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Community Education Digest
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Welcome to our Community Education Digest! The aim of Ozone House's Community Education Digest newsletter is to connect our community's resources and services with the youth and families who need them most. Each month, the Community Education Digest highlights an Ozone House program along with related resources in our community. Many of these resources can also be found in the Ozone House Info Cards shown below.
This month we highlight our PrideZone Program.
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PrideZone
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Nearly 40% of all youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+. At Ozone House all our services are safe for ALL youth, no matter sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. PrideZone is an Ozone program specifically created to provide queer youth with a space of their own.
PrideZone is a social and support group for youth ages 13-20 who identify as LGBTQ+. The group meets every Wednesday evening from 6 - 8pm at the Ozone House Drop-in Center. Whether a young person identifies as transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, or an ally, PrideZone is a welcoming environment. The goal of Pridezone is to provide a fun, safe space for youth to talk about queer issues with others who also identify as LGBTQ+.
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It is a safe place to:
- Socialize
- Build community
- Have fun in an open, queer space
- Access support services
Events and Activities include:
- Gardening
- Board game night
- Movie night
- Coming out over coffee
- Guest Speakers
- Cider mills
- Craft nights
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Patrick Gaulier has been with Ozone House for over five years. Starting as a crisis line volunteer, he became a PrideZone facilitator in July of 2012 then a case manager in September of 2012. Currently, he is the lead PrideZone facilitator and a clinical case manager focusing on our clients in need of permanent supportive housing through our SOLO program. In addition, Patrick is finishing up his MSW by interning with the Education Project, doing group work with our SafeStay clients, and heading up program evaluations for Ozone. He expects to earn his MSW from Eastern Michigan University in April of 2017 with a focus on mental illness and chemical dependency.
Patrick is originally from Royal Oak and, prior to coming to Ozone House, worked in the Detroit metro area. Patrick used his undergraduate degrees in English and Teaching from MSU to teach English at Waterford Kettering High School before entering Americorps and completing his service at the Boys Hope Girls Hope program in Detroit. He also worked as the Education Coordinator with an after school pregnancy prevention program in Detroit and his passion for supporting LGBTQ youth led him to complete an internship with Ruth Ellis Center. At Ozone House, Patrick has found a home with a "delightful atmosphere." He believes Ozone is a place that values its mission and the work each employee does is informed by that mission. In his work as SOLO case manager, he embraces challenges and truly sees the impact of his work through a young person's ability to take care of themselves.
While he currently doesn't have much free time, when Patrick does have down time he likes to go for runs, cook vegetarian delights, post Lisa Frank memes, and play with his dog Evie. If you spend any time at Ozone you'll probably run into Patrick, but if you need to reach him, send him an email at
pgaulier@ozonehouse.org
or call the main office at 734-662-2265.
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Resources for Youth in our Community
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LGBTQ+ Resources
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Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. The organization also has a crisis line with trained counselors available to support 24/7. If you know of a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, please have them call the Trevor Lifeline at 866-488-7386. To learn more visit
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
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Spectrum Center
The Spectrum Center the LGBTQ+ center on Michigan's campus. They have volunteer opportunities, groups and events open to the public. They are committed to enriching the campus experience and developing students as individuals and members of communities using sexual orientation and gender identity and expression as our framework. To learn more visit
https://spectrumcenter.umich.edu/
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Riot Youth
Riot Youth is a program of the Neutral Zone in Ann Arbor. It is a youth run, queer space where teens through leadership skill building, community organizing, networking and socializing, Riot Youth connects youth to build an inclusive community. The group meets on Fridays from 4 - 6. To learn more visit
http://neutral-zone.org/riot-youth/
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For Educators: GLSEN
GLSEN, which stands for the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization working to create safe schools for ALL students. They strive to ensure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. To access resources or learn more, visit
http://www.glsen.org/educate/resources
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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February 16th
WorkZone: Ozone House job training program for youth ages 18 - 20, youth will get two weeks of training followed by a 100 hour paid internship
Begins February 20th
An opportunity for School personnel and Community partners to come together to discuss the best ways to support youth in our community
March 7th, 1pm - 4pm
Lunch & Learn about Youth Homelessness: A pre-session to the School-Agency Resource forum specifically
focused on youth homelessness. Invitation to come,
Lunch will be included!
March 7th 12- 1pm
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The Education Project Updates
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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.
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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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