Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board (OHIO YAB)

Please note that the dates and location have been changed for the 2008 quarterly Statewide OHIO YAB Meetings. Click here for 2008 meeting schedule.

•  Mission
•  About OHIO YAB
•  Officers
•  Meeting Schedule
•  Join OHIO YAB
•  Training Requests
•  Partnership

The Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board (OHIO YAB) is a statewide organization of young people (aged 14-23) who have experienced foster care.  With the assistance of PCSAO and many caseworkers, directors, IL professionals and advocates, this group has been organizing since July 2006, when they requested help organizing and making their recommendations, created during the 2006 My Voice, My Life, My Future Project, a reality.  On February 1, 2007, the youth held a statewide meeting to develop and adopt a name, mission, and official bylaws, as well as elect statewide officers and set goals for 2007.  (For a more detailed history of the group’s evolution, click here). 

This group is actively recruiting youth to join!  We are also seeking professional supporters who can provide support while allowing youth voices to drive the movement.  Current needs include transportation to and from meetings, organizational support for regional boards, and help raising funds.  E-mail Kelly Knight at Kelly@pcsao.org or Arlene Jones at Arlene@pcsao.org if you are interested in supporting these young people in their efforts. 

The OHIO YAB Mission: 

•  We exist to be the knowledgeable statewide voice that influences policies and practices
   that effect all youth who have or will experience out of home care.

•  We exist to bring youth together on a statewide level regardless of race, sex, religion,
   creed, disability, sexual orientation or national origin.

•  We exist to work with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services by bringing our
   knowledge and personal experience to the table.

•  We exist to assist youth in establishing and achieving realistic goals for their future.

•  We exist to provide exemplary leadership and empowerment opportunities for youth who
   have or will experience out of home care.

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2008 Statewide Officers:

 President Adrian McLemore (SW Region)

 Vice President Ebony Orr (NE Region)

 Secretary Katrina Gallimore (NE Region)

 Treasurer Laura Johnson (NE Region)

 Media Spokesperson Daniel Taylor (NE Region)

 Parliamentarian James Burge (NE Region)

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Join OHIO YAB:

If you are a youth, between the ages of 14-23, and are a current or former foster youth please consider joining OHIO YAB. There are no major membership requirements other than filling out the OHIO YAB Membership Sign Up Form and submitting it. By becoming a member you will be informed of upcoming meetings, be invited to participate in OHIO YAB events and be provided with information regarding Ohio’s foster youth and OHIO YAB. Click here if you’re interested.

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Training Requests:

•  Looking for a presenter?
  If you are interested in having OHIO YAB come and present at your agency, conference or provide a training for your stuff please complete OHIO YAB Request for Events and submit it to OHIO YAB

•  Are you a presenter?
  If you are interested in providing a training for OHIO YAB members, please complete OHIO YAB Training Proposal, and submit it to OHIO YAB.

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