March 2023 Newsletter

MARCH IS SOCIAL WORK

APPRECIATION MONTH

Every March, Social Work Month is celebrated to honor the profession. During this month, learn more about the profession's positive contributions. Using innovative approaches, social workers empower people to overcome challenges in order to reach their full potential. As a staff, we strive to provide foster youth and their families with the resources and support they need to overcome challenges so they can live their lives to the fullest potential. It is our goal to develop and nurture support and connections for foster youth and teens. Be sure to follow NOAS on social media throughout the month to learn more about the valuable work we do.

JOIN NOAS for their first-ever COUNTRY for NOAS KIDS

MUSIC FESTIVAL

Saturday, May 13 at Griffin-Sloas Airfield featuring Chris Higbee. Chris will be joined by emcee Karli Datish. Chris will be joined by Human Way and Alex Seier.

The festival's proceeds will support the connections, education, and support for the families and children that NOAS serves. 

MEET JORDAN LANIER

Jordan joined Team NOAS as a Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter. Jordan received his Bachelor's in Psychology from West Virginia University. He has several years of experience as a teacher, Residential Treatment Specialist, Counselor, and Psychiatric Technician. He also coaches track.

UPCOMING PRE-SERVICE EDUCATION CLASSES

Did you miss the March Pre-Service Class? Don’t worry, we have another session beginning in April! NOAS is always looking for open-minded, nurturing, flexible, and cooperative people to change the life of a foster youth. You can help families and children in need as well as help to keep sibling groups together. Become a foster caregiver with NOAS. Pre-Service Classes (as mandated by the state of Ohio) are beginning on April 25, 2023. This format is a virtual weeknight schedule. To register, contact: Michelle Wolcott at 1-800-686-6627, Ext. 123 or email at mwolcott@noas.com. Check our website www.noas.com for schedule information.

JOIN NOAS AT THE

FOSTER CARE EXPO

Saturday, April 29th

from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

SAVE THE DATE

SUCCESS FROM NOAS' BRIDGES PROGRAM

Bridges is a voluntary program for young adults aged 18, 19, and 20 who have aged out of foster care in Ohio and are in school, working, participating in an employment program, or have medical conditions that prevent them from working or going to school. As they transition to adulthood, the program provides guidance and support. NOAS employs three Bridges Liaisons to support the young adults in our Bridges program.

A young adult from our program bought her first home last month! She has been in the Bridges program for three years, and one of her goals has been to buy her own house. Her eligibility was maintained and she worked hard to achieve her goal before her 21st birthday. She has done an amazing job! We're so proud of her!

ONGOING SUPPORT FOR NOAS FAMILIES

NOAS prides itself on our training program. At NOAS, we are here for you every step of the way. NOAS charges NO FEES for any of the classes listed below. The following continuing education programs will be held VIRTUALLY.

Women's History Month is celebrated in March. Women's History Month commemorates and encourages the study, observation, and celebration of women's significant roles in American history.

In recognition of Women's History Month, NOAS will recognize some women who, despite the challenges of foster care, became singers, songwriters, actresses, comedians, and achieved success in life. All four of these celebrities, Cher, Marilyn Monroe, Tiffany Haddish, and Rosie Perez, were foster children.

Additionally, NOAS celebrates all women around us every day; co-workers, friends, mothers, daughters, aunts, nieces, all of whom have influenced us in some way.

NOAS ANNUAL REPORT

Fiscal Year 2022 challenged our TEAM to look closely at the youth, young adults and families we serve.