January 2026 OHIO YAB Statewide Quarterly Meeting

The January OHIO YAB meeting took place on Thursday, January 15, 2026. 

Inclement weather impeded the travel of several counties, but Franklin, Champaign and Stark County youth leaders were able to participate. 

Link to more photos.

Link to slides.

Link to BINGO Answers.

OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Russ Lang

OHIO YAB Youth Ambassador Russ Lang recently traveled to DC with the Forum for Youth Investment to participate in Youth Development Policy Table.

Russ came into the room carrying both his lived experience and the academic grounding to put that experience into numbers. He didn’t just want to share what he went through; he wanted people to understand that the data behind those stories - and that these patterns are bigger than any one person.

A published photographer known for his cityscape work across Cleveland, Russ brings a distinct lens to policy spaces by showing how lived experience adds depth to data and why true belonging matters in decision-making.

Russ has also been working behind-the-scenes to:

• Review and share his insights regarding Positive Youth Development Curriculum through the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program

• Help design a future webinar for Youth Advisory Board adult supporters

All three of these opportunities underscore Russ' ongoing commitment to demonstrate how intentional support can uplift disadvantaged populations as they step into advocacy and leadership roles.

Virtual Meeting With DCY Staff

On Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors Zoey, Alana and Raven met with the following staff members from the Department of Children and Youth:

• Jeff Van Deusen, Assistant Director
• Dorothy Striker, Bureau Chief
• Laurie Valentine, Section Chief
• Alicia Masters, Human Services Program Administrator
• Lily Clossman, Children's Initiatives Project Manager

The topics were:

• The loss of TANF-Independent Living funds and Ohio's increased driver's license requirements. 
• The OHIO YAB recommendation for a Youth-Specific Grievance Form.

The OHIO YAB deeply values partnering with the Department of Children and Youth, and appreciates the responsiveness of DCY leadership to youth concerns.

2025 Big Table with Junior League of Columbus

On October 21st from 6–8pm, the Junior League of Columbus, in partnership with the Ohio Youth Advisory Board and ACTION Ohio, facilitated A Big Table community conversation on K-12 success, college access, and campus supports for young adults transitioning from foster care.

Link to more photos.
Link to handouts.

The Big Table is a community-wide day of conversation hosted by The Columbus Foundation that aims to inspire civic engagement and authentic human connection. The goal is to build momentum for a just and kind future for all.

2025 October OHIO YAB Meeting

Link to slides.
Link to photos.

2025 SE Ohio Youth Leadership Retreat

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the SE Ohio Youth Leadership Retreat took place at the Lodge at Hocking College, 15770 OH-691, Nelsonville, OH 4576. Youth leaders from Athens, Fairfield and Perry County participated. 

Link to more photos. 

Jordan Deaton receives the Samuel Halperin Youth Public Service Award

On Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, Children's Defense Fund hosted A Celebration of Joy in The Ohio State University’s Fawcett Center Ballroom from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm.

Here is a link to photos. 

During the event, they presented the Samuel Halperin Youth Public Service Award for the first time. This award honors a young person who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community. 

Eligibility for this award:

• Nominee must be a resident of Ohio.
• Youth or young adults between the ages of 16 to 24.
• Nominee overcame systemic barriers and has transformed those challenges into a commitment to and involvement in public service
• Nominee’s public service aligns with CDF’s core values of community, equity, and inclusion as reflected in our mission, vision, and strategy.

The 2025 award recipient is Jordan Deaton, of the OHIO YAB and Montgomery County VISION Board.  An inspiring young leader, Jordan completed high school with honors in just 22 months, earning high grades along with the respect of his peers and teachers. He participated in the Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC), where he mentored younger cadets, modeled discipline and respect, and led with compassion. As a transition-age youth, Jordan uses his voice to advocate for fellow foster youth. 

When the opportunity arose for OHIO YAB members to celebrate Jordan and support this event, his fellow VISION Board members immediately signed up to help with light set-up and escort honorees, including two former Ohio Governors. Many thanks to:

• Jaylin Hart
• Dalen Myles
• Aryunna Hill
• Abbey Yates
• Savannah Howard