Crawford/Oscoda/Otsego Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative

Description

Youth Boards
Youth boards serve as the leadership and advocacy arm of MYOI. Youth are trained in leadership, media and communication skills, including how to strategically share their story and present on panels.

Community Partner Boards
A community partner board is a group of businesses, public and private agencies, and community representatives that have an interest in assisting youth who are transitioning out of foster care. Community Partner Board members provide support, discounts to services and advocacy for older youth in care.

Training
Training opportunities provided to youth encompass asset purchases, life skills, and preparation for adulthood including, housing, employment, education, health and community engagement.

Matches
Each youth has an Individual Development Account (IDA). Youth are required to save money in their IDA each month. MYOI matches the IDA funds dollar to dollar up to $1000 per year for a youth to purchase an asset.

Stipends
Youth earn stipend payments for participation in events and meetings. The stipends assist youth to save money in their IDAs. Earning stipends is a tangible way to recognize the time and effort the youth contributes to the program.