MARCH 24, 2023 AGENCY SPOTLIGHT GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Ozone House: a sanctuary for struggling youth in Washtenaw Ozone House is a non-profit organization based in Ann Arbor that opened its doors in 1969 due to the growing number of runaway youth migrating to Washtenaw County. Today, they are the only agency in Washtenaw County that provides free, confidential, and voluntary shelter and support services to runaway, homeless, and high-risk youth ages 10 to 20 and their families. The mission of Ozone House is to “[help] young people lead safe, responsible, and healthy lives through intensive intervention and prevention services.” The organization consistently provides non-judgemental support and safety for youth in crisis through various programs including emergency services, counseling, drop-in hours, housing, job training and transportation. Ozone House offers free counseling and case management services to provide youth a safe space to talk about any issues at home that may be affecting their mental well-being. Licensed social workers are available to provide crisis intervention and individual or family therapy as well. Similarly, Ozone hosts meals and drop-in hours throughout the week, inviting 13 to 20-year-olds the opportunity to relax in a controlled space, eat a hot meal, take a shower or even just talk to a peer in a safe environment. Shelter is one of the main resources that Ozone House provides to youth in the community and there are three different types: SafeStay, Transitional Living, and Supported Opportunities for Living on Your Own. SafeStay offers emergency shelter where those in need can participate prepares homeless or at-risk youth for their first job. Tim, an 18-year-old who participated in this program, CALISTA REDINGTON U-M student contributor “put his customer service skills to use at McDonald’s, where he has worked for several years.” The program helps with resume building, interview skills, and ultimately concludes with a 100-hour paid internship. This program has helped numerous young adults find stability in a career and build a new life for themselves. Ozone House also provides transin individual and family therapy, group therapy, life skills workshops, educational support and safe recreational activities. This resource is for youth ages 10 to 17 who need an escape from their situation at home or a safe place to stay, whether overnight or only a few hours. Transitional Living, called Miller House, is open to 18-to-22-year-olds who do not have a safe or stable home. Residents can stay for up to 18 months, giving them time to get back on their feet. Residents must go to school or have a job and participate in case management, life skills training, counseling and paying “rent” that goes into a savings account for later use. Miller House sets their residents up for success by teaching them the skills they need to regain stability in their lives. Supported Opportunities for Living on your Own, or SOLO, offers supportive housing for youth 18 to 21 with disabilities. Job and leadership training is another resource that Ozone House offers to struggling youth in the community in the form of WorkZone. WorkZone is an employment training and paid internship program that portation for those in need, partnering with the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, or The Ride. This is a notfor-profit local organization that helps youth get a ride to their school if their living situation is unstable or provide reduced fare cards so they can get to school and work. Affordable or free transportation is extremely important for those seeking help from Ozone House. Since moving to their new location at 1600 N. Huron River Drive, Ozone House has upgraded their maximum capacity and can currently hold 25 youth per night. They are always looking for volunteers and for the community to get involved in their cause, specifically for the crisis line, to listen and provide critical information to those in need. They also accept donated goods. They encourage volunteers to help advocate for public policies that improve the lives of young people or invite Ozone House staff and young people to share about key issues. Ozone House is an extremely important resource within the Washtenaw County community that provides help to youth experiencing homelessness and instability. Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Databases at AADL Did you know all AADL library card holders have access to databases? You can search consumer reports, genealogy, and much more! Visit AADL.org/ collections/databases AADL Shelf Service Place your request with our Shelf Service and let AADL know the types of things you’re looking for. AADL staff will fill a bag with items we think you’ll like! For more information visit AADL.org/shelfservice FEATURED EVENT 5 Friday, April 7 • 7-10pm Kerrytown FoolMoon is back with light-filled art and creative experiences in the Kerrytown district. Dress up, light the luminaries, celebrate, spread smiles, and share some love with A2 local businesses! This year’s theme—U.F.O.s (Unidentified Foolish Objects)—brings arts + lights + wonder! FoolMoon is in partnership with Assembli. All the details can be found at AADL.org/fool
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