On August 30, 2024, OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors led a two-hour virtual training for Bridges Liaisons.

The title of the training was Strengthening the Bridge to Our Future, and it included this video.

Below are links to resources for Bridges liaisons to support young adults transitioning from foster care into young adulthood:

1.) Youth Voice and Peer Support:

• Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board (OHIO YAB)
• Leadership and Life Skills Summit
• Thanksgiving Together
• Permanency Pact

2.) Education:

• ESSA
• ETV funds
• Ohio Reach
• CSCC- Scholar Network
• Wood County: Independent Falcon Network
• Resources for students who want to study abroad

3.) Workforce:

• CCMEP
• iFoster has an AmeriCorps program for former foster youth.
• JobCorps
• Ohio Benefit Bank

4.) Housing:

• Cuyahoga County: A Place 4 Me
• Franklin County: Scholar House 3
• Hamilton County: My First Place
• Hocking County: Foster Hub
• Lake County: One Step At A Time
• Licking County: Hope Landing
• Lorain County: My House
• Mahoning County: Moab House

5.) Health:

• Ohio Medicaid
• Medicaid Roadmap
• A Home Within – Ohio doesn’t have a chapter currently

6.) Statewide Resources:

• Department of Children and Youth
• Youth Navigator Network
• Youth Ombudsman Office

7.) Regional Resources:

• Cuyahoga County: Fill This House
• Emerge Emancipation Program: Located in Xenia
• The Ohana Project: Focusing on NW Ohio…
• Stark County: Hope Bridge

8.) Vital Records:

• Cincinnati Children’s operates a data hub that contains electronic health records of foster youth

9.) Needs Specific Resources:

• LGBTQIA+ foster youth
• Young adults with a foster care history who are parenting
• Young adults who fear losing custody of their child
• Young adults who experience both foster care and having a disability