January ENews from NOAS

January 2021 Newsletter

NOAS is celebrating TWO SIBLING group adoptions with ONE special family

Congratulations to twin sisters Harley and Hannah, and brother and sister, Jaden and Asher! We couldn’t think of a more joyful way for you all to celebrate the Holidays.

Click to learn more about other children waiting to be adopted

HOW TO BEAT THE

WINTER BLUES

Right now, many families are trying to manage life due to coronavirus. For many people, cold weather and shorter days can also bring about the winter blues. Sad feelings, lethargic moods, greater anxiety, or mild depression can accompany the winter season. The good news? There are things you can do to beat the winter blues.

JANUARY IS NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH

This year, NOAS' IGNITE Mentoring Program celebrates the annual campaign to expand quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our community’s foster youth with caring adults by waiving the application fee through March 31, 2021.

“The IGNITE Mentoring program is such a blessing to any child that is able to be a part of it. It allows them to have encouraging and supportive individuals in their lives to help them grow and succeed,” said a NOAS IGNITE mentor.

Research shows that mentors play a powerful role in providing young people with the tools to make responsible choices, attend and engage in school, and reduce or avoid risky behavior like drug use. In turn, these young people are:

55% more likely to be enrolled in college.

81% more likely to report participating regularly in sports or extracurricular activities.

78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities.

More than twice as likely to say they held a leadership position in a club or sports team.

The same research shows that one in three young people in the United States will grow up without a mentor. Today, in Ohio, there are 16,000 kids who could benefit from having a mentor.

You can become a supportive presence in a child or young adult’s life without the full commitment of foster care or adoption by giving 6 hours a month of your time listening and guiding them. As a Mentor, you can make a difference and be a hero to a foster youth who needs a helping hand, a connection, and a champion for their well-being.

There are limited spots left to sign up to become a Mentor. The next series of Mentor training classes begin Tuesday, January 26, from 6:00-7:30 pm via Zoom. Call Kim Morgan at 330-980-4505 or email Kim at kmorgan@noas.com to register.

BOOKS A MILLION (BAM) HEARTFELT THANKS

To BAM and all the customers in Niles for over $5,000 in donations of toys, books, and other fun stuff, thank you. The gifts will bring joy to many kids and young adults.

YOUNG ADULTS DONATION

“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” ~ Dalai Lama.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for starting this ripple that will mean so much for these young adults who need to know they matter. You are all amazing.

ZAYNE IS WAITING FOR A FAMILY

Zayne loves spending time outdoors running around, riding his bike, dirt bike, and 4-wheeler. He has a sweet tooth, especially for chocolate candy! He has a smile that is contagious.

Zayne is a country boy at heart. He would love to live out in the country where there is a lot of room for him to play and explore. He would like to have a mom and a dad. Learn more about Zayne click here.

View More Waiting Children Like Zayne

Foster Care Was Always Tough. Covid-19 Made It Tougher.

While some child welfare systems have pivoted to a remote reality, advocates say it hasn't been uniform or quick enough for the country's 400,000 foster kids. Celeste and Mark Scott standing with their six children on the front steps to their...

Read more
www.nytimes.com

There is an urgent need for families to step up and be help these children and young adults.

For those ready to take the next step towards becoming a foster and/or adoptive parent, make sure that you register for our upcoming Virtual Online Pre-Placement Class Series starting March 10, 2021. Call 800-686-6627 ext. 126 to register.

To learn more about NOAS please visit www.noas.com

Phone: 800-686-6627 ext. 126

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