Community Education Digest
 
July 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 Safe Stay Program.

IN THIS ISSUE
Safe Stay
Adrianna Spindle
Resources for Youth in our Community
The Education Project
Need Ozone House materials?

Safe Stay
 
Safe Stay is Ozone House's emergency shelter program for youth ages 10-17 years old. Safe Stay offers a welcoming place for young people when they need a safe place to stay or a break from conflict at home. When young people and parent/guardian agree to participate in Safe Stay, youth engage in a 2-3 week program that involves daily therapy and skills groups along with a continuation of the youth's educational plan. If possible and safe, Parents or Guardians often engage in family therapy to move toward better communication and family reunification. During a young person's stay they can expect to participate in:
  • Individual & family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Life Skills workshops
  • Educational support
  • Safe recreational activities
When leaving Safe Stay, Ozone staff help youth return to a safe home with a personalized action plan and ongoing therapy and services. If you know of a young person who might be in need of emergency shelter please contact Ozone's Crisis Line at 734-662-2222.

Meet Adrianna Spindle

Adrianna joined the Ozone team just over 6 months ago and has been a wonderful additional to our family therapy program. Originally from Oakland, California, Adrianna received her undergraduate degree from Cal State Monterey Bay, home of the otters. She then gained experience working with youth at a crisis stabilization unit at the Willow Rock Center in the Bay Area. While California remains in her heart, family, and an excellent graduate program brought her to the University of Michigan. During her MSW, Adrianna participated in the Detroit Clinic Scholars Program and interned at the American Indian Health and Family Services in Southwest Detroit.

Throughout her work in Oakland, Detroit and now with Ozone House, Adrianna carries a passion for providing safe spaces and support to youth in vulnerable populations. As a family therapist at Ozone House, Adrianna loves being able to provide services and counseling to marginalized and minority youth who don't normally have access to it. From the agency's mission to the fellow staff, Adrianna has noticed the support and dedication everyone has to serving youth.
When Adrianna is not working, she is frequenting coffee shops and immersing herself in a good book, sometimes two or three. She enjoys being outside, sampling cheeses, particularly brie and goat cheese, and going on walks and hikes.

If you want to learn more about Adrianna or need to get in touch with her, Adrianna can be reached at Aspindle@ozonehouse.org or through the Ozone House business line 734-662-2265.

Resources for Youth in our Community

We still have a few weeks left of summer, but that does not mean the learning should stop.  Let's fight the summer slump! 
826 Michigan offers programming all summer to youth across Washtenaw County.





Summer Food Resources
MLive has compiled a list of places offering food throughout the summer: Summer food list

The Education Project Updates
 The New Referral is here! 
As of July 1st, any referrals received will reflect the 2017-2018 school year.*

Below is the updated referral for the 2017 - 2018 school year! Please use this referral when working with students and families this school year. Any questions about the new referral can be directed to ephycontact@washtenawisd.org

Click here to obtain a copy:  

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

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

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. 
   _________________________________________________________________________________

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