Our summer newsletter highlights the work to end youth homelessness, the new Host Homes program, and the need for foster parents just like you!

It's hard to imagine a more horrific way for a toddler to die than the fate that 3-year-old Marcus Fiesel suffered back in 2006. He perished wrapped in a blanket, bound with tape and left inside a closet with no food or water over a hot August weekend. The foster parents trusted with caring for Marcus are still in prison for their role in his gruesome, lonely death. Even as Greater Cincinnati grieved a decade ago, professionals in child welfare and foster care services hoped the blue-eyed boy's awful end would inspire changes and improvements in Ohio's child welfare system. And Marcus did inspire changes, to be sure. So why are so many kids still dying?

Lighthouse Youth Services is proud to announce that its Board of Trustees has chosen Paul Haffner as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Haffner will succeed Bob Mecum, Lighthouse’s current President and CEO, on August 22, 2016.

"It’s time for us to do more to ensure that all children have the family they need and deserve." Lighthouse Foster Care and Adoption Director Jami Clarke beautifully highlights the need for foster parents right now, especially foster parents for teenagers.

"These children need a chance. They deserve it." Lighthouse is so proud that Karabeth and Carrie Bolin are a Lighthouse foster to adopt family!

“We do know that homelessness is expanding and increasing in suburban areas. Sometimes we need some help finding individuals who need our services," says Ryan Hall, Lighthouse Youth Outreach Team Member.

A new initiative called “A New Day, A New Beginning” demonstrates one facet of a change in the way agencies and law enforcement are trying to address sex trafficking and the tight knot of related issues that play into it. The program, initiated by Lighthouse, seeks to provide comfort and affirmation, treating sex workers not as criminals, but as individuals who need support and empowerment.

Lighthouse Youth Services Board Members Marvin Butts and Laquita Howell doing their part to let children, youth and families in need know Lighthouse is here to help.

We did it! On May 25, 2016, the Ohio Senate passed HB 50 unanimously, with a vote of 33-0. Governor Kasich is expected to sign the bill into law within 10 days. Thank you for your support and advocacy. Together, we made a difference. The new law will establish a statewide program to serve youth who age out of foster care through their 21st birthday.

Now is the time to show your support for youth aging out of foster care! Ohio lawmakers are making Foster Care to 21 a priority for the first time in a long time. Let's get this done! ‪#‎ohioreadyset21‬