Embracing Growth & Empowering Young People
Welcome to the Youth Navigator Network Spring Newsletter! We’re hard at work expanding our reach, strengthening our team, and enhancing the support we provide to young people across Ohio. From impactful trainings to exciting community engagement opportunities, we’re committed to equipping young people with the resources and guidance they need.
We’re thrilled to share that we just released the third episode of our Care to Conquer podcast, featuring the Ohio Youth Ombudsman. Discover the inspiring journey of Jenny Stotts, whose experience in the foster care system has fueled her unwavering commitment to advocacy. Be sure to check it out and hear directly from those working to create real change.
Read on for updates on our recent trainings, upcoming events, and a spotlight on YNN’s newest Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC) member making a difference. Stay connected, stay informed, and let’s continue working together to create brighter futures for Ohio’s youth!
Care to Conquer Podcast: Episode 3
Step into the powerful story of Jenny Stotts, Ohio's Youth Ombudsman, whose personal journey through the foster care system has transformed into a mission of advocacy and change. Growing up in a bustling foster home, Stotts gained unique insights into the complex dynamics of child welfare - from witnessing emotional reunifications to experiencing the unsettling reality of constant change.
Now, as part of Ohio’s Youth and Family Ombudsman office, she brings this lived experience to her role of investigating complaints and ensuring youth rights are protected. Her story exemplifies how personal experiences can fuel professional purpose, as she works tirelessly to ensure every young person feels valued and heard.
Ready to be inspired by a remarkable journey from foster care to fierce advocate? Listen to this compelling episode that reminds us of the power of resilience and the importance of giving youth a voice in the system that serves them. Make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a new episode!
Building Financial Literacy Skills
In January 2025, YNN hosted the Money 101 Financial Literacy course to equip our team with valuable tools and strategies for supporting young people in developing financial literacy awareness. This training covered essential budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting skills that our team can now share with young people to help them make informed financial decisions.
Strengthening Team Dynamics
On March 5-6, YNN held a training session at the Kinnect office in Cleveland. This session focused on re-teaming, program level-setting, and building peer-to-peer relationships among team members. The training strengthened internal collaboration and ensured the team is well-equipped to support young people throughout Ohio.
Gabriella Craft, a member of YNN's Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC), is passionate about supporting former foster youth. Now 37 years old with a Master’s in Social Work, Gabriella works at Ohio State University, building a support program for former foster youth called the OSU Foster Achievement Network. Inspired by her own experience aging out of foster care with little support, Gabriella joined the YAAC to advocate for better resources and ensure youth voices are heard.
Since joining YAAC, Gabriella has contributed valuable insights, including ideas to improve the YNN app (Google Play/Apple Store) and expand available resources. She appreciates that YNN listens to feedback and actively works to improve services for young people navigating adulthood.
Gabriella values YNN for creating an inclusive environment, sharing valuable resources, and welcoming feedback. "YNN is one resource that has all the resources in Ohio," she said. Gabriella encourages young people to connect with YNN, knowing firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to face adulthood alone. "You’re going to feel grateful that you reached out," she shared. "YNN will make sure that you’re not forgotten."
Do you know a young person who should be part of the YAAC?
This month we have a blog post titled "Exploring College Campus Resources: A Guide for Former Foster Youth." Starting college is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially if you’re navigating this journey on your own. The good news? College campuses are filled with resources designed to help students succeed academically, professionally, and personally.
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