I’m a person who believes Welcomes should be short and sweet – please let me start by saying that I am INCREDIBLY happy that you are here today. Youth and young adults, I hope you leave today feeling supported, and MORE empowered and MORE knowledgeable about the resources that can help you connect with employment. Adult supporters and stakeholders, thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to be here.
We are here today because this issue is important… We are here Connecting Ohio Youth and Young Adults With Employment Matters. We are here today because the challenges are greater than ever before , When I “aged out of foster care” in 1989 it was easier for me to find a job – even multiple jobs - than it is for youth today.
Thankfully this issue also matters for ODJFS Director Colbert – who, from the time that he has taken office has listened the voices of current and former foster youth. He followed up on our concerns about the challenges of transitioning from foster care to adulthood and responded by: a.) Reinstating Ohio’s 2M Independent Living Initiative b.) Launching a BRILLIANT new initiative to bridge the gap between workforce and child welfare systems
Which lead us to the purpose of WHY we are here today – this event exists because: a.) Penny Wyman of OACCA came up with a wonderful, incredible, very cool idea b.) And because current and former foster youth WANTED this event to happen The purpose of today’s event is (read slide)
Event sponsors INCLUDE, but are not limited to: ODJFS and their investment in the Ohio State Youth Advisory Board the generosity of the Dave Thomas Donation Donations from the Ohio chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America and New Beginnings Insurance Service - Printed materials from OACCA and Casey Family Programs - Our keynote speaker, Rhonda’s generosity – which you will learn more about during her Keynote
Planning Committee Members Include, but are not limited to the organizations whose logos you see on your screen, and are listed on the back of your Event Program. I personally have been incredibly impressed by the information sharing between child welfare and workforce organizations that has come about due to working on the details of this conference together.
Finally, some housekeeping details…. I am giving away Mention morning workshop TYPO Regret no CEU’s – maybe wait and mention during Raffle LOL