANKSGIVING:

The Southwest Ohio Thanksgiving will take place in Dayton:

Saturday, November 19, 2011, from 1:00 - 3:30 pm
Salem Church of God, 6500 Southway Road, Clayton, OH 45318

Lead Facilitator: Michelle Conklin
Primary Sponsor: New Family Tree
Catering Sponsor: Jerri's Catering and Family Restaurant
Additional Sponsors: Majestic Nursery, Salem Student Ministry, Wendy's Wonderful Kids, and the Meet Me Halfway Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Pumpkin Decorations: Val Bairnsfather

2.) NORTHEAST OHIO THANKSGIVING

The Northeast Ohio Thanksgiving will take place in Cleveland:

Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, from 12:30-3:00 pm
Antioch Baptist Church, 8869 Cedar Ave., Cleveland OH 44016

Lead Facilitator: Zelma Brown
Sponsors include: Cuyahoga County Children Services, National Council of Jewish Woman: Cleveland Section, Antioch Baptist Church, Adoption Network Cleveland, and Village Network

3.) CENTRAL/SOUTHEAST OHIO THANKSGIVING

The Central/Southeast Ohio Thanksgiving will take place in Columbus:

Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011, from 1-3:00 pm
Capital University - Harry C. Moores Campus Center, 745 Pleasant Ridge Ave., Bexley OH 43209

Lead Facilitator: Bethany Koshinsky
Sponsors include: Capital University President Bowman's Office, Village Network and Capital University student organizations and Campus Ministries, and the Koshinsky family

FINAL NOTE OF THANKS:

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America wants to express our appreciation, once more to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, for their generous donation towards the cost of all three FCAA Ohio Thanksgiving Events.

2011 Career and Entrepreneurship Event for Foster Care Youth and Alumni

2011-10-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America was one of the primary sponsors of the 2011 Career and Entrepreneurship Event for Foster Care Youth and Alumni.

Lisa Dickson, FCAA Ohio Communications Chair, was the Lead Facilitator of the Planning Committee for this worthwhile event. It was her honor and privilege to work with fellow committee members, including:

Sandra Holt, ODJFS Office of Families and Children
Vanita Nevis, ODD Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division
Doris Edelmann, Ohio Youth Advisory Board
Kris Ross, Lorain County Children Services
Penny Wyman, OACCA
Melissa Lindsay, Ohio Poverty Law Center
Jen Foster, Village Network ~ Columbus
And, of course.... our amazing author and keynote speaker Rhonda Sciortino

The event included:

A Resume Clinic , staffed by representatives from COWIC, Columbus/Franklin County One-Stop, and the New Directions Career Center.

Workshops provided by the Building Trades Institute, Capital Law School Small Business Clinic, Central Ohio Minority Business Association, CSCC Center for Workforce Development, CSCC Culinary Apprenticeship Program, JOG Our Way, Ohio Means Jobs, PNC Bank (Money Management Workshop), and the Bridges Out of Poverty: Getting Ahead Program.

Suits for Success, freely available to participating youth...

At the end of the day, our most valuable feedback came -- of course -- from the youth themselves...

Rhonda Sciortino's Keynote ~ Quotes from Youth Evaluations:

“It was wonderful. I am SO glad she was able to come. It gave me a lot of insight, not only into my situation, but how to live my life.”

“I liked that Rhonda encouraged us – we need more of that”

“It was nice to be able to meet someone that was a foster child in the past, and that has a wonderful life.”

“This session was really helpful and inspirational to me cause it gave a lot more hope for my future and it showed me that you can do whatever you want, if you have the passion for it and put your mind into it.”

“Mrs. Sciortino taught me that no matter what anyone says to try and put me down and say that I can’t do it, that I’m the ONLY ONE who can change my life and succeed in my life.”

"Was really interested in what Rhonda was saying – it gave me hope that I could become something in life. LOVED IT”

One young person just wrote, on the evaluation form regarding Rhonda's presentation: "Thank you."

Overall Event ~ Quotes from Youth Evaluations:

“Worth the trip, thoroughly enjoyed it”

“It was wonderful. I really enjoyed it. I hope we can do it again, soon.”

“I loved it. This conference ROCKS! I hope we have another”

“I thought that it was all very helpful! And I think that all the information I got today will help me down the line.”

“Anything they said was helpful, if you just apply it to your life. A quote that always went through my head: ‘How to you live when you’re ruled by your past? But how do you forget a past that made you?”

“I enjoyed it, and it will help me in the future.”

“The event was a success in terms of the people I connected with.”

“The whole event was very professional, and organized by the way that everything was set up and put together, and I believe everyone who decided to have this event for us are really caring people who really cares about the youth and where they end up, and who they become. Thank you very much for inviting me.”

“I have really enjoyed the whole entire time I’ve been here. I appreciate every single person who taught me things that I didn’t know were possible”

“I’m glad I came today, because I learned a lot of stuff that will help me with a successful future.”

“I am really glad that I got to come up to Columbus; I am leaving with lots of new facts than when I came. I really think that all students need to do what I did today.”

“I really enjoyed it, even though I had to get up really early. I liked it.”

“I really enjoyed myself and really changed my perspective on jobs, life and success. Loved it!!!”

ODJFS Director Michael Colbert: Champion of Ohio Foster Youth Transitioning Into Adulthood

2011-10-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Ohio Youth Advisory Board and Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America deeply appreciate the thoroughness with which ODJFS Director Michael Colbert has followed up on concerns expressed by Ohio foster care youth regarding challenges faced during the time when they transition into adulthood.

Please visit the following links to read:

Adrian McLemore in Associated Press article

2011-06-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

This Father's Day, an article about our very own Adrian McLemore, first President and founding member of the "Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio" statewide youth advisory board, and current Media Spokesperson of Foster Care Alumni of America's Ohio chapter, is being shared throughout the country.

Authored by Associated Press journalist Helen O'Neill, this article focuses on Adrian's role as uncle/kinship caregiver for his niece and nephew.

Resources for Ohio youth "aging out" of foster care

2011-06-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

Employment

Foster care youth are 100% eligible for WIA funds.
Contact your local WIA Board.

Food

Go with the young person to apply for food stamps, or accompany him or her to the nearest Food Bank.
Here's a list of Food Banks in Ohio.

GED

Job Corps is a great way to complete a high school education, and even provides housing!
Ohio has three Jobs Corps Centers.

Healthcare

Foster care youth who "age out" of the system can receive Medicaid until age 21.
Navigating the adult Medicaid system can be challenging.
Don't assume that the staff at the Medicaid office will be aware of this program -- bring a copy of the flyer.

Higher Ed

Ohio Reach is a statewide initiative to increase the number of foster care youth who enroll in and graduate from college.
A good place to start in choosing a college is to look over the list of Ohio Reach Campus Liaisons.

Housing

The Family Unification Program provides housing vouchers for which foster care alumni are eligible.
Find out if your county has applied for FUPS - and how to make this happen.

Legal Assistance

Are you a current or former foster youth between ages 16-25?

Do you need help with:

Understanding legal papers?
Getting healthcare, public benefits, housing or insurance?
Applying to college? Deleting criminal records?
Finding your social security card, birth certificate, or other personal documents?
Speaking up for yourself in court, at school or in the community?

Contact the Foster Youth Advocacy Center: (614) 236-6768, fyac@law.capital.edu

Literacy

Have you contacted your local library and/or Literacy Council?
The Ohio Literacy Network offers a free online membership.

Mental Health

Each Ohio county has a Mental Health Board, and it's up to us to advocate for specific services for transitioning foster care youth.
It's important to be aware that former foster youth suffer from PTSD at a rate twice that of Vietnam war veterans.

Parenting

The Ohio Parent Information Network provides free information and support, and the State Library of Ohio has compiled this list of additional resources.
Foster Care Alumni of America recently published a book, FLUX, which includes a chapter on parenting after foster care.

Phone Bills

Lifeline, Link Up, and Toll Limitation Service (TLS) help keep Americans connected by making basic, local telephone service more affordable for more than 7 million Americans.

Self Advocacy

Mission Transition is a free online resource.
Another free online source is the Foster Youth Rights Handbook created by the Ohio YAB.

Social Security

Emancipating foster care youth with disabilities can submit SSI applications up to 90 days before federal foster care payments are supposed to end.
Remind the staff member that this is an exception to the general rule regarding this process.

Radio interview with ODJFS Director Michael Colbert and Adrian McLemore

2011-06-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

ODJFS Director Michael Colbert and Adrian McLemore were recently interviewed by Mary Kuhlman of Public News Service, Ohio.

Key quotes:

ODJFS Director Colbert points out that today's foster teens are Ohio's future citizens and leaders, and that by supporting them now, they won't need other types of support in the future.

"What you don't want is young people to leave our system and come back, right back in another system. You want them to leave our system and go on to become productive citizens in life."

The director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Michael Colbert, has met with many of Ohio's foster youth, and says he is impressed with their resilience. He adds that it's crucial to prioritize support for their future success.

"These are very good young people. They've had some tough times and, by giving them a small bridge to help them better themselves in life, we are making Ohio as a whole better, and this goes a long way for such a little investment."

Appreciation for ODJFS Director Michael Colbert

2011-06-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

ODJFS Director Michael Colbert,

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America would like to thank ODJFS for advocating for the $2 million/year designation of TANF funds in HB 153 to support the restoration of the foster care Independent Living Initiative. We offer our thanks on behalf of the Ohio Youth Advisory Board as well.

Please let us know if there is any work that we can do to support your efforts. We are more than willing to advocate for funding.

Ohio foster care youth and alumni were deeply involved in advocating for this allocation in 2009:

Adrian McLemore reminded the Ohio Senate that we foster care youth look to the government to be our parent.

Sarah Callihan explained in detail how independent living funds had helped her to successfully transition from foster care to adulthood.

Lisa Dickson quoted national research indicating that “Every $1 invested in continued foster care supports and services results in a return of $2.40."

Foster care youth visited 24 legislators offices to remind them of the wisdom of investing in transitional youth who are “Ready to Launch” into adulthood.

Testimony by Ohio foster care youth was quoted in the 2009 Hannah Reports:

Public testimony before Human Services Subcommittee

Public testimony before the Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee

Please keep us posted and let us know if there is anything we can do to support your work,

Once again, thank you – the words themselves seem insufficient in comparison with our gratitude.

Sincerely,

Lisa Dickson
Communications Chair
Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter
www.fcaa-oh.org

YWCA Greater Cleveland Offers Supportive Housing for Former Foster Youth

2011-06-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Independence Place Serves as a Model for Helping Society's Most Vulnerable Young People

CLEVELAND, June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For most teenagers, turning 18 represents the milestone of "coming of age." For teens in foster care, that birthday also brings a less hopeful term: "aging out." At 18, most of these young adults are no longer eligible for the support they were able to rely on as children. Often, they are left homeless and unable to support themselves and, in some cases, their own small children.

Now, for former foster youth in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, there is an alternative. The YWCA Greater Cleveland has opened Independence Place, a permanent supportive residential facility for young adults 18-24 years old who have aged out of foster care and have nowhere to turn.

"Many of the young adults who transition out of foster care are all alone and, through no fault of their own, find themselves in desperate circumstances," said Margaret Mitchell, YWCA Greater Cleveland president and CEO. Studies show that within four years of emancipation from foster care nearly a quarter of these young adults have been homeless, nearly a quarter have not earned a high school diploma or GED, fewer than half are employed and almost half have experienced significant financial hardships.

Such statistics have driven the YWCA Greater Cleveland to its position at the forefront of providing comprehensive services for this often-overlooked population. In 2008, the organization established a program called NIA (Nurturing Independence & Aspirations) for young women, ages 14-24, who are involved in or have transitioned from the foster care system. NIA provides encouragement and support to approximately 100 participants each year.

The recently opened Independence Place is among only a handful of programs in the country offering permanent supportive housing to these young adults as they work toward self-sufficiency. Each of the 23 fully furnished apartments includes a kitchenette, private full bath, air conditioning and a large closet. The facility also offers a community room, laundry room and a playroom for children. Through the NIA program, residents have access to supportive services including classes that teach GED preparation, parenting skills, job readiness and independent living skills.

"Independence Place is a place of promise and hope," Mitchell said. "We believe this innovative model of residential support will be one that is replicated across the country."

CONTACT: Dawn Hanson, 216.229.5220, dawnhanson@thefairmountgroup.com

2011 Wendy's Wonderful Kids Summit ~ Youth Panel

2011-05-19T13:32:00.001-07:00

The 2011 Wendy's Wonderful Kids Summit took place at the Hilton at Easton.

Attendees included adoption recruiters and their supervisors from all 50 states and Canada - 250 adoption professionals who work to find families for children in United States foster care. Many work with older youth.

Lisa Dickson, of the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America, moderated a 3-panel youth panel presentation, made up of members of the Montgomery County VISION Board and the Ohio Youth Advisory board.

Panel members Tyniesha ("Tiny") Lanos, Brianna Christian and Adrian McLemore did a wonderful job!

2011 life changing power of adoption

View more presentations from Lisa Dickson

Photos from FCAA Ohio Family Cook Out

2011-05-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption for sponsoring this event.

FCAA Ohio Family Cookout: May 7th

2011-04-30T11:59:00.001-07:00

FCAA Family Cookout ~ Because We ARE Family

Date/Time: Saturday, May 7 · 11:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Sharon Woods Metro Park, 6911 South Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH

PURPOSE OF EVENT: We work so hard to make a difference. We make sacrifices that other people might not even know about.

That's why this event is designed for us to get together and relax. Get real. Talk about what we've learned in our relationships (dating, marriage, parenthood). Encourage one another - and be flat-out silly together.

DETAILS: All you have to bring is yourselves -- but hey, if you wanna make this a potluck, feel free to bring some extra food :)

And definitely, you are welcome to bring your children and spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend. Please, please do so!! These are the families that we have created for ourselves.

There will be fun activities for children... it's probably too soon for water balloons, but you never know with Ohio weather!!

Cieria Rodriguez-Toney, 2011 FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader

2011-04-30T11:56:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Cieria Rodriguez-Toney for being chosen by FosterClub

to be recognized as a 2011 Outstanding Young Leader.

Prior to being elected as the Ohio YAB's first female President, Cieria served as Vice President for two years.

Cieria has participated in youth panels for several organizations, including Capital Law School's National Center for Adoption Law and Policy and the 2011 Northeast Ohio Independent Living Summit. She was invited by the Ohio Supreme Court to present during a 2010 Judicial Teleconference on Youth Voice in Court.

Throughout the state, Cieria continues to support the efforts of county youth advisory boards, including:

Co-presenting a workshop for Lorain County foster youth on how to build and maintain foster care youth/alumni communities
Co-presenting a workshop for Stark County youth on navigating relationships with biological parents

During her time in foster care, Cieria felt disconnected from her Hispanic heritage. As a young adult, Cieria is currently advocating for opportunities for Ohio foster care youth to reconnect with their culture during their time in foster care. Particularly, she would like to see the Columbus International Festival offer a youth track, at cost to the public but free of charge to foster youth.

Because of her passion to make a difference, Cieria recently helped facilitate the 2011 Hispanic Leadership Conference.

Cieria is an articulate advocate, skilled at diplomacy and very reliable. She exemplifies the type of vision and determination that young people need to succeed. And... she is also a wonderful mother:

2011 FosterClub All-Star, Dauntea Sledge

2011-04-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

Dauntea Sledge is a former Franklin County foster youth who currently serves as President of the Franklin County Youth Advisory Board, and Media Spokesperson of the Ohio Youth Advisory Board. He is an active member of the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America.

Dauntea's volunteer experience includes the following:

Bridges Out of Poverty Steering Committee
Youth Violence Prevention Board
Franklin County Citizen Corps Counsel
Salesian Boys and Girls Club
Americorps VISTA

After attending the Bridges Out of Poverty and Getting Ahead programs as a participant, Dauntea now assists facilitators in leading workshops that support the Bridges Out of Poverty Initiative.

During his time with the Salesians Boys and Girls Club, Dauntea was the runner-up for "Youth of the Year" and received the "Turned Around Teen of the Year" award.

Dauntea spent a year volunteering for Americorps Vista, working for Community Properties of Ohio, working with people in poverty and broken homes.

Recent activities that Dauntea has been involved in include:

Participating in an FCAA/FosterClub Focus Group to investigate launching an Americorps pilot targeted specifically for foster care youth
Presenting as part of a Youth Panel during the 2010 Ohio CASA Conference
Co-presenting workshops for youth during the 2010 Northeast Ohio Independent Living Summit
Sharing the importance of "Youth Voice In Court" during a 2010 Judicial Teleconference hosted by the Ohio Supreme Court

After presenting during the 2010 Judicial Teleconference on Youth Voice in Court, Dauntea was asked to write an article for Common Ground, a publication of the Ohio Supreme Court that goes out to each of Ohio's 88 judicial districts. The decision was made that, from now on, there will be a Youth Corner in the Common Ground Publication.

During his time in foster care, Dauntea was able to stay in touch with his younger brother Antonio, in order to support and encourage him, and make sure he is aware of resources to assist in navigating both foster care and young adulthood.

Dauntea and Antonio currently volunteer to co-facilitate monthly activities for Village Network Columbus in order to help to prepare foster youth for adulthood, and encourage them to support one another as peers.

Additional investments that Dauntea makes with his time include:

Supporting the goals of National Center for Adoption Law and Policy to starting a free legal clinic for current and former foster youth
Supporting ODJFS in improving the quality of caseworker visits
Supporting Ohio CASA in their desire to include the voices of current and former foster youth on Citizen Review Panels.
Being a wonderful father to his two children:

2011 Wendy's Wonderful Kids Summit

2011-04-08T14:11:00.001-07:00

2011 life changing power of adoption

View more presentations from Lisa Dickson

Village Network Columbus

2011-03-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

Please note that all the yummy treats you see are made by Kayla Linderwell!

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America is meeting with approximately 30-40 Village Network Columbus foster care youth once a month in order to help them prepare for the transition to adulthood.

Check out the photographs of foster care alumni who are serving as activity facilitators below (youth not pictured for confidentiality reasons).

In January, we led Advocacy Training to let them know: “Together We Can Make a Difference."

Co-facilitators: Lamar, Kayla, Antonio and Dauntea

Our February meeting took place on Valentines Day:

Co-facilitators: Antonio, Dan, Lisa, Mark and Dauntea

In February, we hosted a Higher Education Scavenger Hunt for approximately 35 youth, mostly male.

Co-facilitators: Mark Anthony Garrett and Dan

In March and April, youth worked in teams on Four Financial Challenges.

Co-facilitators: Dauntea, Dan, Lisa, Kyle and Lamar

While the youth were trying to Juggle Expenses (literally), Bethany Workman and Dauntea Sledge met separately with Village Network foster parents to encourage them to have conversations about finances with the foster youth in their home.

Co-facilitators: Bethany Workman and Dauntea Sledge

Our April theme was: Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket!

Co-facilitators: Dan, Antonio, Lisa, Bethany, Kayla, Dauntea and Sean Patterson

In May, we facilitated hands-on cooking exercises:

Co-facilitator: Valencia Dove

VISION in Dayton leads to campus housing

2011-02-27T07:48:00.001-08:00

Kudos to the VISION Youth Advisory Board for their advocacy efforts to provide campus housing during breaks for former foster youth attending Wright State University!!

Quote from Adrian McLemore, posted on Wright State's website

and featured in Sunday Dayton Daily News today:

"When I aged out of the foster system, I moved straight to Wright State. Being a former foster child, I had nowhere to go during breaks. See, we're not allowed to go back to where we were. Dan Bertsos and others at Wright State helped me to be sure I always had someplace to stay. They saw things in me that I couldn't see. I've learned a lot about myself and have become a leader, helping other foster kids find their way to college and to break the cycle of foster care."

—Adrian McLemore, Political Science major

Spotlight on FCAA Ohio Member: Danny Taylor

2011-01-08T16:29:00.001-08:00

Danny Taylor has a long history of involvement in foster care advocacy, including his involvement in Cuyahoga County’s Teen Advisory Group (TAGyc) and Ohio’s statewide foster care youth advisory board (Ohio YAB).

Danny's strongest skills are creativity and communication. Danny could walk into a room of strangers, and make every person in that room feel at ease. He has the ability to connect with and communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds.

During the time that Danny served as Media Spokesperson for Ohio’s statewide youth advisory board, he was asked to figure out a way to share his communications skills with other youth. Danny responded by creating this diagram:

Danny’s diagram, the Taylor Model, has been shared on a statewide level, and proved to be helpful in facilitating positive communication between youth and social workers, youth and foster parents, and during roundtable meetings discussing permanency/independent living.

As Danny explains it, “When I come to the table, I don’t expect to do all the talking. I’m willing to listen, too. And I will respect the role and responsibilities that you have. But I’d like to have at least one-third of the say at the table – because your decisions directly impact my life and my future.”

Similarly, during Ohio’s NE Thanksgiving dinner for teens in foster care and emancipated youth, Danny shared a poem he had written about what holidays are like for youth after emancipating from foster care. His words resonated with attendees:

Chew on this... you look left and right and see empty chairs
You talk about fun times over the year but silence only fills the air
You slouch down in your chair and no one scolds you and makes you sit up
A plate hits the floor and no one tell you to get up

I know. Hard to imagine, yet crazy as it seems
This is reality for some, at times even myself
To lie to myself and say all I need is me
No dinner on the table... just another day I'm thankful for being able to see more misery

Grateful for feeling unwanted and not feeling a part of the family
Knowing and having it shoved in my face like the dressing
Stuffed like a turkey of thoughts so depressing
It shouldn't be like this!

Why is it like this?
Why can't I connect with you? Why can't you connect with me? Why is it like this?
How come my yams aren't so sweet?

In addition to capturing the struggle of holidays spent without a forever family, Danny’s poem also spoke of humor, hope, and resilience:

Who said anything about misery?
I'm all smiles and giggles, come look at me
Looky! Looky! I got collard greens
And never had zucchini bread until I had some from the wonderful lady
Every time I take a bite, I savor the flavor and think how much better it tastes around everyone….

These stanzas capture the heart of Danny’s upbeat personality. Throughout every challenge I have seen him face as an emancipated foster youth, including having his wisdom teeth come in when he lacked medical insurance, Danny has displayed perseverance and a positive attitude. I am proud to know him, and to be able to stand side-by-side in our efforts towards foster care advocacy and building up the community of current and former foster youth here in Ohio.

Winter 2010 Ohio YAB Update

2010-12-29T08:34:00.001-08:00

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America is privileged to serve, side-by-side with Doris Edelmann of Montgomery County Children Services, as primary adult facilitator of the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio statewide foster care youth advisory board.

Recent Ohio YAB Events

July 28, Foster Care Panel for Capital Law School
Aug. 4, Adoptee Panel for Capital Law School
Aug 31, Lorain County YAB Training
Sept. 10, Workshop for NILA Conference
Sept. 24, Judicial Teleconference on Youth Voice in Court
Oct. 2, 2010 CASA Conference Youth Panel
Dec. 6, Disproportionality Symposium

2011 Ohio YAB Officers
President Cieria Rodriguez-Toney, Lorain
Media Spokesperson Dauntea Sledge, Franklin
Treasurer Traci Justice, Athens
Secretary Cheslie Akers, Miami
Parliamentarian Roneshia Finney, Montgomery
*Elections for Vice President will be held in January.

2011 Ohio YAB Meeting Dates
Jan. 20 at Lifeway for Youth, 3800 Lacon Drive
April 21 at ODJFS Air Center, 4020 E. Fifth Ave.
July 21, location TBA
Oct. 20, at ODJFS Air Center, 4020 E. Fifth Ave.

Ohio YAB Officers Retreat
Many thanks to the Dave Thomas Foundation for sponsoring the 2011 Ohio YAB Officers Retreat and the cost of food and beverages for youth during Ohio YAB Quarterly Meetings.

Spotlight on FCAA Ohio Members: Antonio Frierson

2010-12-29T08:10:00.000-08:00

From the time that I have met Antonio (“Tone”) Frierson, I have found him to be steadfast, reliable and sincere. Tone is dedicated to the people he loves and the causes to which he has dedicated his heart. His deepest desire is to increase the amount of resources available for the Ohio’s 1,300 youth who “age out” of foster care each year.

I first met Antonio in 2008, at a teen event in Cleveland for teens in foster care. He and his fellow members of TAGyc, Cuyahoga County Children Services teen advisory group/youth council, were presenting an Orientation to Emancipation. One of the first things I noticed was the passion, energy and creativity of the activities, and Tone’s infectious sense of humor.

Our paths continued to cross during Teen Fairs for foster youth, annual FCAA Ohio Thanksgiving dinners for young people in and from foster care, and statewide Independent Living Summits. I watched Tone reaching out to younger foster care youth, and encouraging them to make good choices. I witnessed him advocating for better resources for young people transitioning from foster care to adulthood, particularly regarding housing.

As I grew to know Antonio better, I saw glimpses of his serious side. I heard him speak from the heart at events for foster youth. I saw his desire to constantly grow and learn new things. I witnessed his heartfelt appreciation and acknowledgement of every person who built into his life, including and especially Cuyahoga County caseworker, Seanine Cook.

This fall, as I listened to Antonio participate on a radio interview by Public News Service, I continued to be impressed by his positive attitude and vision for the future. Having benefitted from Seanine Cook’s role as a mentor in his life, Tone now wants to be a role model to foster youth, and to increase the circle of support available in each youth’s life.

I believe that Tone has the capacity to ignite a spark of passion and energy in every person he touches.

(But I'm still not sure why Tone looks like he is in heaven in this picture :)

2nd Annual Filling Family Portraits: Adoption Advocacy Event

2010-12-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

Who: Adoption advocates, adoptive families, adoptees

When: Tuesday, November 30th, 2010, from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Where: The Ohio Statehouse, Atrium Room, 77 S. High St. Columbus OH 43215
Partners Included: OACCA, PCSAO, Ohio Adoption Planning Group, Adoption Network Cleveland, OFCA, Ohio CASA, ODJFS, Children's Defense Fund, National Center for Adoption Law and Policy, IHS, and Voices for Ohio's Children.

Speakers:

· Rev. Johannes J. Christian

· Amanda Dunlap, Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter

· State Senator Jon Husted

· State Representative Linda Bolon

· Michael and Michelle Morris, Adoptive Family

· Cindy Deal, Northeast Ohio Adoption Services

· Nikaeda Griffie, Summit County Children Services

· Rita Sorenen, Dave Thomas Foundation

Did You Know?
Over 3,000 Ohio children are waiting to find permanent families.

See photos from last year's Filling Family Portraits event...

Danny Taylor's Thanksgiving Poem (shared during NE Ohio Thanksgiving dinner)

2010-11-24T06:11:00.000-08:00

Food for Thought by Danny Taylor, 11/20/10

Chew on this... you look left and right and see empty chairs
You talk about fun times over the year but silence only fills the air
You slouch down in your chair and no one scolds you and makes you sit up
A plate hits the floor and no one tell you to get up

I know. Hard to imagine, yet crazy as it seems
This is reality for some, at times even myself
To lie to myself and say all I need is myself
No dinner on the table... just another day I'm thankful for being able to see more misery

Grateful for feeling unwanted and not feeling a part of the family
Knowing and having it shoved in my face like the dressing
Stuffed like a turkey of thoughts so depressing
It shouldn't be like this!

Why is it like this?
Why can't I connect with you? Why can't you connect with me? Why is it like this?
How come my yams aren't so sweet?
The circumstances have delivered to me a plate of haha and playing in the street
Inside it's a little pink, outside it's barely brown
Yet it feels right knowing it's wrong but I just ignore how it sound

The fact is my heart isn't on this empty plate and fork
So naturally, of course,
I just lay my face on the napkin and fill it with tears
Those tears are shaped like the things I wish I had here

I know no one, and you treat me as the closet outcast
I wonder if I will outlast
Another year like this one here
And then it becomes clear

As I awake from my sleep, realizing I'm drifting on my past
Surely it didn't last
Surely this shouldn't happen to anyone; but it does
What can I do to change that?

I ask myself every day how can I build on this castle?
I want my brothers and sisters to have it better than me
Come forth, let your plate be stacked
Run around laughing, like you don't know how to act

Who said anything about misery?
I'm all smiles and giggles, come look at me
Looky! Looky! I got collard greens
And never had zucchini bread until I had some from the wonderful lady

Every time I take a bite, I savor the flavor and think how much better it taste around everyeone
Everything is better when you can do it with the people you cherish
No one wants to be left out, so why do we feel clothes and shelter make a home?
Why don't we think about those who spend Thanksgiving feeling alone?

Those who long to be wanted and loved
Thanksgiving is about more than turkey and cornbread, it's about cherishing those you love
Family is taken for granted until they're gone
A person can have three people in their circle, but yet fill up a church when they croak

In a time where peace of mind has a price limit
But peace and love have no bounds or limits
We may not be able to give a dollar, but at least give a care
And thank about what you would do if you had no one to share

Simply because you was the only one sitting at that empty table
Trying to be thankful in your heart but unable
And we so quick to say, it can always be worse - yeah, true, but it can always be better
So does that make me selfish because I want more and to have better

All right, the next time you have a Thanksgiving and struggle with a prayer for the cross
Think about all those chairs and plates being bare...
Now that, my friend, is Food for Thought.

~ Danny Taylor

2010 Central Ohio FCAA Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T06:42:00.000-08:00

The Central Ohio FCAA Thanksgiving was made possible by:

Many thanks goes to Ohio CASA for assistance with decorations, NYAP, and several individuals who volunteered their time and/or financial assistance.

2010 Northeast Ohio FCAA Thanksgiving

2010-11-21T05:36:00.001-08:00

The Northeast Ohio FCAA Thanksgiving was made possible by:

State Senator Shirley Smith, Judge Michael J. Ryan, and Judge Patrician Ann Blackmon were in attendance.

Many thanks goes to Zelma Brown, Joe Jackson and Adoption Network Cleveland.

2010 Southwest Ohio FCAA Thanksgiving

2010-11-15T09:48:00.001-08:00

The Southwest Ohio FCAA Thanksgiving was made possible by:

Decorations were donated by Kroger, and the beautiful table arrangements made possible by Val Bairnsfather.

Channel 12 and Fox News stopped by to capture some of the excitement.

2010 NE Ohio Independent Living Summit

2010-10-31T05:41:00.001-07:00

The 2010 Northeast Ohio Independent Living Summit, sponsored by Stark County Children Services, took place on Friday, October 29, 2010, from 9:00 am-4:00 pm at First Christian Church, 6900 Market Avenue North, Canton, OH, 44721.

This event was dedicated to “Supporting Success for Youth Transitioning From Foster Care.”

Supporting Organizations included: Stark County Children Services, OACCA, Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter, Adoption Network Cleveland, Community Care Network, Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services, Family and Community Services of Portage County, Institute for Human Services, Lorain County Children Services, Lowery Training Associates, Lucas County Children Services, Mahoning County Children Services, Montgomery County Department of Job and Familiy Services, Pressley Ridge, Starr Commonwealth, and Voices for Ohio’s Children.

Special 2010 PCSAO Volunteer Recognitions

2010-10-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

Left to right: Lisa Dickson and Paula Kyle, both foster care alumni

Over the years, Lisa Dickson has been such a wonderful and fresh force in the world of child welfare. Her tireless energy and willingness to promote the cause of better policy, practice and supports for our foster children an youth has been unparalleled. Lisa has particularly invested in supporting our youth in their higher educational pursuits, facilitating the Ohio Reach activities.

In her role as FCAA-OH Communications Chair, Lisa actively spreads the word that there are other foster alums, and welcomes participation by all – in fact she is coordinating three Thanksgiving Dinners this year, to be held regionally so more youth and adults can attend and enjoy. And of course Lisa has provided much insight to professionals about the trauma of foster care, and how to tap into the resiliency and potential of our youth.

Finally, many youth have felt personal value, worth and confidence due to Lisa’s personal interaction with them, and it has allowed them to do things they might not have had the courage to do without your support.

Paula Kyle first contacted PCSAO to review a manuscript she was in the process of getting published – sounded like Hollywood activities. On the Edge of Unthinkable is an engrossing page turner about the author’s experience in foster care.

And the perspective was a surprise – it was not a heartbreaker over the tragedy of the child welfare experience, but an inspiration through the light shown on those child welfare professionals and a loving foster family who made the difference in this person’s life.

Many of you will remember Judith Goodhand, who started as a child welfare worker in Knox County, spent time at Lucas Children Services, was later the Director at the Cuyahoga County agency, before serving as a national consultant with the Annie E. Casey Foundation – she is featured fondly in this story.

Thanks to Paula Kyle, many child welfare professionals realize the value of their work, and the importance of excellence and dedication to see that every child and youth we touch has permanent and sustaining connections. Paula has since become a speaker in great demand, her book has had multiple printings, and it has been drafted as a screenplay. I guess it may be Hollywood time after all!

2010 FCAA Ohio Thanksgiving(s)

2010-10-13T19:11:00.001-07:00

Every year, Foster Care Alumni of America's Ohio chapter holds a Thanksgiving event for foster care youth, alumni, adult supporters and ally organizations.

This November, we are holding THREE Thanksgiving events:

To overcome transportation barriers, so that more foster care youth/alumni can attend
To continue building up regional networks to Connect & Transform
To truly hold a statewide celebration that reaches as many foster care youth and alumni as possible

1.) SOUTHWEST OHIO THANKSGIVING

The Southwest Ohio Thanksgiving will take place in Cincinnati:

Sunday, November 14, 2010, from noon - 3 pm
The Phoenix, 812 Race Street, Cincinnati OH 45202

Lead Facilitator: Amy Roberts
Sponsors include: Cincinnati Works, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Bob Mecum of Lighthouse Youth Services and Richter & Phillips Jewelers

2.) NORTHEAST OHIO THANKSGIVING

The Northeast Ohio Thanksgiving will take place in Cleveland:

Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010, from 1-3 pm
Antioch Baptist Church, 8869 Cedar Ave., Cleveland OH 44016

Lead Facilitator: Zelma Brown
Sponsors include: Cuyahoga County Children Services, Village Network

3.) CENTRAL/SOUTHEAST OHIO THANKSGIVING

The Central/Southeast Ohio Thanksgiving will take place in Columbus:

Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, from 1-5:30 pm
Schneider Multi-purpose Room, 1 College & Main, Capital University, Bexley OH

Lead Facilitator: Gabriel Koshinsky
Sponsors include: Capital University ROTC: Crusader Battalion, Kappa Sigma Upsilon, Village Network, Starr Commonwealth and Franklin County Children Services.

Please stay tuned for additional details....

2010 FCAA Thanksgiving Sponsors

2010-10-13T19:09:00.002-07:00

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America greatly appreciates the many sponsors who have stepped forward this fall to make ALL THREE Thanksgiving events happen!

Ohio CASA provided decorations for all three Thanksgiving events.

Village Network co-sponsored both the NE and Central Thanksgivings

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption's generosity made the SW Thanksgiving venue possible.

Cincinnati Works continues to take the leadership role in supporting the Cincinnati subchapter of Foster Care Alumni of America, including contributing the SW Thanksgiving event.

Stay tuned for additional information about our fabulous sponsors....

Cleveland Foster Care Alumni and Allies

2010-10-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

Seanine Cook, an Independent Living caseworker with Cuyahoga County Child and Family Services, was recently awarded 2010 Ohio Child Protection Worker of the Year by the Public Children Services Association of Ohio.

Along with two Cuyahoga County foster care alumni, Tone Frierson and Romero Smith, Seanine recently participated in the following radio interview:

Kuhlman, Mary. Entering Adulthood a Lonely Road for Hundreds of Ohio Youth. Public News Service: Ohio, October 11, 2010.

2010 Judicial Teleconference on Youth Voice in Court

2010-09-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

Agenda:

Introduction of Topic and Panel Members
Magistrate shared the history of youth involvement in court and how this plays out in practice
Foster Care Alumni Panel
Questions from the audience

Youth Panel Questions:

Please tell us a little bit about your experience in foster care…
Were you able to attend one/more court hearings? If so was it helpful? Were you prepared ahead of time?
If not, what was it like not knowing what goes on in court? What information about your case did you want the judge/magistrate to know?
How is hearing from youth in person different from hearing from their CASA or caseworker?
What would you tell a judge or magistrate who was on the fence about including youth in hearings?

Additional Questions:

a.) Are all hearings equal, or are some hearings more important than others? (i.e. placement decision/change in case/general review with no change)

b.) Should they make exceptions based upon:

The child’s age?
What a young person wants?
If they think the child/teen isn’t emotionally ready?
If the logistics are inconvenient? (long drive for adult/long wait for child)
Whether or not the court is kid-friendly? (or teen-friendly)

Superintendent Delisle quotes Alex McFarland

2010-09-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Office for Exceptional Children held their annual Special Education Leadership Conference yesterday afternoon and Superintendent Deborah Delisle provided the keynote address.

In her closing, she mentioned that she had come from a meeting with the OFCF Cabinet Council, where she heard from an amazing youth who had previously been in foster care. She proceeded to share Alex McFarland’s story as an example of the difference that one teacher can make in the life of a child, especially one that others may have overlooked or given up on.

Kara Waldron of the Office for Exceptional Children relates:

"Alex’s story was truly an inspiration to our crowd of more than 1,700. We are grateful for the work that he continues to do on behalf of Ohio’s youth. Without Alex McFarland, Adrian McLemore, and their counterparts, we might forget the meaning behind our efforts."

FCAA Ohio Fall Newsletter

2010-07-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

The Fall newsletter of the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America is now available...

(Please click on the box on the far right to view at full-size)

FCAA Ohio included among State Partners for Ohio's Child Protective System

2010-07-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' Office of Families and Children (OFC) has been awarded a federal grant to develop a new model for how the state works with the many stakeholders that support Ohio's child protection system.

Over the next three and a half years, the Office will be working in partnership with the Midwest Child Welfare Implementation Center to design and implement this model. An important part of this work is the formation of an Advisory Committee: Partners for Ohio's Families.

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America is proud to be a part of this committee as a voting member.

Investing in the future of Foster Care Youth Advisory Boards in Ohio

2010-07-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

Future of Ohio Youth Advisory Boards

View more presentations from Lisa Dickson.

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America is proud to volunteer as primary adult facilitator of the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio statewide foster care youth advisory board.
We greatly appreciate the support that ODJFS, PCSAO, OHILA, OACCA, OCWTP, county children services agencies and the Supreme Court of Ohio have provided, and continue to provide Ohio foster care youth.
Recently, Adrian McLemore wrote an article titled: "Honoring Our Beginnings," in which he expressed gratitude and appreciation on behalf of Ohio's foster care youth for the support that the Ohio YAB has received since its inception.
Now, more than ever, with tight budgets and limited resources, Ohio's emancipating foster care youth NEED support, empowerment and preparation!

Upcoming Opportunities for Foster Care Youth and Alumni Involvement

2010-07-08T11:52:00.000-07:00

YOUTH/ALUMNI PANEL

• July 28, Foster care panel for Capital Law School ICWI in Columbus
• Aug. 4, Adoptee panel for Capital Law School ICWI in Columbus

FALL CONFERENCES

• Aug. 11, Southwest Independent Living Summit in Cincinnati
• Sept. 24, Judicial College video teleconference in Columbus
• Oct. 2, Youth Panel at Ohio CASA conference in Columbus
• Oct. 29, Northeast Independent Living Summit in Canton

FUTURE STATE ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES

• Ready to Launch: Ohio Gubernatorial Campaigns
• State budget: Promote use of WIA and ODE funds for transitional foster youth
• OACCA compilation of potential ODJFS budget areas that might be at-risk
• OCOG funds (Demos/Policy Matters Ohio)

OHIO BUDGET PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT COMMISSION

• This budget committee is tasked with understanding the magnitude of the budget deficit and to discuss general strategies.
• Some of the committee members will be on the House and Senate budget committee in 2011.
• It’s important that committee members are informed about the importance of funding for foster youth.
• Foster care youth and alumni will need to arrange meetings with individual committee members.

Happy Father's Day, Adrian!

2010-06-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

Uncle takes on role of dad to keep family together
Wynn, Kelli. Dayton Daily News, June 19, 2010.

Adrian McLemore with his niece and nephew Arayiah McLemore, 3 and Tyiaun Jones, 1, play guitar and sing to Tina Turner in their home in Trotwood. McLemore grew up in Montgomery County’s foster care system. In order to prevent his niece and nephew from becoming wards of the county due to a family crisis, McLemore took custody of the children.

TROTWOOD — In December 2009, Montgomery County officials gave Adrian McLemore two options: Take custody of his sister’s two children or let them enter the foster care system until their mother’s life improved.

McLemore knew that one day he might be faced with this decision given his sister’s background, but hoped this day would not come. The Trotwood resident loves his family and considers himself a brother and uncle who would always come to his family’s rescue in a time of need. But being a full-time surrogate father was not a part of his original life plan. Like his mentors said, this would be a great responsibility for a 23-year-old bachelor enrolled in college and managing a video store.

The decision to take custody of 3-year-old Arayiah and 1-year-old Tyiaun was not about what would interrupt McLemore’s life, but rather stopping the beginning of a family trend. “I refuse to let a second generation of the McLemores be in foster care,” he said.

McLemore, now 24, and his two sisters spent most of their childhood in foster care. They entered the system in Georgia as their mother battled alcoholism. The siblings ended up in Georgia after their mother moved them there from Florida following a divorce from their father in 1992.

The McLemore siblings would not be reunited with their father until 1995. Adrian McLemore was about to be put up for adoption when Ernest McLemore, who was serving in the U.S. Air Force, obtained custody and moved his children to Las Vegas. They lived with their father for two years before he announced that he had received an assignment overseas and gave them the option of moving to Ohio to live with their mother again. The children moved back with their mother, a decision that has Adrian and his older sister Britney McLemore, 24, asking themselves today, “what if?”

All three siblings were in and out of Daybreak, an emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youths, from 1999 to 2000.

At one point, Adrian McLemore did not want to return home, so shelter officials called Montgomery County Children Services, who placed him and his sisters in foster care. Britney and Adrian aged out of the system at age 18, and their younger sister, Devanna, was placed in Britney’s custody once Britney turned 21. At the time, Devanna was pregnant with Arayiah, who would have also become a ward of the county had Devanna remained in foster care.

Meanwhile, Ernest McLemore died in 2004 in Georgia at age 40 after suffering from brain cancer. His children were still in foster care.

Even though his time with his children was short, Ernest McLemore was a big influence. Adrian hopes that all the positive things that he learned from his father will help him while his niece and nephew are in his custody.

One of the messages that McLemore said he hopes his actions will send to Arayiah and Tyiaun is that “a man loves his child no matter what” and provides emotional and financial support for his family.

“I am convinced that I made the right decision based on where they are now — as far as development — compared to where they were the day I picked them up,” he said.

“I love them to death. I want to show them that I am here to play, to hug or discipline... Just to be there.”

Although McLemore’s experience in foster care has been mostly positive, he still said he feels “foster care is no system for children.”

He also didn’t like the idea of his niece and nephew potentially being placed in separate foster homes without a familiar face.

“Having a second generation of our family in foster care is unthinkable to me and I wouldn’t allow it,” he said.

Devanna McLemore, 21, was the one who suggested to county officials in 2009 that her brother take custody of her children. She currently has weekly visits with them and her next custody hearing is scheduled for January.

This year, Father’s Day takes on a whole different meaning to Adrian McLemore. He believes his father would be proud of the decision he made. “I could have continued to do what I wanted to do. But instead, I now do what I have to do.”

Athens County Foster Care Walk

2010-06-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hooray for more A.C.T.I.O.N. in Athens! They just had their Second Annual Foster Care Walk...

FCAA Volunteer of the Year Award

2010-05-12T15:17:00.001-07:00

Foster Care Alumni of America honors Lisa Dickson

Aurand, Lisa. ThisWeek, May 12, 2010.

When Lisa Dickson "aged out" of foster care at 16, she had a myriad of people who became her advocates.

The list included the English teacher who wrote a "rousing" recommendation for her college acceptance, the University of Kentucky admissions counselor who marched her over to financial aid and said, "This girl needs grants," the residents of the Methodist dormitory who became her "family" when she moved in after a year of homelessness.

Now Lisa is fighting for other foster care alumni to have the same chances at success she did.

"The people who were there for me are what motivate me," Dickson said. "All the things that I do now are because of them."

Dickson was named one of four Foster Care Alumni of America Volunteers of the Year in this, the awards' first year. She was a founding member of the group, and is the communications chair for its Ohio Chapter.

She was in foster care in Kentucky from ages 12 to 16 after her mother died, and was able to start classes at the University of Kentucky at age 16.

By 17, Dickson was homeless, but still attending college. It wasn't until she was 18 that she began living in the Methodist dormitory. She tried five different majors and was in college for 10 years, finishing by earning a master's degree in library science.

She was offered a job in Columbus in 1999, met and married her husband, Nathan Dickson, in 2000. They moved to Westerville in 2001, where they live with his two daughters, Rachel, 19, and Carly, 17.

Dickson, a Children's Librarian, said she spends about 40 hours a week volunteering for FCAA. The local chapter focuses on assisting the approximately 1,300 Ohio youths who age out of foster care each year.

"The top two things we do are connect and transform," she said.

The group helps foster care alumni connect with other former foster children, wherever they live.

For the past several years, the group has hosted an annual Thanksgiving dinner, an event that began when foster alumni from all over the country met in Washington, D.C., to talk to federal legislators about federal child welfare financial reform.

"We said we were coming home for the holidays," Dickson said.

The "transform" part of the group's mission involves lobbying on behalf of foster children making the transition to life on their own. Dickson was one of several foster care alumni who testified in front of the state legislature last year, asking members not to cut funding for programs that teach older foster care children how to live on their own.

Though the funding was approved by the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate, it was vetoed by Gov. Ted Strickland, Dickson said. But one good thing came out of that news: Dickson and a few of her colleagues were asked to be part of Strickland's Taskforce for Youth and Young Adults in Transition.

The two biggest needs for fosters in transition are housing and health insurance, Dickson said.

"One in four homeless adults is a former foster," she said.

Even those who end up going to college still struggle with housing and finances, she said.

"Most college kids, when they have (financial) trouble, they call mom and dad. But there is no mom and dad to call (for foster children)," Dickson said.

And though the recently passed federal health care bill will eventually mandate insurance for former fosters, that coverage won't take effect until 2014, she said.

Dickson, who recently was engaged as FCAA's volunteer social media coordinator, said she won't stop her quest to help fosters the way others helped her.

"I love the kicking-butt part and trying to make a difference," she said. "(The people who helped me) were there for me and cared for me. I want that for everyone."

Alex McFarland named 2010 FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader

2010-05-11T13:41:00.001-07:00

Alexander McFarland has served as President of Ohio's statewide foster care youth advocacy board (Ohio YAB) for two years. When the Ohio YAB lost its funding and supportive staff, Alex immediately began advocating for alternative funds, and succeeded in attaining a grant for 25K that will support the continued existence of not only the statewide board, but county and regional foster youth advisory boards as well. He has traveled throughout the state of Ohio to help create and develop youth advisory boards.

Alex has served as the Legislative Liaison for the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America for two years. He participated in the 2008 Alumni , the 2009 anniversary of Chafee funding, and presented a workshop at the 2009 NILA Conference. Alex was chosen by Ohio's First Lady to represent the needs of Ohio's foster care youth on Governor Strickland's 2010 .

Alex is known throughout the state for his vision and determination. He testified before Ohio legislators to advocate for the restoration of the state Independent Living Allocation. He arranged for Ohio foster care youth, alumni and allies to visit 24 legislator’s offices in order to promote Ready to Launch, a reminder to Ohio legislators of a front-end investment in transitional youth.

Alex is committed to supporting the national foster care youth/alumni community. During the 2009 NILA conference, he arranged a meeting of representatives from the Colorado, Tennessee and Ohio chapter in order to network and share ideas. He continues to keep in touch with FCAA members in Colorado, in order to be a support to them as they build their chapter.

Finally, Alex is a strong advocate of education reform. He is an active participant in Ohio Reach, a statewide initiative to increase the number of foster care youth who enroll in and graduate from college. In 2009, he participated in the statewide Ohio Reach Summit, including serving on the panel of youth voices. Alex’s words and passion resonated with participants, which included 100 social workers and 100 higher education representatives.

Alex uses his experiences from his entire life, when he was officially in foster care and even before that, as well as all the experiences from the youth he interacts with on a daily basis, to help shape solutions for Ohio’s foster youth. Whether he is on the field in a legislator’s office, at school studying Biology, or working as a Assistant Manager for Jack’s Aquarium and Pets, Alex strives to help the Children, Foster Youth, Former Foster Youth and pets of his community.

Governor's Steering Committee on Transitional Youth and Young Adults

2010-04-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

During 2010, FCAA Ohio officers Alex McLemore, Adrian McLemore, Doris Edelmann and Lisa Dickson participated in the Ohio Family and Children First Youth and Young Adults in Transition Steering Committee.

The committee was convened by Governor Strickland to recommend alignment and consolidation of policies, efforts, and resources and to identify major gaps for this particularly vulnerable and often overlooked population: vulnerable youth and young adults, ages 14-25.

After months of meetings, the committee has released its final report. We were very excited to learn that the Ohio Family and Children First Cabinet Council accepted all of our recommendations.The report may accessed here.

Lisa Dickson and Alex McFarland of Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter agreed to co-chair the implementation committee on Empowering Youth and Families with Tools for Successful Transition.

Save the Date: May 22, 2010

2010-04-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

Message from the Purple Project:

The Purple Project, would like to invite your agency and teens in care, to attend “Finishing The Journey,” Aging Out of Today’s Foster Care System, a youth conference in Cleveland, Ohio May 22, 2010. This is a great opportunity for teens!

Guest Speakers will include Emmy award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels from the pioneer group RUN DMC, County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones, and Philanthropist-Foster Care Alumni and Advocates Tanya Cooper and Tanisha Cunningham.

Please contact the Purple Project at (216) 269-6667, email youth@thepurpleproject.com or visit us atwww.thepurpleproject.com if you have any questions or need assistance registering.

Cincy FCAA Allies in the Faith Community & Child Welfare System

2010-04-01T08:50:00.001-07:00

Youth and Alumni Participate in FCAA Leadership and Advocacy Training in Cincinnati

2010-03-30T07:59:00.001-07:00

Roleplays of Legislator Visits

2010-03-30T07:50:00.001-07:00

Certificate of Completion of FCAA Leadership and Advocacy Training in Cincinnati

2010-03-30T07:39:00.001-07:00

Lisa Dickson and Zelma Brown named 2010 Triad Advocates of the Year

2010-03-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

Adoption Triad Advocate: An individual or group who has made a significant contribution to the adoption or foster care field as demonstrated by a specific accomplishment, project, program or milestone during the year, meeting one of more of the following criteria:

Contributed through exceptional volunteer efforts
Influenced the wider community through their advocacy and outreach efforts
Improved the lives of individual children and teens awaiting adoption
Enhanced the experiences of adoption triad members by providing information, advocacy or other support

We Can Do Better for Ohio's 3,000 Waiting Children

2010-03-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

"I aged out of foster care in 1989 - but it wasn't until over a decade later, in the year 2000, that my picture frame was finally filled." (At this point Lisa held up her wedding photo). "I was 27 years old when I married my husband, and finally became a legal member of a forever family.”

“Our children shouldn't have to wait that long. We can do so much better for the young people in and from foster care today. Every year, over a thousand Ohio youth "age out" of the foster care system without being connected with forever families.”

"When I married my husband, I became a stepmother to his two beautiful daughters. We've been married for ten years now, and I learn more every day about what it's like to love two children who are not biologically my daughters - but whom I love more than anything.”

"As I watch my stepdaughters enter their teenage years, and young adulthood, I know that my husband and I will be there for them no matter what. They won't face the uncertainty that I faced as a child.”

"They will know that they are loved. They will know that they are safe. They will know that they have a place to belong to.”

"If they make a mistake while budgeting in college, they won't be homeless. If the road is difficult, I won't pull over the car, and tell them to get out. They will know that, even during the hard times, my love will still be there.”

"There are more than 3,000 children in Ohio who are waiting for that kind of assurance and certainty today.”

"Right now, at this moment, is an opportunity to fill their picture frames with our love. Our consistency. Our perseverance.”

"We who are here today have the strength to love, and the confidence to let adoptees tell us their story. We can build pictures of the future, and face pictures of the past. We can open our hearts and our homes, and provide FOREVER.”

Lisa Dickson, Communications Chair of Foster Care Alumni of America's Ohio chapter, speaks from the heart at the Nov. 6th Adoption Rally “Filling Family Portraits” on the Statehouse Steps. OACCA Weekly, Nov. 9, 2009.

Resources for Ohio Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

2010-02-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

Employment

Foster care youth are 100% eligible for WIA funds.
Contact your local WIA Board.

Food

Go with the young person to apply for food stamps, or accompany him or her to the nearest Food Bank.
Here's a list of Food Banks in Ohio.

GED

Job Corps is a great way to complete a high school education, and even provides housing!
Ohio has three Jobs Corps Centers.

Healthcare

Foster care youth who "age out" of the system can receive Medicaid until age 21.
Navigating the adult Medicaid system can be challenging.
Don't assume that the staff at the Medicaid office will be aware of this program -- bring a copy of the flyer.

Higher Ed

Ohio Reach is a statewide initiative to increase the number of foster care youth who enroll in and graduate from college.
A good place to start in choosing a college is to look over the list of Ohio Reach Campus Liaisons.

Housing

The Family Unification Program provides housing vouchers for which foster care alumni are eligible.
Find out if your county has applied for FUPS - and how to make this happen.

Legal Assistance

Mission Transition is a free online resource.
Capital University Law School plans to pilot a Foster Youth Legal Clinic (currently under development)
Another free online source is the Foster Youth Rights Handbook created by the Ohio YAB.

Literacy

Have you contacted your local library and/or Literacy Council?
The Ohio Literacy Network offers a free online membership.

Mental Health

Each Ohio county has a Mental Health Board, and it's up to us to advocate for specific services for transitioning foster care youth.
It's important to be aware that former foster youth suffer from PTSD at a rate twice that of Vietnam war veterans.

Parenting

The Ohio Parent Information Network provides free information and support, and the State Library of Ohio has compiled this list of additional resources.
Foster Care Alumni of America recently published a book, FLUX, which includes a chapter on parenting after foster care.

Phone Bills

Lifeline, Link Up, and Toll Limitation Service (TLS) help keep Americans connected by making basic, local telephone service more affordable for more than 7 million Americans.

Social Security

Emancipating foster care youth with disabilities can submit SSI applications up to 90 days before federal foster care payments are supposed to end.
Remind the staff member that this is an exception to the general rule regarding this process.

Spotlight on FCAA Ohio Members: Sarah Callihan

2010-02-16T06:15:00.000-08:00

If you were to ask me to come up with one word to describe Sarah Callihan, that word would be Determination: “Firmness of purpose.”

Sarah is determined to change the outcomes of foster care youth – and she began first by building a successful young adult life of her own.

After “aging out” of foster care, Sarah was the first person in her immediate family to obtain a college degree and go on to graduate school. She earned a 4.0 last quarter. Sarah plans to use her Criminal Justice degree to become both a college professor and victim/youth advocate. She’d like to eventually go to law school and to attain her MSW, as well as becoming a foster/adoptive parent for teens.

Sarah benefited greatly from the independent living courses provided to her before she turned 18 years old. The life skills that she learned helped her to transition smoothly into college life, and be self-reliant when setting up a bank account. When Ohio’s state funding for Independent Living services was in jeopardy, Sarah testifed before the Ohio House of Representatives to advocate for this funding to be reinstated.

One of Sarah’s dreams is to create a safe place in Dayton neighborhoods for community members to go when they are in need of help and safety.

Sarah’s writing has been published by EMK Press in a book for teen adoptees titled, Pieces of Me: What Do I Want to Be, and she is also scheduled to have her writing published in Rhonda Sciortino’s From Foster Care to Anywhere publication sometime this year.

Spotlight on FCAA Ohio Members: Jeremie Brown-Austin

2010-02-16T06:08:00.000-08:00

If you were to ask me to come up with one word to describe Jeremie Brown-Austin, that word would be Potential: The inherent capacity for growth and development.

Jeremie is constantly learning new things, and exploring new opportunities. During the 2007 Teen Resource Fair in Stark County, Jeremie performed a rap song, which led to his being chosen to go to Hawaii and share his musical talent in the making of a CD. During his time in Hawaii, Jeremie participated in a statewide rally, advocating for the needs of foster care youth.

Jeremie is currently an active member of the Stark County Youth Advisory Board. In this role, he has helped train social workers, and spoken at Malone College’s Foster Forum. Jeremie would like to see Ohio and other states implement consistent aftercare provisions that would continue to support emancipated foster care youth after age 18, throughout young adulthood, helping them to succeed in the adult world.

Jeremie’s interests and passions include music, psychology and Theology studies. He can play an impressive game of basketball – in fact, one of Jeremie’s suggestions for mentoring young men in foster care is to participate in sports with youth. He’d also love to see a summer camp for foster care youth, staffed by foster care alumni.

Jeremie is known for his creativity and energy. Wherever Jeremie goes, he brings with him a stabilizing faith and a desire to make a positive difference. Regarding his music, for example, Jeremie wants “to bring foster kids together through my music, and make them feel like part of a family.”

Spotlight on FCAA Ohio Members: Rico Rushin

2010-02-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

If you were to ask me to come up with one word to describe Riccardo (“Rico”) Rushin, that word would be Dedication: “The act of binding yourself to to specific course of action.”

After graduating from high school, and being publicly honored for his achievements (Duer, Benjamin. Area foster youths honored. Canton Repository, June 23, 2009), Rico remains determined to give back. He has returned to his high school, Glen Oak, several times for motivational speaking engagements, as well as Allen Elementary and Alliance Middle School, Walsch College, Malone College and Mount Vernon College.

Currently working toward his degree in social work, Rico has a clear and growing vision of how to improve outcomes for foster care youth, which includes specific guidelines regarding foster parent recruitment and training, mentoring of foster youth and transitional housing.

Rico dreams of one day having enough money to open an apartment complex for emancipating foster care youth. Residents will participate in independent living classes with on-site social workers, including Money Management and Study Habits.

From his experience in foster care, Rico has learned that people and living situations can be transient – which is why he is determined to be the kind of person that others can rely upon.

Rico wants to see youth in foster care paired with at least one mentor that will create a lasting bond, regardless of change in placement – and he wants to be that kind of mentor. He plans to build a family one day and provide structure and stability for his children.

Ohio FosterClub position - Only five days left for youth to apply!!

2010-02-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

Ohio is Sponsoring an Foster Club All-Star this year!

But - the application deadline is FEBRUARY 15th.

The FosterClub All-Star program provides young people age 18-24 with skills to be leaders and advocates.

This year long position includes a summer internship, including 10 weeks in Seaside, Oregon. The 12 young people selected to serve as All-Stars will have the opportunity to travel the nation, speak and train their peers in foster care, and participate in public awareness and policy activities.

Part 1: Application
The All-Star application must be completed online. This application may require up to two hours to complete.

To help youth prepare, FosterClub has provided downloadable Word and PDF versions of the application. They strongly encourage youth to download a practice application, review the questions, and write out practice essay questions, which they can then use to copy into their application.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted, so youth are encouraged take their time in reviewing questions and to allow adequate time to complete the entire application:

These resources are available at: http://allstars.fosterclub.com/article/apply-be-all-star

Part 2: Recommendations:  A youth application is not complete without two recommendations.

The people youth choose to provide a recommendation will be asked to rate their leadership skills and any other qualities that would make them a good candidate to become an All-Star. Recommendations should not be from friends or relatives.

Here's the link for adult recommendations: (Please note that the deadline is in FIVE days!!)
http://www.fosterclub.com/2010-all-star-application-recommendation

For more information about the All-Star program, please contact Lupe Tovar at 503-717-1552 or lupe@fosterclub.com

Wishing Ohio foster care youth the very best this year -- because, as always, they deserve it!

2010-02-09T14:33:00.001-08:00

Ohio Child Abuse By County

2010-02-01T14:46:00.001-08:00

10TV News Coverage of FCAA Ohio Thanksgiving 2009

2010-01-27T06:42:00.000-08:00

Fox News Coverage of FCAA Ohio Thanksgiving 2009

2010-01-27T06:40:00.000-08:00

Lisa Dickson named Volunteer of the Year

2010-01-18T08:07:00.001-08:00

Ohio Foster Care Alumna Named Volunteer of the Year
Foster Care Alumni of America names Lisa Dickson Volunteer of the Year

Washington, DC — The Board of Directors of Foster Care Alumni of America, the only national association for adults who experienced foster care as children, has named Ohio resident, Lisa Dickson, as Volunteer of the Year.

Lisa lived in foster care from ages 12-16, lived in a variety of placements, including group homes and an emergency shelter, and "aged out" of foster care and started college when she was 16 years old. As the Communications Chair for the Ohio Chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA), Lisa has been extremely effective in establishing the chapter and its members as a source of expertise in the state and around the country. Lisa has led efforts to advocate for reinstating state funding for Independent Living services through advocacy visits with members of the state legislature, coordination with other advocates, and numerous opportunities for chapter members to testify before legislative committees.

The chapter has also been involved in Ohio Reach, a statewide effort to increase the recruitment and retention of foster care alumni in high education, and to establish foster care liaisons at Ohio universities, community college and technical schools. Lisa’s commitment to supporting the leadership development of other alumni across the state has led to a very well trained and experienced core membership in the chapter and will serve to make the Ohio chapter sustainable well into the future.

Lisa has led the development of a number of trainings for FCAA including Emotional Resiliency, Purposeful Sharing and Real Life 101 workshops. She is dedicated to teaching professionals to effectively and respectfully engage alumni, to create understanding about how childhood trauma can affect an individual for their entire life, and to support young people and alumni to establish healthy boundaries and expectations in their personal, volunteer and professional relationships.

In addition to her activities at the state level, Lisa is a highly visible and effective national leader. She has a strong presence online as a person who is always willing to ask tough questions about practice and policy in both foster care and adoption. She has provided her technical expertise to numerous other FCAA members as well as the broader child welfare community (leading the establishment of a number of resource websites aimed at people in and from care and the professionals who serve them). Lisa is a gifted trainer and often represents FCAA at state and national events as a keynote speaker and/or workshop presenter.

Lisa has recently been engaged FCAA’s Volunteer Social Media Coordinator. This is a fitting evolution for an individual committed to making her own voice heard through blogs, forums, and social networks that are related to foster care.

Foster Care Alumni of America’s Board of Directors named four Volunteers of the Year in 2009. In addition to Lisa, they celebrated the contributions of Ryan Dollinger (alumnus of foster care from Texas), Eshawn Peterson (alumna from Arizona) and consultant and retired juvenile and family court judge, Stephen Rideout of Virginia.

About Foster Care Alumni of America: In 2004, foster care alumni and advocates created a national non-profit association that brings together the expertise of adults who have experienced foster care. Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA) was formed to engage the more than 12 million alumni of foster care and to advocate for the needs of the youth and alumni of foster care.

FCAA has nearly 3, 000 members from all 50 states. Through FCAA, alumni of foster care hope to create the ability to connect with one another in an organized and well-supported community and to use alumni expertise to transform the foster care system.

FCAA's mission seeks to provide innovation in the federal and state child welfare systems and effective and meaningful partnerships with child welfare organizations. FCAA has confidence that it can partner with others to reduce the numbers of children and youth in foster care and can improve the foster care experience through investments of their expertise and energy.

For more information on Foster Care Alumni of America, please visit our website at: www.fostercarealumni.org

# # #

Ohio Reach Radio Interview

2010-01-18T08:01:00.000-08:00

In 2010, the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America will continue working towards improving Higher Education Outcomes for foster care youth and alumni.

Below is a radio interview we participated in regarding Ohio Reach for WCUE/WOTL/WYTN (radio stations covering Toledo, Cleveland and Youngstown).

FCAA Ohio on NPR

2010-01-14T18:39:00.001-08:00

Foster Kids Who Age Out of Care Face Tough Road

Mandie Trimble, WOSU News (2010-01-11).

COLUMBUS, OH (WOSU) - Many rites of passages come along with turning eighteen: high school graduation, voting, entering the work force or college. For most young people it means the first time away from home and parents, an exciting, albeit scary, time for which many teens have been anxiously waiting for years. But for youth who reach the age of majority while in foster care, the rite of passage comes with additional challenges.

Mandie Trimble asked FCAA Ohio Communications Chair, Lisa Dickson, about the resources available and the current challenges for Ohio foster youth "aging out" of foster care.

FCAA Ohio 2009 Year in Review

2010-01-03T15:15:00.000-08:00

Ohio chapter members,

As our chapter moves forward into a new decade, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate our accomplishments in 2009 - and to invite each and every one of you to deepen your level of FCAA involvement during the year to come!

Our 2009 accomplishments include the following:

Testifying before Ohio legislators, in the House, Senate and HB 1 conference committee, regarding the loss of state Independent Living Funds.
Visiting various counties to build youth advisory boards.
Co-hosting the youth track of the NACAC conference.
Sharing foster care alumni insights nationally and locally, including the American Adoption Conference, DC visits hosted by Casey Family Programs and NACAC, the Ohio Summit on Children, and the 30th anniversary of Chafee funding.
Hosting two FCAA reunions, one in Cincinnati during Foster Care Month, and one during Thanksgiving, attended by Ohio First Lady, Frances Strickland.

Our members were honored in the following capacities:

Adrian McLemore and Cedric Riley were named 2009 FosterClub All-Stars.
Doris Edelmann received the 2009 Brother Ray Fitz Award.
Lisa Dickson received the FCAA Volunteer of the Year Award for Transformation
The Ohio chapter was nominated for a national award based on our advocacy efforts.

In 2010, we plan to:

Continue to build a statewide network of foster care youth and alumni.
Start planning our advocacy strategy re: Independent Living for the 2012-2013 Biennual Budget.
Promote the needs of emancipating foster care youth to the Ohio faith community through our 2010 initiative, Project Safety Net.
Finish and share our "When Helping You is Hurting Me" workshop, based on maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships with biological families and others, and while advocating for change.

We will continue to:

Invest our time and efforts in the Ohio Reach, HEMI and ASAP
Partner with the Childrens Defense Fund on initiatives, including the Cradle to Prison Pipeline
Support the Ohio Youth Advisory Board
Partner with OACCA, YEP, Adoption Network Cleveland and OFCA
Seek opportunities to engage youth in the OCWTP

How can YOU get involved? (if you aren't already)

Look at the Foster Care Youth and Alumni Communities Map.
This map is color-coded based upon existing foster care youth and alumni representation.
Does your county have a youth advisory board? If not, would you like to be a part of building one?
Would you like to reach out to other foster care alumni in your area?
Have you connected with the leadership staff of the Ohio chapter, to share your passion for change, creative ideas and areas of expertise?

We are a community - and every member of this community has something to share!

Ohio County Map - Foster Care Youth & Alumni Communities

2009-12-27T07:34:00.000-08:00

Please click on this image to view it at a larger size and higher resolution:

FCAA Ohio Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-24T09:21:00.001-08:00

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America greatly appreciate the sponsoring organizations that made this year's Thanksgiving event possible, and the press representatives who shared our message with the local community:

We thank Ohio First Lady Frances Strickland for taking time out of her busy schedule to attend, and participate in, this year's Thanksgiving gathering of current and former foster youth from all across Ohio.

Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter Thanksgiving Reunion 2009

2009-11-23T07:15:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving dinner provided for those who have experienced foster care
Crane, Misti. Columbus Dispatch front page, Nov. 23, 2009.

SHARI LEWIS | Dispatch
Riccardo Rushin, 19, of Canton, talks with his Stark County group at a Thanksgiving dinner in Bexley that drew about 100 Ohioans, many of whom are or have been in foster care. Rushin has lived on his own since he turned 18 and "aged out" of foster care.

They might have nowhere to go Thursday, or somewhere that feels safe but is only temporary.

Young people who've known the hardship of living without family and who've been challenged to find strength despite a shaky foundation found communion yesterday at a meal that came four days before the holiday but embodied its spirit.

Thanksgiving is about family. It's about grace and gratitude.

For foster children and young adults who've moved beyond their temporary homes, family in its conventional sense can be elusive.

About 100 people from across the state, many of whom are in foster care or recently "aged out," as they say, gathered yesterday afternoon at Agudas Achim, a Bexley synagogue.

Thanks to the kindnesses of others and the dogged advocacy of former foster child Lisa Dickson, they found camaraderie and Thanksgiving.

Dickson founded the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America. She's 36 and has a family of her own, but she remembers the feeling of isolation that could accompany the holidays, particularly when she was a young adult.

"There wasn't a family to come back to; there weren't those roots," Dickson said.

"For a lot of people, the holidays can be the loneliest part."

In and of itself, being a foster child can be lonely, said Alex McFarland, who is 19 and president of the Ohio youth advisory board. He said it's worse when those outside the situation misunderstand.

"A lot of people have the image that we've done something wrong, when more than likely somebody's done something wrong to us," said McFarland, who lives in a suburb of Dayton.

The dinner was the third-annual -- the first in Columbus -- and was made possible because of a $1,000 donation from Capital University's student government that paid for food. The synagogue gave its space free, said Gabriel Koshinsky, vice president of student government and president of the Jewish Student Union.

The meal yesterday offered an opportunity to meet new people and learn about opportunities for foster children. It also gave guests the chance to reclaim the sense of belonging.

Dre Williams, who is 18 and lives in a foster home, and Kadeem Monroe, who is 19 and on his own, came to Columbus with a group from Stark County.

"I don't know how many days I felt like I was the only foster child in the world," Monroe said.

People who aren't part of the system don't understand the challenges or the emotional burdens or even how foster care works, the two said.

Williams said he wishes more good people would embrace children who can no longer live with their families, and that fewer people would invite foster children into their homes primarily for the money.

He's now living with Jodi Wilson, who has been a foster mom to 14 kids over 17 years. She maintains ties with many of them, and has a warm rapport with Williams.

"These kids are alone, or I believe they feel alone," said Wilson, who also works as supervisor of Stark County's independent-living program.

Bringing them together as a family of sorts is important, Wilson said.

"They have a common language, common experiences," she said.

"I'm 52, and I still talk to my mother every day. They don't have that."

SHARI LEWIS | Dispatch
Lisa Dickson, a former foster child who founded Ohio's chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America, snaps a memory of the event she sought.

2009 FCAA Ohio Thanksgiving Reunion

2009-11-17T05:17:00.000-08:00

For our 2009 Thanksgiving gathering, we are partnering with the faith community and Capital University to host a Thanksgiving Seder for Foster Youth.

We welcome foster care youth, alumni, and allies/adult supporters, as well as active members of the Jewish community to attend.

Please RSVP to our 2009 Thanksgiving Invitation

Schedule:
2:00 p.m. - Arrival
2:30 p.m. - Introductory Speakers
3:00 p.m. - Foster Care Youth/Alumni Panel
4:00 p.m. - Eat and Socialize
5:30 p.m. - Departure

Sponsors:
Congregation Agudas Achim is welcoming us into their Social Hall. Capital University Student Government is contributing to the cost of food. Catering by Scott is providing us with a generous discount. We are also receiving support from the Jewish Student Union at Capital.

History of this Event:
For young people in and from foster care, the holidays are often a harsh reminder of lost connections. We miss the comfort of knowing we have a place where we are always welcome, year after year.

For this reason, for the past three years, Thanksgiving has been a time for Ohio foster care youth, alumni and allies/adult supporters to gather together.

In 2007, foster care alumni from all over the nation came Home for the Holidays to Washington D.C., to remind "our parents," the federal government about the need to foster connections to success.

In Ohio, our 2008 Thanksgiving event was sponsored by Montgomery County Children Services and the VISION Youth Advisory Board:

In 2008, OACCA assisted with the cost of meals, and PCSAO agreed to reimburse travel expenses.

2009 Ohio Summit on Children

2009-11-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

During the Governor's second of two Ohio Summits on Children, foster care youth and alumni shared their insights during roundtables on:

1. Funding

Leveraging local funds
Coping with the escalating cost of services
Flexible funding
Countering TANF reductions

2. Systemic Issues

Establishing a shared vision
Developing/maintaining a continuum of care in this economic climate
Measuring outcomes/data
Connecting data systems
Reducing staff turnover

3. Behavioral Health

Access to services
Placement prevention/intensive home-based services
Early screening for mental health and developmental needs
Application of trauma-informed care

4. Education

Increasing graduation rates and academic performance
Engaging youth who do not adapt to traditional education
Engaging families and building community partnerships
Creating safe schools and healthy communities
Supporting children with autism spectrum disorders and their families

5. Building and Sustaining Local Planning Teams

Developing a high-functioning Family and Children First Council
Engaging all partners
Integrating Summit and HB 289 plans
Developing leadership

6. Health

Access to health care
Timely screening and coordination of care
Teen pregnancy
Prevention and prenatal care

7. Out-of-Home Care

Supporting kinship programs
Ensuring the sufficient availability of foster homes
Short-term residential/step-down care
Timely adoption of children in permanent custody

8. Family Engagement

Involvement of fathers
Parenting skill development
Parent advocacy/family-driven plans
Families separated by incarceration

9. Youth in Court

Truancy
Violent youth crime
Alternatives to incarceration/detention
Disproportionate minority contact

10. Transitioning Youth Out of the System

Young Advocate Leadership Training on Saturday, Nov. 7th

2009-09-29T14:12:00.001-07:00

The Ohio Children's Defense Fund is partnering with Central State University to host the first annual Young Advocate Leadership Training® program. This intensive organizing training will bring together over 100 student leaders from across the state.

Training Date: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009

Training Location: Central State University, 1400 Brush Row Rd., P.O. Box 1004, Wilberforce OH 45384, in the Auditorium of the Center for Education & Natural Sciences Building, Room 114.

CDF-Ohio will provide meals and coordinate transportation for all successful applicants. This might be particularly helpful for youth who are over the age of 18/emancipated and actively involved in local and statewide youth advisory efforts.

Kelly Knight receives the Mary Ellen Social Work Award

2009-09-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

During the 2009 Ohio CASA conference, Kelly Knight, one of the founding adult supporters of the Ohio YAB was awarded the Mary Ellen Social Work Award for Excellence in Children Services.

Since January 2008, Kelly has trained over 130 new CASA/GAL volunteers, during her nights and weekends. She tells her classes, "If you don't see concurrent planning, you should be questioning the case plan and insisting on its inclusion."

During her acceptance speech, Kelly pointed out that, "Time passes differently for children."

Kelly described how, for busy professionals, postponing paperwork or continuing a case might be tempting because time seems to be moving quickly. But for the child, that time is moving painfully slowly in terms of connecting them with love and permanency.

NACAC Youth Track

2009-08-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

Spotlight on Athens County

2009-07-26T06:47:00.001-07:00

103 balloons;

103 kids in

Athens County

foster care.

Think of a balloon floating off into space, without a thread to hold it to the ground.

Think of youth, floating off into adulthood, drifting through the clouds without family roots to ground.

FCAA-Ohio message to OHILA

2009-07-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ohio is reeling from some very bad news when it comes to state investment in child protection and youth preparation for adulthood. Our best response is a collaborative one. Please be aware of the following Ohio-based collaborative initiatives:

1.) Ohio Reach is a statewide effort to address recruitment and retention of emancipated foster youth in Ohio’s higher education system and establish foster care liaisons at Ohio universities and community colleges: http://ohioreach.wikispaces.com/

2.) OACCA's Independent Living Legislative Committees include subcommittees on higher education, housing, healthcare/Medicaid, mentoring, transportation and the workforce: www.oacca.org/initiatives.html

In light of recent budget cuts, it is all the more important to connect young people who are "aging out" of foster care - in the midst of a recession - with a forever community.

Please make every effort to sign emancipating foster care youth up for membership in Foster Care Alumni of America. This would give them an opportunity to connect with our local chapter. It would also mean that if they choose to move out of state, they could be connected with the FCAA existing network or established chapter there.

Finally, please know that the Ohio chapter is here to support OHILA members and the youth you serve...

As former foster children ourselves, we remember the jolt that took place in our lives when we realized that we had been emancipated, we were terminated, we were a closed case. The transition was over, and we needed to fend for ourselves.

Therefore, the Ohio chapter of FCAA maintained our stance in advocating for the Independent Living Allocation throughout the budget process, and will continue to rally for this cause,

Lisa Dickson
Communications Chair
Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter
www.fcaa-oh.org

Letter to OACCA Board in praise of Mark Mecum

2009-07-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

OACCA Board members,

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America is a membership organization of Ohio former foster youth and our allies in the child welfare system. We are writing to praise Mark Mecum, OACCA’s Associate Director for Government Relations, and to recognize his dedication.

The best way to rate an organization is by the model of the people who create and sustain it. By this reckoning, Mark Mecum’s example is a testimony to OACCA's importance as a leader for child advocacy.

Historically, the Independent Living Initiative has provided life skills training and work support services to prepare for foster youth for adulthood. However, the future of this funding has been continually threatened in 2009. For this reason, foster care youth, alumni and child welfare professionals partnered together to advocate for the needs of Ohio’s 1,300 young people who “age out” of foster care each year.

Mark Mecum's leadership in organizing and planning with legislative meetings were instrumental to getting this funding reinstated in the House, Senate and conference committee budget versions of HB 1. At each stage of the biennual budget process, Mark Mecum stepped forward to remind Ohio legislators to make it a budget priority to make sure that Ohio’s foster care youth receive adequate preparation to face the adult world alone.

Mark’s dedicated efforts include, but are not limited to, drafting templates for testimony, keeping advocates informed about opportunities to testify and establishing a Ready to Launch Coalition to advocate for the needs of Ohio’s transitional youth. We admire Mark’s skill in providing timely communication, and appreciate his structure and leadership, in terms of organizing OACCA’s Independent Living Committees.

Mark’s insight and knowledge were helpful during every step of our advocacy; moreover, he taught us how to better advocate for ourselves. Mark has done an excellent job of giving us insight into the intergovernmental workings of the legislature, as well as the peer politics of advocacy. Thanks to Mark, foster care youth and alumni entered budget hearings prepared to present with the highest degree of professionalism. Mark himself demonstrated extreme poise and confidence during testimony hearings.

Although ultimately Governor Strickland chose to veto the earmark, Mark's efforts generated numerous allies within legislature regarding this bipartisan issue. After meeting with Mark Mecum, for example, Representative Sykes announced that he will form a Foster Care-Independent Living Study Committee to develop legislative and funding recommendations.

Mark's hard work is greatly appreciated by the leadership and members of our chapter. OACCA's commitment, values, and vision are clearly represented through Mark's high caliber of leadership. We are deeply grateful for our continued partnership with your organization.

Sincerely,

Lisa Dickson
Communications Chair
Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter
www.fcaa-oh.org

Reforming how IL Services are administered in Ohio

2009-07-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

Definition of "tenacious:" Persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired.

Ohio FCAA members need to be tenacious right now.

Breaking News: Governor Strickland VETOED the Independent Living Initiative.

Item Number 40

On page 2900, delete the boxed text.

Section 309.45.15 Earmark for Independent Living... Read More

Quote: "This provision earmarks $1.5 million of the Children and Family Services line item for independent living services to youth. The majority of the funds in this line item are already allocated to county agencies for their use to support child welfare programs, including independent living. This earmark will constrain the county agencies ability to use the allocated funds in a flexible manner that meets each county's needs to support children. For these reasons, a veto is in the public interest."

This is not a defeat; this is a 'Call to Action'

Regardless of whether or not this financial earmark was maintained, we still needed to follow up regarding how Independent Living funds were administered and whether available Independent Living funds were spent.

Our work was worth it, and our continued efforts are needed!

What do we have now, that we didn't at the beginning of this budget process?

Ohio legislators know who we are, and care about our cause. We gave a voice to a voiceless population - and they listened.

Please note that during our "Call to Arms" about this issue, we have no beef with Ohio Senators and Representatives - we have only heartfelt appreciation. Ohio legislators, in the Senate and the House, both Democrat and Republican, asked insightful questions each time we testified, and in each of their versions, they maintained IL funding.

Throughout this entire process, Ohio legislators have never let us down. The Ohio House of Representatives, Senate and HB 1 Conference Committee all maintained IL funding, and we sill need to write and thank them.

Because of our testimony, House Finance Chairman Representative Vernon Sykes is forming a Foster Care-Independent Study Committee to develop legislative and funding recommendations on funding for IL services for foster youth.

Our 'Next Steps' remain the same:

1. Thank our legislators and invite them to be a part of Rep. Sykes' IL committee

2. Be a part of Rep. Sykes' Independent Living committee

3. Work to establish a Regional approach to Independent Living preparation

4. Enlist our allies in supporting and being a part of our cause.

5. Build a relationship with Ohio journalists.

Ohio Advocacy Efforts Throughout HB 1 Budget Process

2009-07-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

The official version of HB 1 was released by the Finance Committee earlier this week, and the Independent Living Allocation was preserved:

SECTION 309.45.15. INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES
Of the foregoing appropriation item 600523, Children and Families
Services, up to $1,500,000 in each fiscal year shall be used to provide
independent living services to foster youth and former foster youth
between 16 and 21 years of age.

https://webmailcluster.perfora.net/xml/deref?link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legislature.state.oh.us%2FBillText128%2F128_HB_1_EN_N.pdf Page 2900

Ohio foster care youth, alumni and allies should be proud.

Youth and alumni who experienced foster care firsthand were HEARD by the Ohio House of Representatives. We were HEARD by the Ohio Senate. We were HEARD by the conference committee.

We fought for an earmark to be amended into the bill from the very beginning. We successfully fought to maintain this funding, despite many rounds of funding cuts.

Without our efforts, this money would not have been inserted into the bill for transition age youth.

It's time to celebrate and give thanks!

1.) We are thankful to our legislators for hearing our testimony, reading our letters and maintaining this important funding allocation.

2.) We thank Mark Mecum of OACCA, Doris Edelmann of Montgomery County Children Services, Bryan Brown of Starr Commonwealth, Anita Wainwright of Mahoning County Children Services, Susan Ignelzi, and Brandi Scales, adult supporter of the OHIO YAB.

3.) We thank Nick Bates and Angela Lareviere, for taking the leadership role in facilitating Ready to Launch Day, for proudly wearing Ready to Launch stickers and for empowering YEP youth to speak out on behalf of young people throughout Ohio.

4.) We thank YEP youth, VISION Board youth, Mahoning County youth, Franklin County youth, OHIO YAB youth and FCAA Ohio alumni for sharing their voices and a strategic piece of their stories.

There truly is a foster care movement going on in Ohio...

Next Steps:
a.) Sending thank you letters to legislators, including personalizing letters to legislators who asked us thoughtful questions during our testimony and legislative office visits.

b.) Planning a shared celebration that includes foster care youth, alumni and allies from all over Ohio who were a part of this advocacy effort - including YEP youth and supporters.

c.) Meeting with Representative Sykes, in order to further reform the way that Independent Living is funded in Ohio in the future.

Engaging Speaker for Future Ohio Events

2009-06-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Jamole Callahan entered foster care at age 13. Since graduating from high school, he has attended Central State University. Jamole has hosted dozens of banquets for Franklin County Children Services and Youth over the years. He participated in the “All Kids Count” campaign, and has spoken before foster parent trainings and workshops for graduating seniors.

Jamole is currently working as a supervisor for the DCL Medical Laboratory in Indianapolis. In 2007, he started his own business: “90 Degree Entertainment,” managing seven artists in negotiating recording contracts.

Jamole has been married for three years to his college sweetheart, Nealita Cherie. They have three sons; ages 1, 3 and 5 years old.

Contact Jamole: jamolec@aol.com

FCAA-Ohio Chapter Leadership Team

2009-06-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

In 2007, when Ohio’s first FCAA elections were held, we determined that our chapter would allow elected officers the authority to modify officer positions in order to maximize the strengths of each person who is elected. This allows Ohio FCAA officers to negotiate the breakdown of duties in a way that makes the most sense for our chapter.

Ohio chapter membership has grown, in numbers and in experience. We have been aided in our growth through the annual Alumni Leadership Institute training, and opportunities to advocate nationally provided by Casey, NACAC and Foster Care Alumni of America. We have been challenged to deepen our advocacy expertise by repeated challenges to the future of our state’s Independent Living funding.

In 2009, Ohio FCAA officers and active members decided that we needed a larger leadership team in order to maximize our effectiveness. New positions include: Adoption Liaison, Media Spokesperson, Legislative Liaison, and a position of leadership over the newly established Cincinnati Subchapter.

2009 Revised Officer Positions

1. Operations Chair, Gabriel Koshinsky: Provides the structural component of our chapter. Ensures chapter compliance to national policies and procedures. In charge of finance-related projects such as fund-raising, and annual projects such as the FCAA Family Reunion.

2. Communications Chair, Lisa Dickson: Lead spokesperson for the chapter in terms of outreach, workshop development and policy. Maintains chapter records and communications, such as membership roster, volunteer hours, chapter newsletters, and website content.

3. Youth Outreach, Denee Foster: Facilitates peer support for the alumni of tomorrow, including enlisting youth insight in order to influence the Ohio chapter’s priorities and strategies.

4. Adoption Liaison, Amanda Dunlap: In charge of resource development and advocacy efforts having to do with adoptees. Ongoing communication and collaboration with NACAC, American Adoption Congress and Adoption Network Cleveland regarding issues such as sibling visitation, adjustment to adoptive families, and birth certificate issues.

5.) Media Spokesperson, Adrian McLemore: Represents the Ohio chapter to the local media. Responsible to be prepared discuss current initiatives and provide accurate quotes.

6.) Legislative Liaison, Alex McFarland: Responsible to stay informed about foster care news and advocacy areas in Ohio, and help devise advocacy strategy. Schedule legislative visits when needed.

7.) Cincinnati Subchapter, Amy Roberts: Facilitates membership growth and leadership development of Cincinnati FCAA members, with support from FCAA members all over Ohio, particularly members of the FCAA-OH chapter leadership team.

Subject Matter Experts
Since our inception, the Ohio chapter has established a strong statewide and national reputation regarding providing high quality workshops.

We’ve had the honor of presenting at It’s My Life, Daniel Memorial, NILA, American Adoption Congress and the Colorado Summit on Youth and Families. We’ve even been invited to apply as certified child welfare trainers for OCWTP.

This has created the need to tap into chapter member expertise regarding workshop subject matter.

Therefore addition to our Adoption Liaison, who will focus on adoption-related issues including sibling visitation, we are inviting members throughout the state to provide their expertise as SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) on various training topics such as:

- Juvenile Justice
- LBGTQ
- Teen/Single Parenting

Several members in Cleveland are experimenting with different ways to share our messages – through Digital Storytelling!

Letter to Representative Sykes and HB I Conference Committee Members

2009-06-18T17:07:00.001-07:00

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Representative Vernon Sykes
77 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio
43215-6111

Dear Representative Sykes and HB 1 Conference Committee Members,

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America is a membership organization of Ohio former foster youth and our allies in the child welfare system.

We are writing to ask you to make it a budget priority to make sure that Ohio’s 1,300 young people who “age out” of foster care each year receive adequate preparation to face the adult world alone.

Historically, the Independent Living Initiative has provided life skills training and work support services to prepare for foster youth for adulthood. However, the future of this funding has been threatened at several points during the biennual budget process.

Seven former foster youth, Adrian McLemore, Lamar Hammons, Sarah Callihan, Tim Hill, Lisa Dickson, Grace Hilliard and Gabriel Koshinsky, testified before the Human Services Subcommittee on March 19, 2009.

The March 19th Hannah Report referred to our testimony: “While they were lobbying for the restoration of $2.5 million/year in Independent Living funds to help foster youth who age out of the system, they themselves were perhaps the best selling point, with Rep. Denise Driehaus (D-Cincinnati) commenting that they were a “thoroughly impressive group.”

Our May 30th testimony before the Ohio Senate was also published in the Hannah Report:

Dickson, a former foster child and youth advocate, said that foster children are not a line item and rely on the state to act as a parent. Without proper intervention, Dickson said, those children are at higher risk for poverty, unemployment and incarceration. "Ohio taxpayers will pay for their needs one way or another," she said.

McFarland shared his experience as a child who spent five years in foster care. "Without these services, I would not have been the person that I am today."

The Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America is grateful to the House and Senate for maintaining an earmark that would continue funding for these services a reduced level of $3 million over the FY 2010-2011 biennium.

However, unlike the House version of HB 1, the Senate version does not provide the extra $3 million in the General Revenue Fund to fund the program. Please consider setting aside $3 million over the biennium to GRF 600523 for the Independent Living Initiative.

The Hopes and Dreams of Ohio’s foster care alumni are displayed in a visual display of hands which we have delivered to Representative Sykes’ office, and asked him to share with the conference committee.

We are sharing our dreams:

I am reaching… “To be the best mother that I can be, while pursuing my college degree.”

But I might need a hand to get me started! Independent Living funds helped Vanessa Jackson learn how to cook and budget.

We offer up our hopes:

Hoping you, like me, invest in their future: As a former foster child, Denee Foster knows the importance of Independent Living preparation.

Not a handout, but a hand-up… Denee volunteers her time at Children’s Hospital and teaches life skills to foster care youth at Village Network.

And we offer you our passion, dedication and energy. Regardless of the outcome of this budget, we believe that the way that independent living services are funded for Ohio foster care youth needs to be examined.

If a Foster Care-Independent Living Study Committee is established to develop legislative and funding recommendations regarding Independent Living services for foster youth, our members will actively participate.

Sincerely,

Lisa Dickson
Communications Chair
Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter
www.fcaa-oh.org

Hopes and Dreams of Ohio Foster Care Alumni

2009-06-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

DREAMS of Foster Care Youth and Alumni:

I am reaching… “To be the best mother that I can be, while pursuing my college degree.”

But I might need a hand to get me started! Independent Living funds helped Vanessa Jackson learn how to cook and budget.

***

I am reaching… “Toward serving my country in the military, while continuing to pursue my college degree.”

But I might need a hand to get me started! Independent Living funds helped Lamar Hammons find a mentor through the College Bound Mentoring Program.

***

I am reaching… “Toward safeguarding the lives and homes of others by working for Jefferson Township’s Fire Department.”

But I might need a hand to get me started! Independent Living funds provided emergency housing for Tim Hill when he first exited foster care.

***

I am reaching… “Toward finding a job after graduating from Wright State University
with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and a minor in Political Science.”

But I might need a hand to get me started! Independent Living funds equipped Sarah Callihan with life skills that helped her transition into college life easily.

***

I am reaching… “Forward to my junior year at Miami University, where I’m pursuing a double major in Psychology and Sociology with double minors in Black World Studies and Political Science.”

But I might need a hand to get me started! Independent Living funds helped Kierra Williams get involved with a youth advisory board, and find out that she has leadership abilities.

***

HOPES of Ohio Foster Care Alumni on behalf of their younger brothers and sisters:

Hoping you, like me, invest in their future: As a former foster child, Denee Foster knows the importance of Independent Living preparation.

Not a handout, but a hand-up… Denee volunteers her time at Children’s Hospital and
teaches life skills to foster care youth at Village Network.

***

Hoping you, like me, invest in their future: As a former foster child, Grace Hilliard has testified several times about the importance of the Independent Living Allocation.

Not a handout, but a hand-up… Grace graduated in May from CCAD with a BA in Fine Arts, and is entering graduate school at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

***

Hoping you, like me, invest in their future: As a former foster child, Adrian McLemore has testified several times about the importance of the Independent Living Allocation.

Not a handout, but a hand-up… Adrian was recently named FosterClub’s Outstanding Young Leader of the Year. He is actively involved in Student Government at Wright State University – and he aspires to be President someday.

***

Hoping you, like me, invest in their future: Lisa Dickson is a 30-something former foster child. She founded the Ohio chapter of Foster Alumni of America three years ago.

Not a handout, but a hand-up… Lisa has Masters degree in Library Science, and has used her skills in research to craft workshops for national conferences and to assist the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program.

***

Hoping you, like me, invest in their future: Ralph Wills spoke before an audience of 100+ higher education officials and 100+ social workers during the 2009 Ohio Reach event.

Not a handout, but a hand-up… Ralph recently graduated from Muskingum College and
found employment through Maxim Healthcare Services.

Hannah Report: Special Budget Edition

2009-05-30T22:17:00.001-07:00

Vol. 128 – Special Budget Issue Saturday, May 30, 2009
Public Crowds Senate Chambers for Mixed Budget Testimony

The room was crowded Saturday for a public testimony session in the Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee, with several dozen witnesses prepared to either praise changes made Friday to HB1 (Sykes), or to urge the chamber to restore funding to a cut program.

Acknowledging the long day ahead of them, Chairman John Carey (R-Wellston) said that he was invoking his powers as a committee chairman and allowing audience members to bring in water and coffee despite warnings against it outside the hearing room.

Independent Living Initiative
The first group of witnesses testified in support of restoring full funding for the Independent Living Initiative through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

They were Lisa Dickson, founder and communications chair of the Foster Care Alumni of America Ohio chapter; Doris Edelman, legislative liaison for the Ohio Independent Living Association; and Alexander McFarland, president of the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board.

All three advocated restoring the funding to $2.5 million in each of FY10-11.

Dickson, a former foster child and youth advocate, said the program had lost its funding but that the Senate had restored $1.5 million of support. She said Ohio is the only state making cuts to such a program, which she said offers training and life services to prepare foster care children to face the world alone.

She said foster children are not a line item and rely on the state to act as a parent. Without proper intervention, Dickson said, those children are at higher risk for poverty, unemployment and incarceration. "Ohio taxpayers will pay for their needs one way or another," she said.

McFarland shared his experience as a child who spent five years in foster care. "Without these services, I would not have been the person that I am today."

Sen. Dale Miller (D-Cleveland) asked more about the funding mechanism. He was told it had been previously funded using TANF money but now is a line item in the children and family services portion of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' (ODJFS) budget.

****************************************************

*Two misquotes:

- Lisa Dickson didn't say that Ohio was the "only state making cuts to such a program." She spoke about the Fostering Connections Act, and how these cuts come at a time when the needs of transitioning foster youth are being recognized on a national level...

- Nor was Independent Living "previously funded using TANF money but now is a line item in the children and family services portion of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' (ODJFS) budget"

It was and still is an earmark of the TANF budget. Both Lisa and Doris mentioned in their testimonies that Independent Living funding in Ohio should not be an earmark, and that young people transitioning out of foster care each year should not have to fight to maintain the only state source of funding allocated to prepare them for adulthood.

Sykes steps up as legislative champion for Ohio foster youth

2009-05-27T11:15:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, May 26, Grace Hilliard of Foster Care Alumni of America, Ohio chapter and Mark Mecum of OACCA met with House Finance Chairman Vernon Sykes to discuss the TANF-Independent Living earmark and House Bill 1.

Representative Sykes, an Akron Democrat, stated that he will be a champion for funding of the independent living initiative in conference committee.

This is extremely important because there is a good chance that the Senate will not funding IL in their version of the bill, which will leave the program’s funding status up to the Senate/House conference committee which will meet after the Senate passes their version of HB 1.

Also, Representative Sykes announced that he will form a Foster Care-Independent Living Study Committee to develop legislative and funding recommendations on funding for IL services for foster youth.

Rep. Sykes is a political science PhD, and he recognizes the importance of examining the state-county financing model of IL services. Restoring the Independent Living Allocation is important, but as long as it remains only an earmark, its survival will be in jeopardy in future years.

The Foster Care-Independent Living Study Committee is scheduled to launch sometime this summer.

Afternoon Presentation for Ohio Reach

2009-05-27T11:13:00.001-07:00

Supporting Student Success

View more presentations from ohioreach.

Morning Powerpoint Presentation from Ohio Reach

2009-05-27T11:12:00.001-07:00

Ohio Reach David Lisa Stats

View more presentations from ohioreach.

Photos from Ohio Reach Event

2009-05-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Ohio REACH

2009-05-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

1,300 young adults are "aging out" of the Ohio foster care system this year. They will face the adult world, in the midst of a recession, armed with only their courage, their dreams, and their endless potential.

If one person in their lives invests in them and offers guidance, without wanting anything in return, as they try to obtain the higher education that can pave the way for their future, that can make ALL the difference in terms of their future.

The goal of Ohio REACH is to establish foster care liaisons at every Ohio community college and university, in order to address recruitment and retention of emancipated foster youth in Ohio’s higher education system.

Ohio's FosterClub Outstanding Young Leaders of 2009

2009-05-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

For more information, please visit FosterClub's Outstanding Young Leaders of 2009.

Adrian McLemore was placed in foster care at age six as a result of his mother’s substance abuse. During his time in foster care, he lost his grandmother in a car accident while driving from Georgia to come to take custody of him and his siblings. Instead of being immobilized by grief, he focused his efforts on education and providing leadership for other foster youth.

At fifteen, he was elected the youngest president of a statewide organization. Adrian attributes his success to his own determination and the support given to him by his case workers. He indicates that they were instrumental to his development by ensuring that he was able to participate in various programs and activities.

Adrian is a member of the Ohio chapter of FCAA, the OHIO Youth Advisory Board, and serves as Vice-President of the VISON Board in Dayton, Ohio. He has advocated many times at both the State and Federal Level on bills that affect foster youth. While Adrian has positioned himself to be an advocate and a leader in his community, it is unfortunate the he aged out of the system without a permanent home.

Currently, Adrian is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management at Wright State University. He hopes to further his education at a graduate level, either obtaining a Masters Degree or a Law Degree. He has future aspirations for public service.

Cedric Riley is a 20-year-old college student dedicated to community leadership and success for himself and others. At the age of nine, he and his four siblings were placed in the Cuyahoga County Foster Care System due to parental neglect, and his life has been changed ever since. Though he and his siblings were placed in different homes, Cedric was able to adapt and learn the importance of independence and relationship-building. After 8 years in the foster care system, Cedric was adopted into a loving home in Cincinnati, Ohio where he experienced much of his scholastic and professional success.

Having enjoyed the honor of several leadership and academic accolades throughout his time in Cincinnati, Cedric has decided to give back by speaking passionately to youth, expressing that “Success is a Choice.” He also engages with professionals who work with youth to enforce that their work makes a difference.

Currently Cedric is developing the pilot of his curriculum and campaign entitled “America’s Next Motivator!” to bring creative empowerment to life.

Twenty-four office visits to Ohio Senators on April 28, 2009

2009-04-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Ohio chapter of FCAA is actively involved in Ready to Launch, a statewide coalition of advocacy and youth-led organizations that promote cross-system reform for services to transition-age youth.

Our first goal is advocacy for youth programs in the state budget bill.

We held Ready to Launch Advocacy Day in Columbus on April 28, which consisted of a youth advocacy training, a “meet and greet” luncheon, and several scheduled meetings with Ohio Senators and Representatives.

Below is a list of the 24 Ohio Senators whose offices Ready to Launch Coalition members visited during this event:

- Senator Steve Buehrer, Senate Building, Room #134
- Senator Capri S. Cafaro, Ohio Statehouse, Room #303
- Senator John Carey, Senate Building, Room #127
- Senator Kevin Coughlin, Senate Building, Room #222
- Senator Keith Faber, Senate Building, Room #138
- Senator Teresa Fedor, Ohio Statehouse, Room #051
- Senator Bob Gibbs, Senate Building, Room #125
- Senator Karen Gillmor, Senate Building, Room #035
- Senator David Goodman, Senate Building, Room #039
- Senator Timothy Grendell, Senate Building, Room #042
- Senator Bill Harris, Ohio Statehouse, Room #201
- Senator Jim Hughes, Senate Building, Room #038
- Senator Jon Husted, Senate Building, Room #034
- Senator Eric H. Kearney, Senate Building, Room #057
- Senator Ray Miller, Senate Building, Room #228
- Senator Thomas Patton, Senate Building Room #140
- Senator Tim Schaffer, Senate Building, Room #142
- Senator Tom Sawyer, Senate Building, Room #049
- Senator Joseph Schiavoni, Senate Building, Room #052
- Senator Kirk Schuring, Senate Building, Room #137
- Senator Jimmy Stewart, Senate Building, Room #040
- Senator Nina Turner, Senate Building, Room #226
- Senator Mark Wagoner, Senate Building, Room #129
- Senator Jason H. Wilson, Senate Building, Room #050

Ready to Launch Coalition Sign-On Letter

2009-04-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Mark Mecum of OACCA and Angela and Nick from YEP for drafting this letter on behalf of Ohio's statewide Ready to Launch Coalition advocating for the needs of transition-age youth:

Honorable Ted Strickland
Honorable Armond Budish
Honorable Bill Harris

Re: State Funding for Transitional Youth

Dear Governor Strickland, Speaker Budish, and President Harris:

The Ready to Launch initiative urges your support for continued funding for services provided to at-risk youth in Ohio who are transitioning into adulthood. We are comprised of service providers, advocates, and transition-age youth. In the FY 2010 and 2011 budget bill, several important programs that serve these transition-age youth are proposed to be eliminated or significantly reduced. The cost-cutting measures will have a severe effect on Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens: children and youth.

The Independent Living Initiative is the only state program that provides transitional living services to foster care youth. The budget bill completely eliminates its funding. It is funded by a TANF earmark, administered by ODJFS, and implemented by county children services departments. Funds are used to provide drivers’ education, life skills training, job readiness training, and food and housing assistance.

Housing is a key aspect of this program, as it provides shelter for homeless youth and those at-risk for becoming homeless. According to feedback from the Ohio Summit on Children, a top challenge faced by counties is lack of funding for transitional services for older youth in care. Eliminating this program will further exacerbate this challenge. We urge you to restore funding to FY 2009 levels or establish a new, non-earmark program to replace it.

The Mental Health Systems of Care is the primary state funding source for community mental health programs that serve children and youth. The program is administered by ODMH and implemented by county mental health boards. Funds are used to serve children, youth, and adults with serious mental health disorders by providing medication, assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, community psychiatric supportive treatment, and day treatment services. If GRF funding of this program is not increased to comparative levels from FY 2008-2009, many youth will go without crucial mental health services, which will be a serious impediment to success as young adults.

Lastly, the Ohio Housing Trust Fund is a funding source that provides housing and homeless services to vulnerable Ohioans. The fund, in past years, has exceeded its cap at $50 million. If the General Assembly lifts this cap in the budget bill, it will permit funds collected for housing services to go toward housing services.

We also support expansion of the Housing Trust Fund eligibility to Runaway and Homeless Youth Act programs, which adds youth homeless shelters as eligible funded agencies. As the need to provide emergency housing to youth rises, we must ensure that effective programs receive necessary funding to meet the rising need.

We are privileged to work, serve, and advocate for Ohio youth. But without necessary funding, the youth will not receive the services that they need to succeed. We welcome the opportunity to work with you to develop a plan to ensure that the needs of Ohio’s transition-age youth are met.

TANF Independent Living Funding

2009-04-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

The Ohio chapter of FCAA and the Ready to Launch Coalition have responded to the state legislature’s intent to eliminate the only state funding stream to counties for independent living services for foster youth.

We have testified multiple times before House Finance Committee and provided the legislators with information about the importance of the TANF-IL allocation of funding, and what would happen if that funding ceased.

Legislators who are especially sympathetic to our cause are Rep. Denise Driehaus of Cincinnati and Rep. Kathleen Chandler of Kent. The committee chairman and vice chair, Rep. Sykes and Bolon seem receptive as well...

OACCA is keeping us updated on the status of this important funding stream.

Top 10 Pressing Projects that the Ohio chapter is working on...

2009-04-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

These are exciting times for Ohio... and times that make us appreciate our ally members and adult supporters more than ever!

1. On April 23rd: Grace, Amanda and Lisa presented a workshop for the American Adoption Congress/ANC national conference on the Importance of Maintaining Sibling Connections Post-adoption.

During this conference, we made a new contact, who will be supporting Grace as she takes her passion for advocacy with her to Massachusetts for grad school this fall:

As a first-term State Senator, Paula Benoit co-sponsored LD 1084, An Act to Allow Adult Adoptee Access to Original Birth Certificates. The bill was passed and signed into law on June 25, 2007.

Senator Benoit, an adoptee, is currently committing her time to educating Legislators in other states on the legal imperative for all adult adoptees to have access to original identity.

2. April 28th: Ohio legislator visits requesting the restoration of TANF-IL funds and the expansion of Low Income Housing Tax Credit for homeless youth. This is part of Ohio's Statewide "Ready to Launch" initiative.

The Reach to Launch Planning Committee includes representatives from OACCA, YEP, the Ohio-YAB, Montgomery County Children Services, VISION and Ohio FCAA.

3. Legislative Advocacy in Several Arenas: Ohio foster care youth and alumni will be presenting further testimony for the Ohio Senate, regarding the loss of TANF-IL funds. We are still hoping that the final version released by the Ohio House will have put the TANF-IL allocation back in...

Mark Mecum's tireless efforts on behalf of Independent Living reform are greatly appreciated.

In addition, two of our members are preparing for upcoming trips to Washington DC:
- Amanda Dunlap will be visiting Congressional offices in an effort sponsored by NACAC to remind Ohio legislators about the "Fostering Connections to Success Act"

- Denee Foster will be a part of the Casey Congressional Visits from May 18-21, sharing a part of her personal experience and raising awareness for the Casey 20/20 Strategy

Denee has made it her business to know the details regarding financial aid for college, and she brought SO MUCH to our very first Village Network workshop presentation!

4. Ohio Reach statewide event on May 12th to establish foster care liaisons at Ohio's community colleges and universities:

- Adrian McLemore will be giving the morning Welcoming Address
- Lisa Dickson is presenting in the morning and moderating the youth/alumni panel
- Youth/alumni Panel members will include: Vanessa Jackson, Alex McFarland and Adrian McLemore
- Afternoon strategic planning will be facilitated by Doris Edelmann
- Lisa Dickson created the website for this ongoing initiative: http://ohioreach.wikispaces.com/

Chris Klefecker has done a wonderful job of steering the preparations for the Ohio Reach workshop / kick-off event.

5. Alumni Assistance and Support Program (ASAP) is an ongoing OSU pilot project of peer support groups for foster care alumni and homeless youth who are transitioning to adulthood, facilitated by Dr. Alvin Mares, Tim Conrad and Lisa Dickson.

Alvin designed the ASAP website: http://www.oyit-asap.net/

Alvin Mares was a founding member of the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America, and since then, his dedication to making a positive difference only continues to grow...

6. National survey on behalf of OCWTP in order to learn from other models and establish an Ohio method of certifying foster care youth/alumni as child welfare trainers.

Lisa Dickson started out volunteering on this committee on behalf of Ohio FCAA, but is now working directly under contract to OCWTP on a short-term basis to complete the survey, including creating this website: http://sites.google.com/site/childwelfaretrainingsurvey/

Charlotte Ostermann first created the youth ad hoc committee to certify foster care youth and alumni as trainers, and has tirelessly pushed forward to make this dream a reality.

7. Logistics re: NACAC youth track this fall: (TBA)

There is only one Bryan Brown in the whole world, and those of us in Ohio are happy to know him!

8. Preparing for the Cincinnati Membership drive in May: Amy Roberts, FCAA alumni member and employee of Cincinnati Works, will be hosting this membership drive on May 15, 2009 at Black Finn Restaurant and Saloon (19 E 7th Street Cincinnati OH 45202) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Membership for alumni will be paid for by Cincinnati Works. There will be door prize drawings for anyone who brings a new member! Come join us for food, fellowship, and fun!!!

Cincinnati Works has designed a Next Step Program that is specifically designed to target all young adults ages 17 ½ -25 that have experienced some sort of foster care.

9. Preparing for the Colorado conference in June: Adrian McLemore, Kierra Williams, Doris Edemann and Lisa Dickson will be presenting:

- two concurrent workshops on Emotional Resiliency
- two concurrent workshops on Creating and Maintaining a Community of Foster Care Youth and Alumni

10. Following Up With Ohio Regions/Counties: We are preparing to follow up on last summer's training on how to create local youth/alumni support groups by returning to those counties in June and July, and providing additional training and support...
It's all about that "click" from victimization to empowerment... Harnessing our passion and energy to become: Agents of CHANGE!

Cedric's testimony requesting the restoration of TANF-IL funds

2009-04-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

To the Chair and Members of the Committee;

My name is Cedric Riley. I am a former foster youth, a current youth advocate and founder of the Science in Motion Group LLC.

The reason that I am here today is to testify to the importance of restoring the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) earmark for independent living services for foster youth transitioning into adulthood.

I myself experienced six foster care placements over the course of eight years before my life was enhanced by the open hearts and willingness of my adoptive family to invest in me during the launching period of my goals.

Today, I am part of the Ready to Launch budget coalition that prioritizes funding for transition-age youth.

Ohio's 1,300 young people who "age out" of foster care each year dream of the day when they can say with dignity that they can rely on the governing body that serves as their guardians, but have petitioned and rallied and starved for that day. They are emerging from a welfare system that is broken and serves broken plates and promises to our calls for help.

It is becoming quite clear that the Government of the great state of Ohio does not intend to deliver adequate citizenship to our deserving yet oppressed youth. However, we continue to find crevices and spaces where we can survive, for yet another chance to request the opportunity for normalcy.

Through further reduction in the TANF-IL funding that we need to survive, we have been reduced to no major concern of our governing body and have been placed in a systemic paradigm of homelessness.

In the midst of a recession, we continue to digress on the promise of support and nurture to a starving population.

The investment of funds to prisons and preventative treatment programs is in vain, and will never equate to the loss of human capital that continues to force America's future backward.

We are witnessing the crippling of hope for the most powerful and capable citizens, who only insist on shelter and parental guidance.

Please consider my testimony as evidence that our youth feel neglected, burned and broken under the same flag that brings a sense of pride to Kindergarten classrooms.

We attend school with your children, we ride your buses and we patronize your businesses, please consider us equal and deserving of a funded and substantiated standard of living.

Please be our understanding stewards and share the gift of support as discussed during the 2008 Ohio Summit on Children as charged by our Governor Ted Strickland and Chief Justice Moyer.

I ask these things on behalf of young people from all 88 of Ohio's counties who are struggling to create a path from a gloomy tunnel. Bring to us the light of adequacy and consideration for funding and a long-term commitment to support our successful life outcomes for the betterment of American civilization and enhancement of Ohio leadership.