At YNN, We’ve Got a Spring in Our Step!
Since our last newsletter, there have been TONS of exciting updates at YNN! Our program is growing fast, with record numbers of young people reaching out to our Navigators. With this growth in demand, we’ve also expanded the services we offer. Read on to find out more!
We've Got a Spring in Our Step!
Since our last newsletter, there have been TONS of exciting updates at YNN! Our program is growing fast, with record numbers of young people reaching out to our Navigators. With this growth in demand, we’ve also expanded the services we offer. Read on to find out more!
Program Updates
What's New with YNN?
Intorducing Flex Funds!
The Youth Navigator Network (YNN) is excited to announce the addition of YNN Flex Funds. These funds are available to young adults aged 21-22 who have aged out of foster care, and are designed to address key, one-time financial needs. Examples of eligible uses for YNN Flex Funds include things like housing application fees/security deposits, work uniforms/tools, school textbooks/lab expenses, and more.
YNN Flex Funds are intended to be used only after other funding sources and resources have been exhausted, providing financial support for expenses not covered by traditional support systems. Importantly, YNN Flex Funds have been introduced to help to reduce barriers that have the potential to adversely impact a young adult’s transition to adulthood and independent living.
For more information and discussion on Flex Funds and the YNN program, watch our webinar below!
Navigator's Picks: Essential Resources for Young People
At YNN, navigators offer personalized, 1-on-1 support for young people through text, calls, or our website. Our navigators strive to go the extra mile and have shared their top statewide resources that they believe all young people should know about. This list is a great starting point if you're feeling overwhelmed and want to begin exploring on your own. And remember, YNN has access to hundreds of resources across Ohio, and we're just one call or text away!
YNN Informational Webinar
On February 21, we hosted an informational webinar for anyone who wanted to learn more about YNN and our services. There were nearly 100 registrants, and we so enjoyed getting to tell you all about the exciting updates to our program and answer your questions! We’ve made a recording of the webinar available on our YouTube channel, so please feel free to use it as a reference in your own conversations about YNN!
Staff Spotlight
Marissa Tuma, Program Coach
Marissa joined Kinnect with over 7 years of experience working with young people. She worked as a secondary school educator with Cleveland City Schools, as well as at a youth-centered non-profit focused on career readiness. She has also coached high school volleyball and basketball for 8 years. Marissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Baldwin Wallace University and an MBA from Ohio Dominican University.
Marissa continued, “I work with a team that is unique, responsive to young people, empathetic, and genuine. I find inspiration through their commitment to this work. That is not something that is easy to come by, and it makes me proud to be a part of this team. It has been amazing to see the number of young people we have been able to serve in the past year, and I look forward to the future!”
Marissa also wants readers to know that YNN works with a Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC) to inform the design, direction, and ongoing execution of the program. This group consists of young people from across the state of Ohio. They meet monthly and provide valuable input on rotating collection of topics. The council is a crucial piece of our network that raises youth voice. “The YAAC has been a pleasure to work with as they continue to help YNN develop and refine our network,” says Marissa.
From left to right, YNN team members Marissa Tuma (Program Coach),
Roxana Bell (Program Trainer), and Arlene Jones (Program Manager).
Partner with Us!
Help Make Our Vision a Reality!
Interested in spreading the word about YNN or partnering with us in some other way? We’d love to hear from you!
YNN offers many opportunities for your organization to get involved! Partner with us by requesting marketing materials (at no cost to you) or inviting our team to present YNN's mission and services to your staff or community. We are eager to collaborate with other community organizations to best serve youth and young adults in Ohio.
- Distribution Partners help us spread the word by putting YNN print materials in their local establishments.
- Training Partners invite YNN team members into their organizations to give a presentation on everything that we offer.
Connect with Us
Follow Along & Spread the Word
YNN is a new program from Kinnect. Follow Kinnect on Facebook and LinkedIn to get the latest updates. Help us spread the word by sharing our website link and social posts, forwarding this newsletter, and telling your family & friends about our work!
Success Stories
Real-Life Examples of YNN in Action
A young person only had one week to find a new place to live. They were having a difficult time finding short-term and long-term options.
They reached out to YNN for help. Their navigator Kim jumped into action by identifying local resources and contacting them together with the youth. They then worked together to create a long-term action plan for housing stability.
Additionally, Kim contacted the county agency to assign a case manager for ongoing support.
Successes like this happen every day at YNN. Stay tuned for more!
The Youth Navigator Network is an official program of the state of Ohio