Foster Program Hosts Youth Awareness Rally – April 26th
By Christina Wessell
Program part of national campaign observing Global Youth Service Day Detroit, MI, April 14th – Showcasing valuable resources to encourage future achievement is the statement Creating Independence and Outcomes (CIAO) will promote during a Youth Awareness Rally on Saturday, April 26th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  The Rally will take place at the Wayne County Community College District Eastern Campus, located at 5901 Conner in Detroit. This event is free and all ages are welcome.    CIAO, a program which assists youth aging out of the foster care system, received a grant from Youth Service America to coordinate this project in the community.  During the weekend of April 26th, millions of youth from the U.S. and other countries will coordinate service projects in honor of Global Youth Service Day.  The grant program is funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. “The Rally exposes former and current foster youth to resources they may not know exist,” said Jason Rasizzi, career development facilitator and transition specialist for CIAO.  “If someone walks away with a housing resource that prevents homelessness or a college student learns how to access financial aid, the event will have served its purpose,” he added. Attendees can look forward to many event highlights.  Vendors representing housing, education, and employment are just a few organizations that will be on-hand. In addition, CIAO alumni Charles Trexler and Jonnie Hill will share their personal success stories followed by a motivational message from Derrick L. Davis, assistant director of admissions and orientation for University of Michigan-Dearborn. Attendees also have the chance to meet with CIAO alumni, enter raffle drawings, and enjoy great food and local entertainment. Jonnie Hill, youth facilitator for CIAO, said the Rally is important because it recognizes the issues foster youth face.  “We not only want to connect foster youth to resources, but get the community involved,” Hill said. Since 2005, Creating Independence and Outcomes (CIAO) has made significant contributions to the foster youth community by preparing individuals for successful lives after foster care.  CIAO is supported by the Michigan Department of Human Services, the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance and Casey Family Programs. ### Contact: Melissa Thrasher    SEMCA PR Specialist                                          734.229.3553 (work) 313.516.4420 (cell)
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