Students experiencing housing instability want to succeed in school, but it’s hard to thrive without basic supplies. Help us give young people the resources they need to achieve their academic goals. New School Supplies Needed:Pocket Folders for all agesScientific/Graphing Calculators (gently used ok)Tab DividersProtractorsPost-ItsScissors (Blunt and Pointed)Pencil Boxes and Pencil BagsGlue (Bottles and stick)Wide-Rule loose leaf paperComposition Notebooks (wide & …
“They showed up covered in rainbows”
After a rough 15 months of supporting young people virtually, PrideZone was finally able to resume in-person meetings on May 5th, 2021. Our first meeting brought us six young people. Five of them were brand new to PrideZone. Since that first meeting we have grown like crazy! With 33 individual young people coming since we started meeting in person again, …
Open Position: Operations Assistant – Data & Technology
Direct Supervisor: Director of Administrative Operations Status: Full-time; exempt; generous benefits package Pay range: Based on credential, licensure &/or experience) Location: Ypsilanti, MI Application Instructions: Send a cover letter and resume to joinus@ozonehouse.org. (No calls.) Indicate “Operations Assistant – Data & Technology” in the subject line. Application materials will be reviewed as they are received with a deadline of July 15, …
Statement from Local Youth Service Providers about the Harmful Impact of Senate Bill 460
We are disappointed to see elected officials put forth Senate Bill NO. 460 that threatens to withhold vital funding for public and private schools if educators teach their students about some of the most painful aspects of our country’s history, such as slavery, racism and oppression. As organizations that work with young people every day, many of whom are young …
Honoring George Floyd with Accountability
Today, we honor the memory of George Floyd and we continue our commitment to being people of resilience and action. We stand with Black lives and Black youth and we will continue doing the long hard work of justice as we speak out for an end to police brutality and advocate for the dismantling of systemic racism in our community …
Transportation Support is a Gateway to Safety, Resources, and Crisis Prevention
Since 2019, the Youth Outreach, Safety and Transportation Program has placed Ozone House’s Transportation and Community Outreach Coordinator at the Ypsilanti Transit Center and on key bus routes. The Coordinator’s role is to connect with young people and community members for outreach and relationship building, crisis prevention and intervention, and resource support. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA aka …
Denim Day – April 28th, 2021
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Every 73 seconds another American is sexually assaulted. These assaults can include rape, child sexual abuse, and intimate partner sexual violence. Although only 5 out of every 1,000 rapes ends with a prison conviction, the survivors of these violent crimes are often left with psychological, emotional and physical effects. The very low conviction rate …
Protect LGBTQ Youth from Homophobia
Over the weekend, Ann Arbor City Council member, Jeff Hayner shared a highly offensive and hate filled quote including a homophobic slur on his personal Facebook page. His remarks also used a derogatory term for individuals experiencing homelessness. His decision to use the quote was dangerous and perpetuated stigma that is already pervasive. This kind of hateful language, even when …
Elected Officials Must Protect Transgender Youth
Yesterday, members of the Michigan Senate introduced a new bill that will discriminate against transgender students. This harmful bill will only increase the stigma that transgender young people already experience. At Ozone House, we know that young people thrive when they experience safety, love, and are celebrated for who they are. Perceived rejection is a strong predictor of negative health …
Black History Month exhibit for youth at Ozone House
Erica Odum, our Residential Coordinator, created a Black History Month installation at our main facility for youth living onsite to come and learn more about lesser known influential Black figures throughout our nation’s history. Community Change Maker Program Spotlight: SURE Moms “Sisters United Resilient and Empowered (SURE) is a peer support group for mothers of youth within the juvenile justice …