The Youth Navigator Network Summer Updates
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.
Welcome to the Youth Navigator Network (YNN) Summer Newsletter! Over the past few months, YNN has been busy strengthening connections, showing up at events across the state, and growing our team. We were excited to welcome a new navigator in Cleveland and to come together for our first-ever, full team meeting in Columbus.
This issue includes updates on recent trainings and youth-centered events. We’re also excited to announce the release of the fourth episode of our podcast—continuing to highlight real stories, youth voice, and meaningful conversations.
Thanks for staying connected with us as we work to support and uplift foster youth & alumni across Ohio.
A Special Moment for the YNN Team
In May, the full YNN team came together in Columbus for the very first in-person meeting with everyone in the same space at the same time! It was a meaningful milestone and a great chance for the team to build deeper connections. We were especially excited to meet Yasmin Yahaya, the newest YNN Navigator for the first time in person. The energy, teamwork, and shared commitment to youth voice made the day truly special.
Navigator Spotlight: Meet Yasmin
We’re excited to welcome Yasmin Yahaya as our new YNN Navigator based in Cleveland! Yasmin joined the YNN team in April and has already made a big impact.
She serves in this role through The Centers in Cleveland, where she continues her work supporting young people and families. Yasmin brings years of experience and a deep understanding of the needs in her community. Her passion for uplifting youth voices and building strong connections makes her an incredible asset to the YNN team.
We’re thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the energy, insight, and leadership she brings to the team.
Care to Conquer Podcast: Episode 4
Dive into an inspiring conversation where former foster youth share their powerful transition stories and reflect on the life-changing role of mentorship. In this heartfelt episode, hosts Raven, Nevaeh, Keaton, and Gabriela sit down with special guest, Kim Eckhart, a passionate advocate who’s helping lead efforts like the Foster College Scholarship Campaign to support youth in and from care.
Together, they explore how meaningful mentorship relationships can open doors, how young people overcome academic and financial hurdles, and how programs like OhioReach are creating real pathways to higher education. They also discuss the successful effort to establish a youth ombudsman in Ohio—an achievement driven by youth-led coalition work and advocacy.
Through a mix of personal stories and professional insights, this episode highlights the resilience of foster youth and the power of community in creating lasting change. Ready to be inspired? Make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a new episode!
The Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC) continues to play a key role in shaping the Youth Navigator Network (YNN) program. Their voices help us build programs that are more thoughtful, supportive, and effective for young people with experience in foster care.
Recently, YAAC members reviewed a major framework that guides how we make sure our programs are fair and responsive to the needs of all young people. Their feedback has helped us improve the way we think about our goals, the way we serve others, and the steps we take to grow the network.
By staying involved in these important conversations, the YAAC is helping YNN become stronger and better connected to the foster youth and alumni we serve across different communities and throughout the state.
Do you know a young person who should be part of the YAAC?
Building Stronger Systems Through Collaboration
In May, YNN participated in the “Shifting from Reporting to Supporting” convening hosted by Casey Family Programs at Franklin County Children Services in Columbus. The event brought together partners and stakeholders from across the state to explore strategies for working better across systems, creating lasting change, and truly responding to the voices of families and young people impacted by the child welfare system. It was a powerful opportunity for shared learning and thought partnership.
Franklin County Children Services Graduation Resource Fair
On June 11th, YNN joined Franklin County Children Services to celebrate the Class of 2025. This year, more than 60 teens in FCCS foster care graduated from high school and were honored at the graduation ceremony. The event took place at the Grange Audubon Center in Columbus and included support from groups like YNN, Bridges, and My Very Own Blanket.
The keynote speaker was Dauntea Sledge, a former foster youth. He shared his story about aging out of care and going through many changes to become the successful person he is today. Along with the support from YNN, the graduates also won raffle prizes and each received a brand-new hard-shell suitcase.
Internal Training for Kinnect & DCY Staff
YNN hosted Youth Thrive training on June 24–25 in Columbus. This two-day session was provided to Kinnect staff and was also open to Department of Children & Youth (DCY) staff. The training offered an in-depth look at the YNN framework used when working with young people and highlighted how the YNN approach centers youth voices and strengths. It was a great opportunity for teams to grow in their understanding of how to support young people in meaningful and effective ways.
Leadership & Life Skills Summit Empowers Ohio Youth
On June 17, current and former foster youth from across Ohio gathered in Columbus for the Leadership and Life Skills Summit. The event offered a full day of workshops, breakout sessions, and networking for youth ages 14–24.
The YNN team was excited to be there, connecting with attendees and sharing resources at our table. One highlight of the day was the Suits for Success room, where youth received professional clothing and learned how to tie a tie—an important moment for those preparing for job interviews and other big steps. The summit was a powerful reminder of the strength and leadership within Ohio’s foster youth community.
Opportunity for Central Ohio Youth: Fostering Futures Program
Young people in Central Ohio have a new opportunity to build life skills and get ready for the workplace! The Ohio Children’s Alliance is partnering with several local organizations to launch the second cohort of Fostering Futures, a life skills and employment readiness program designed to support youth as they prepare for adulthood. Applications are open now, and selections will be made by the end of July. If you or someone you know is interested, now is a great time to apply!
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