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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 Crisis Line: Call.Text.Chat.
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The Ozone House Drop-In Center is a safe and supportive space for young people ages 13-20 to hang out, learn new skills and get support. It is located in Ypsilanti at 102 N. Hamilton right down the street from the Ypsilanti Transit Center. Young people can stop by any time after 4pm on a weekday and have the opportunity to do any or all of the following things:
- Hang out at a safe place
- Eat a hot meal
- Meet people
- Talk to someone
- Get food from the pantry
- Do laundry
- Talk about substance use and abuse
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- Take a shower
- Use computers & phones
- Play games
- Get toiletries
- Get more info or help
- Engage in skills groups
- Talk to a job coach
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The Drop-In is host to multiple programs and events, including the engagement program, workzone, and pridezone. Also, every Thursday night, the DIC has special programming, like a monthly career panel. On the third Thursday of each month, young people have the opportunity to hear from and engage with professionals from all across our community.
EXTENDED HOURS FOR THE SUMMER!
Drop-In Center Hours for June 18, 2018- August 24, 2018
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
- Wednesday
- 4pm - 6pm (with pridezone from 6-8)
Exciting and fun programming each week!
For more information about the Drop In Center or programming checkout the
DIC website or call the crisis line at 734-662-2222 or directly over to the drop in at 734-485-2222.
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 This month, instead of introducing you to a staff member, we are asking your help in saying farewell and good luck to a long time part of Ozone House. Colleen (Co) is exiting Ozone House after nearly 24 years of service. Co joined the Ozone House family in October of 1994 as a crisis line volunteer. In 1995, she was hired on as a phone shift supervisor and stayed in the phone room until 2000 when she became the Drop-In's first case manager. Co has been with the Drop-In since it's early years, and has seen it grow and shift, but always remain a place where young people could go and know they will be seen and heard. As the Director of Youth Opportunity, from 2004 until now (August 3rd), Co has welcomed young people through the door of Drop-In in Ypsilanti and helped create a space filled with love and acceptance. We decided to directly interview Co, so she could share in her own words, what Ozone House means to her:
What do you like about working at Ozone House? As I get ready to leave Ozone House it's even easier to identify all the things I love about my work here at the Drop-In. I love the community we build every day with young people, community partners and friends, and each other. Our team at Ozone is so strong and so giving and so hard-working and I've always been proud of that. I love that I've had the opportunity to work side-by-side with young people and help them connect to resources, make changes, build support and participate in programming that helps them lead safer lives. There really is almost nothing I don't like about my job at Ozone except some paperwork and answering voicemails.
What are some of the reasons, you have stayed with ozone over the years? The young people, hands down. I have witnessed strength, kindness, and creativity that I don't think many people ever get to see. Our young people build trust with us and include us in their days and that's been one of the greatest honors I've ever had - to work side-by-side with them and to share in their lives. So, building community is another reason I've stayed.
What was your favorite role within the agency? My current role as Director of Youth Opportunity - I have worked with social workers who are the strongest and most giving people I can imagine. And, they're so fun. Being in my role at the Drop-In has allowed me to connect with so many other people too - and that's what makes it my favorite. #peopleperson
How has Ozone changed over the time you have been here? Oh wow! We've changed so much and not at all. Our spaces (buildings), our level of professional social work training, our team sizes, our program offerings have all changed significantly since the early 90's. And, now we have email and smartphones vs. paper files and pagers! One thing that hasn't changed is our commitment to serving young people and their families - that's literally felt the same the whole time I've been here. Also, our logo is way better now!
What is a favorite memory, and/or significant event that you have from your time?
Once the Drop-In ceiling fell in on my head. It's a long story and it was back when we rented the space the Drop-In was in. But, what I love about it is the agency's response. Within days we had new space in the community and were well on our way to buying a new building. Young people got services and support even when we were down a building. That's the Ozone spirit!
When you think of Ozone house, what makes you proud? That young people know we keep it real and also that we'll go to any length we can to safely and appropriately support them. And, that we do what we say we'll do.
What things are you taking with you?
Literally, a piece of the Drop-In stair rail that looks exactly like a miniature piece of toast - I've loved it every day we've been in this building. Figuratively, a heart that is many times fuller and happier than you could ever imagine. I'm taking away a strength and a pride in having been part of the Drop-In Center and a part of building positive programming in Ypsi. I'm taking away the unshakable knowledge that building a space that is truly safe and supportive, a space that recognizes the worth of each and every person, a space that prioritizes what you need but also what you want, a space that vibes out love is one of the most powerful tools for change that we have as a community. And, love. I'm taking away more love than it's probably fair for any one person to get.
And finally, what will you miss most?
The love. This place generates so much love - you feel it when you walk in, when everyone greets you, when you come to a group or an activity. I'll miss that vibe. Every day.
So with that we say goodbye and good luck! After a well-deserved break, Co will pick right back up as she takes on teaching full time at the EMU School of Social Work. She will also continue to run her private therapy practice here in Ypsilanti. August 3rd will be the end of an era, but that doesn't mean the work stops. Co has left behind a legacy, a team of people, and connections to young people and community members that will continue to grow. We wish her well, send her out into the world with love and kindness, and leave her with the reminder: Our door is always open.
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Resources for Youth in our Community
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Summer
Opportunities
and Support
School may be out for the summer but supporting children and families does not stop. So this July we are providing a list of summer opportunities and resources for families that maybe seeking free meals, fun activities etc.
Packard's Healthy Kids Fair
FREE back-to-school physicals, immunizations, health & wellness stations, dental checks
FREE backpacks, FREE bike helmets and fittings
Fun activities emphasizing health and safety
Bounce House, hula hoops, face painting and and more!
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Ann Arbor Art Fair
The Ann Arbor Art Fair is one of Michigan's finest summer traditions and one of the largest outdoor art fairs in the nation. From Thursday, July 19 to Sunday, July 22, the streets of Ann Arbor will transform into an art lover's paradise where you can experience and enjoy original works of art, street performances, culinary treats and a variety of sidewalk sales. Hours for the fair are:
Thursday, July 19, 2018 * 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday, July 20, 2018 * 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 21, 2018 * 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday, July 22, 2018 * Noon - 6 p.m
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Free Movie Nights in Chelsea
Following Chelsea's Sounds & Sights on Thursdays is SRSLY Cinema. A family-friendly movie will be shown at dusk each week on the green across from the Clocktower Gazebo. (Start times and address listed below are approximate. Bring bugspray, blankets, chairs, and money for concessions. This month's movie showing include
07/19/2018
8:45pm-10:45pm
SRSLY Cinema: Coco
at Chelsea Clocktower, Chelsea Michigan
07/26/2018
8:45pm-10:45pm
SRSLY Cinema: Beauty and the Beast (2017)
at Chelsea Clocktower, Chelsea Michigan
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Noise Permit - Ypsilanti District Library
Youth from the Ozone House Drop-In along with youth at YDL have been working together all summer to develop an amazing show!
Friday, August 3 @
5:00 pm
229 W. Michigan Avenue
Noise Permit is a celebration of the arts planned and performed by Ypsilanti teens! Enjoy music, poetry, a community art project, food, and more! All ages are welcome to attend.
This activity is supported in part by an award from the MICHIGAN COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
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UPCOMING
this month!
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CO's Going Away Celebration !!!
Thursday, July 26
4:00pm - 7:30pm
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Shop with a Cop: Back to School on the BLVD.
August 9th, 2018
12:00pm-3:00 pm
Fireman Park Superior Twp
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The Education Project Updates
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We are here ALL summer! While School is out, the Education Project is still available to support students and families in need.
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The 2017-18 School year officially ended June 30th. As of July 1st, the living situations of students and families will need to be reassessed and we will be accepting new referrals for the 2018-19 school year.
It's never to early to start thinking about next year! If you have new staff or want to provide current staff with a refresher around the McKinney-Vento Law and how to support students in your school, please let us know and we will come to begin of the year trainings for teachers, administrators, school counselors, social workers or anyone in the community.
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Below is the 2018 - 2019 referral! Please use this referral when working with students and families this school year. Any questions about the referral or referral process can be directed to ephycontact@washtenawisd.org or call us at 734-994-8100 x1518
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.
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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. Visit the
Ozone House website to learn more about how you can help.
The Education Project office is staffed regularly Monday - Thursday from 9am - 4pm.
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,text,or chat 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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