News from Kinnect
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…
Governor’s Office Highlights Kinnect As Important Resource For Improving Foster Care
In an effort to improve foster care throughout Ohio, The Office of Children Services Transformation released their recommendations. Kinnect has the honor of being included in the final recommendations of the advisory council as their key values align closely with our own as well as the work that we do. About the Advisory Council The…
Teenager Comes ‘Home’ Just In Time For Christmas
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…
30 Days Success Story – Twins Find Permanency with Family
In November 2018, twins Emma and Tommy were born. Unfortunately they tested positive for drugs as their mother struggled with addiction. The children and their family were referred to the 30 Days to Family program as their child welfare case manager did not want the children to remain in foster care while their mother received…
Kinnect’s 30 Days to Family® Ohio expands to 17th county
Franklin County will adopt innovative child welfare program Partnership with Franklin County Children Services and grant from Molina Healthcare of Ohio, is another step toward permanency for children in foster care CLEVELAND, November 18, 2020 – The 30 Days to Family® program operated by Cleveland-based nonprofit Kinnect that aims to place foster children in…