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Community Education Digest
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Welcome to our Community Education Digest! As a refresher, the aim of Ozone House's Community Education Digest newsletter is to connect our community's resources and services with the youth and families who need them most. Each month, the Community Education Digest highlights an Ozone House program along with related resources in our community. Many of these resources can also be found in the Ozone House Info Cards shown below.
This month we highlight our Case Management Services.
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Case Management
Ozone House offers case management services to youth experiencing homelessness, ages 17 - 20. Young people often come to Ozone House looking for independence and stability; our case management services are designed to facilitate that process for youth through individualized goal planning and support. All clients participate in the Ozone House intake process and are then paired with a case manager based on their specific needs. With the support of an Ozone House case manager, youth have the opportunity to:
- Set personal goals and create an individualized action plan
- Find and maintain safe housing
- Get and keep a job
- Enroll in school
- Have enough food to eat
- Address health concern
- Connect with state and local resources
- Acquire picture IDs and/or birth certificates
- Learn valuable Life Skills
Case managers will meet with clients at all Ozone locations as well as other places convenient to the young person. To learn more about participation in case management contact our crisis line at 734-662-2222.
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Meet Cayla Yuhn
Ozone House Case Manager
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Cayla is a case manager for Ozone House, focusing on our 17-20 year old youth participating in non-residential services. Cayla received her BSW from Wayne State and is currently pursuing an MSW from Eastern Michigan with a concentration in substance abuse and mental health. During the past 4 years, Cayla has practiced social work around Southeastern Michigan. She started as a youth specialist for the Judson Center in 2012, moved to Orchards Children's services in 2013, and is now with Ozone House.
It's been less than 6 months, but Cayla has found a home in Ozone House. Ozone House has a supportive work environment and an approach to case management that she hasn't experienced anywhere else. Cayla references Ozone's mission to promote positive development, both in our young people and in our staff as what makes Ozone House special.
Cayla is also a classically trained dancer, and one day hopes to integrate her love of dance with her passion for improving the lives of young people. Having taught dance for 10 years, she sees the potential in implementing a therapeutic dance program with young people in the area. When she's not supporting her clients, Cayla can be found in the crowd at a concert or a Tiger's baseball game or relaxing at home, making dinner with her dog, Grant.
You can reach Cayla at Ozone House by phone at 734-665-2265 or through email at cyuhn@ozonehouse.org
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Resources for Youth in our Community: End of Summer Events!
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The Education Project Updates
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The Education Project referral for fall 2016 is now available. The referral is intended to be filled out by school staff or community partners with the students or families in need of support. Once a referral is completed, the information should be shared with the Education Project staff as well as the ocal Liason.
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The Education Project, sometimes known as the Education Project for Homeless Youth, is designed to ensure that students experiencing homelessness or unstable living situations enroll, regularly attend, and succeed in school. Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, students who are homeless must have equal access to free and appropriate public education.
The Education Project works closely with Liaisons in the school districts, Allies within each school, community partners, and families to identify and serve all youth affected by homelessness.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Education Project
Who is Homeless?
Homelessness does not always look like a family living in a car or on the street; it exists in many different versions. The primary criteria we consider are: Is their housing Fixed? Is it Regular? And is it Adequate?
Fixed: Is it permanent or not subject to change? For example, is the person staying somewhere that they have a right to live? Are they not on the lease? Could they be asked to leave?
Regular: Are they staying the same place every night? Do they have to switch locations frequently?
Adequate: Is the residence sufficient? Do youth staying in the home have a bed to sleep in? Are there health risks and unsanitary conditions in the home? Does it meet the physical and psychological needs of a child?
Although we all hope that homelessness is very temporary, it can be a perpetual experience for many families and unaccompanied youth. It is important to ask these questions and understand each family and youth's situation.
How can I access the Education Project?
The education project is housed in the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. The website is
http://www.washtenawisd.org/services/k-12-student-services. Here you can find information about who is eligible for McKinney-Vento services, what services are offered and additional links and supports around youth homelessness and education.
How can I help?
The Education Project relies on a combination of grant support from the state and donations from members of the community. Many of the items provided to families, like toiletries and school supplies, are supplied through donations. This allows the Education Project the ability to fund other school related expenses like field trips, sports/activities, tutoring services and temporary transportation for students. Additionally, the program is always looking for volunteers to help pack up supplies for youth as well as deliver supports to schools within the districts. By having a team of volunteers ready to disperse supplies, EPHY will serve families more effectively. Click here to learn about ways you can help:
The Education Project Volunteer Flyer
The Education Project office is staffed regularly Monday - Thursday from 9am - 3:30pm.
Any questions regarding a young person's McKinney-Vento status and the supports available can be direct to
ephycontact@washtenawisd.org, or by phone at (734) 994-8100 x1518.
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If you know a youth or family who could benefit from Ozone House services,
please have them call our 24-hour Crisis Line:
734.662.2222
There is always somebody here to listen.
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Need More Information About Ozone House?
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| Ozone House Poster |
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We will come to you!
We provide educational presentations to middle and high school classrooms or assemblies, as well as organizations throughout Washtenaw County.
To order free printed education materials, or to schedule a presentation,
contact Dawn Espy at
call (734) 994-8100 x1518
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Ozone House Outreach Card |
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To learn more about all of our crisis intervention, housing or support services, or to get involved with Ozone House,
please visit our website at
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