News
Kinnect Receives KeyBank Foundation Grant
Executive Director Shannon Deinhart announced that Kinnect received a $50,000 grant from the KeyBank Foundation to support efforts to reduce the use of congregate care for youth. First, Kinnect will identify one county child welfare agency and one private provider with which to partner. Using Implementation Science methodologies, Kinnect will provide an assessment of the…
Understanding Gender Identity Requires Data and Compassion
There’s nothing like a good debate over children and education to get people excitable. In several states, including Ohio, politicians are seizing the moment to proclaim their deepest thoughts on gender, sexuality and education, often in the form of legislation. In our view, proposed laws such as Ohio HB 616 and 454 represent a denial…
Anti-trans Legislation and Discrimination
I am aware of anti-trans legislation and discrimination that is happening nationally and in Ohio. I feel it is important for me to share because as an organization we have worked hard through our Affirm Me program to elevate the needs of LGBTQ+ young people and their families. As well March 31 is International Transgender Visibility…
Baby Layla’s Journey Home
A 30 Days to Family® Success Story Baby Layla came into foster care in May of 2020. Kristal, a 30 Days to Family® Specialist, immediately began calling relatives to identify a kinship caregiver. While diligently working to find a home for baby Layla, she also began inquiring about the possibility of a caregiver taking…
Kinnect Partner Spotlight: Interview with Social Venture Partners (SVP)
What is it like working with an organization like Kinnect? Megan: What struck me was the passion. The passion for the work, for the kids, and everything you do. It’s very inspiring and motivating. I also appreciate that Shannon (Executive Director at Kinnect) never really loses her optimism and drive, which shines through the whole…
Teenager Comes ‘Home’ Just in Time for the Holidays
In December 2020, the OhioKAN team from the Dayton area was contacted by a 30 Days to Family® Ohio staff member about a family who was exiting their program. OhioKAN was able to connect with this mother of 5 who is currently caring for her niece. The mother had recently agreed to extend her family…
Donor Spotlight Interview with Ann Brennan
How long have you been a supporter of Kinnect? Apparently I was one of the earliest donors. I heard Mike and Shannon speak at an Akron Foundations meeting and was so impressed with their energy. Afterwards, I met them for coffee and away we went. What attracted you to the cause, and Kinnect in particular? Mike and…
Brothers Reunion – A YCPRT Success Story
Edwin was in the custody of the public child welfare agency since he was four years old. He is close to 17 years old now and wanted to build a strong network of people who love and care about him. Edwin experienced multiple challenges while living in foster care including more than 7 moves, being separated from…
Young Man Finds Permanency in Time for the Holidays! – 30 Days to Family® Success Story
Lisa, a 30 Days to Family® Specialist was assisting a young man named John who is 17 years old and was living in a residential treatment facility. She was determined to find connections for him before he aged out of foster care. Within a week, Lisa found his aunt and uncle who were eager to welcome John into their home. There was just one problem the family had recently experienced a…
Permanency in a Cookie Jar
“As soon as we pulled into the driveway, 11-year-old Jenny* blew past me and let herself in through the front door, dropped her bag, kicked off her shoes, and ran to the kitchen. I’ve taken a lot of kids to foster homes for placement, and none of them act the way she did. You…