"LET'S TALK THURSDAYS" (VIA ZOOM)
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic that prevented in-person gatherings, YTIA decided to learn to use technology, ZOOM in particular. We also decided that we needed to keep the dialog going with our youths so every Thursday at noon, we have a chat session. We started these on June 25th and we will go all summer, maybe longer. YTIA selects a main topic for discussion and then we just catch up and deal with any issues that arise during the one-hour chat.
On July 2, 2020 we invited Allison Cochran-Fennel, from STAR Health/Superior Health, to discuss helping youths keep up with their health insurance (Medicaid) after leaving foster care. We took notes about this session. Here are the HEALTH CARE NOTES, along with Allison's contact information.
Although we did not specifically discuss it, dental benefits are available as well. Here is a list of DENTAL CARE PROVIDERS.
On July 2, 2020 we invited Allison Cochran-Fennel, from STAR Health/Superior Health, to discuss helping youths keep up with their health insurance (Medicaid) after leaving foster care. We took notes about this session. Here are the HEALTH CARE NOTES, along with Allison's contact information.
Although we did not specifically discuss it, dental benefits are available as well. Here is a list of DENTAL CARE PROVIDERS.
On July 9, 2020 we invited Brandi Purswell and Drew Melton, BCFS, ETV Specialists, who discussed Education Training Vouchers. ETV is a federally-funded, need-based benefit for youths in foster care. Here is the PowerPoint Presentation for this discussion with a lot of the information you need for this incredible benefit. If you want just a "snapshot" of the presentation, here are the ETV NOTES, along with contact information for Brandi and Drew.
On July 16, 2020, we hosted a discussion about "Civil and Criminal Consequences of Youths' Actions During COVID-19". We were joined by the Honorable Stephanie Boyd, Judge of the 187th Judicial District Court of Bexar County, and Assistant District Attorney, Jamissa Jarmon. Here are some of the notes from the lively discussion we had talking about CONSEQUENCES.
On July 23, 2020, we hosted a discussion about life after foster care that I call a "Reality Check". Our guest speaker was Aubrey, a youth who spent several years of her life in foster care. Now as a young independent adult, she reflected on things she's learned. Here are HIGHLIGHTS (click HIGHLIGHTS) from Aubrey's remarks.
On July 30, 2020, we had a lively discussion that centered mainly around school (all levels) starting back up. The consensus seemed to be that everyone is ready to go back to school even though there are concerns (about the spread of the virus) and that there will be restrictions (i.e., masks, social distancing, etc.). No real notes were taken because everyone just enjoyed the topic and putting in their opinions. Another interesting discussion is planned for next week, join us!