The University of Cincinnati honored Lighthouse Foster Care and Adoption during the UC football game on November 23. UC donated tickets for Lighthouse families and employees to that game as well as for the game on October 19.  We are so grateful!

If you can, it’s best to have a room ready that is warm and inviting with a comforter and stuffed animal that are suitable to the child’s age. “You don’t want it to feel like an institution,” says Becky Story, Lighthouse Foster Care & Adoption Licensing Specialist, "but you also don’t want to be too specific in tastes so that the child perceives,“Wow, this is what they want me to be?”Give the child somewhere cozy to settle in, but then as you get to know one another ask,“What do you like?” Once settled in, let the child choose a few items—perhaps a new bedspread or some posters—to personalize their space.

Your help is needed! The holiday season can be particularly difficult for children and young people who can’t be with their families and for the families who are struggling each day to make ends meet. You can brighten their holidays by becoming a part of the Lighthouse Happy Holidays Gift Drive.

"Young adults working to escape homelessness should not have to choose between stable housing or pursuing their education. It’s unacceptable. At Lighthouse, we see young people forced to contend with this dilemma every day. This exception to the LIHTC rule will remove this barrier to their success and encourage young people experiencing homelessness to pursue their dreams,” said Paul Haffner, President and CEO of Lighthouse Youth & Family Services.

For young people in and from foster care, holidays can be a reminder of lost connections. This early Thanksgiving dinner for teenagers ages 14 and up in foster care, and former foster care youth ages 18 and up offers comfort and the opportunity to connect.

“When I saw what the needs were, and the challenges that people have, I realized that there was a great capacity to help in our community. I’m not playing tennis or playing bridge. I felt I needed to give back to the community.” Rhonda Sheakley

Vote now and make a difference! Lighthouse has the chance to win $20,000 to fund services for young people and families. Vote 4 ways every day: https://bit.ly/2lIo5zV #VoicesofHealth #Lighthouse50 Thank you!

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) visited the Lighthouse Sheakley Center for Youth on Thursday, August 29, to bring attention to the Housing for Homeless Students Act, his bill with Senator Rob Portman (R-OH).

Your support made it possible for more than 100 young people over the last three months to get help when faced with being homeless.