Community Education Digest
 
March 2017
Welcome to our Community Education Digest! The aim of Ozone House's Community Education Digest newsletter is to connect our community's resources and services with the youth and families who need them most. Each month, the Community Education Digest highlights an Ozone House program along with related resources in our community. Many of these resources can also be found in the Ozone House Info Cards shown below. 

This month we highlight our Counseling Services.

IN THIS ISSUE
Counseling Services
Who's Who: Meet Erin Schaffer
Resources for Youth in our Community
The Education Project
Need Ozone House materials?

Counseling Services

Ozone House's counseling services are free and confidential. Our licensed Social Workers provide crisis intervention and individual and family therapy. Counseling services are available to any youth ages 10 - 20; if a youth is 14 or older they are able to access counseling without parental consent. Counseling support is offered to youth while they participate in our SafeStay program and then continues for up to three months after exit. If you know of any young people dealing with any of the following issues or others, please support them in contacting the Ozone House crisis line 734-662-2222.
  • Conflict with family
  • Thoughts of running away
  • Conflict with friends or other people at school
  • Thoughts of self-harm
  • Desire to make changes in behaviors, but don't know how
  • Concern about relationships not being safe or healthy
Whether youth are participating in residential services or just need a safe place to talk, counseling support is available.  For more information call (734) 662-2222. You can also check out the  counseling section of the Ozone website.
Meet Erin Schaffer


Erin signed on as a family therapist for Ozone House in the fall of 2015. In her role, Erin works with youth and their families in our residential program and provides counseling support for non-residential clients. Originally from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area, Erin's connection to Ozone House started long before she joined the team. After earning her BS from Eastern Michigan, Erin went on to complete her MSW from U of M in 2010. During her time at Michigan, Erin began interning at the Education Project, were she continued to work for three years. 

While at the Education Project, Erin learned all about youth experiencing homelessness in Washtenaw County and the different challenges they might face. Her experience with the program helped her in her roles as a counselor at the YCS ACCE program and during her time with the Student Advocacy Center. Now at Ozone House, Erin continues to provide guidance and expertise around advocating for youth in her capacity as a counselor. She feels she continually learns from the families and young people that she works with and can see real changes during her time with a young person. Erin values the Ozone House mission and appreciates that the organization and the culture of the agency align with it. She also really enjoys the awesome potlucks! Erin is an avid reader, coffee drinker, and gabber. She also used to be a hair stylist, which is why you will rarely see her without a colorful streak in her hair. When not at work, you can find her hanging out at home with her two dogs, Mouse and Minnow or over at the Corner Brewery playing games with friends. 

Erin can be reached by email a
  eschaffer@ozonehouse.org or call the main office at 734-662-2265.
Resources for Youth in our Community

While it might be cold outside, it's important to start thinking about the summer for our students!


Washtenaw Day Camps
Registration for Washtenaw day camps opened March 1st. Each camp site hosts multiple weeks throughout the summer. Each week has limited space, so it's important to apply early for scholarships and spots! Follow the link for more information on the Washtenaw County Day Camps.

Summer Camp Scholarships
Summer Camp scholarships is an overnight camp opportunity for eligible youth in Washtenaw County. This year they have specifically approached the Education Project to make sure all McKinney-Vento youth in 4th and 5th grade are aware of this opportunity. For more information go to  campscholarships.org


Warming Center Reminders!

The nighttime Winter Programs will end on April 3, 2017 with the last night of April 2nd 2017.
 
The Day Warming Shelter will end April 3rd. The Schedule will be posted at the Delonis Center. 
 
For access to the warming center each client must call Housing Access of Washtenaw County and obtain a referral to the Delonis Center...
 
If you have any questions please email Ellen at schule@ewashtenaw.org


The Education Project Updates
The referral is intended to be filled out by school staff or community partners with the students or families in need of support. Once a referral is completed, the information should be shared with the Education Project staff as well as the Local Liason. 
Click here to obtain a copy:

As of December 10th Foster Youth are no longer considered McKinney-Vento and will be primarily supported through DHHS. The Education Project and the WISD will continue to offer basic supports to youth and help facilitate communication between the schools, families and case workers.  Please check in with your district or school liason if you have any questions.

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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.

If you know a youth or family who could benefit from Ozone House services,
please have them call our 24-hour Crisis Line:

734.662.2222

There is always somebody here to listen. 
 
Need More Information About Ozone House?
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Ozone House Poster

We will come to you!  
We provide educational presentations to middle and high school classrooms or assemblies, as well as organizations throughout Washtenaw County.
     
To order free printed education materials, or to schedule a presentation, 
contact Dawn Espy at 
call (734) 994-8100 x1518

Ozone House INFO Card

Ozone House Outreach Card
Ozone House Outreach Card
 

To learn more about all of our crisis intervention, housing or support services,  or to get involved with Ozone House,  please visit our website at