Within the next two weeks FYI will welcome in two new additions to their center in New Carlisle. On February 5, McKinley Hall will come out with some of their staff and begin to help those in this area who need help with addiction. Many people in Bethel Township cannot make it to Springfield to get their assessments to begin the process of healing and recovery. Many also who are in recovery and just need to touch base, have no means to get to the people who can and will listen. Because of the concerns of McKinley Hall, there will be help for those who come to the office between 12 noon and 5 p.m. that day. This begins office hours on a regular basis for the recovery center and hopefully the beginning of hope for so many people who have been restricted by transportation issues to get the needed help. Pat Banaszak, Executive Director of FYI stated, “We have known for a while that help like this is so needed in our township. If you look at the latest statistics, 2/3 of overdoes come from Bethel Township. Many of those who need help feel trapped in rural areas. We hope this will be a lasting partnership for those to get the help they desperately need.” Appointments can be made by calling McKinley Hall directly, or by walk-ins on the 5th. The program is made possible by McKinley Hall and the Bethel Township Drug Coalition, which also meets at FYI headquarters. For more information about becoming involved with the coalition, please call FYI, 845-0403, and ask for Pat.

Through a grant by Job and Family Services, FYI will begin the WIOA project—MAKING CONNECTIONS, EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES. This project will work with both Tecumseh High School and Clark State, as well as other universities for those who want to pursue their long term goals. The grant has several opportunities for students from 14-21 and removes many barriers for them working to complete high school, college, or specialized training. It insures the following benefits to every eligible student, including those within the foster care system or who have special needs. It also includes:

• Personalized mentoring

• Many times paid work experience, internships, and job exploration

• Leadership and professional skills development

• Academic support

As Amber Hargett, FYI spokesman, observes, “Young people today face challenges such as lack of education, economic limitations, unreliable transportation, childcare costs, substance abuse, or learning disabilities. This program will help those and others. It ensures that the playing field becomes more equal for those with challenges. Now many of those without hope, will be able to compete more effectively. We hope many will call and take advantage of this unique program. We are a pilot program with working with the teens. We hope many will take advantage of this program.”

For registration for the program or more information, please call the FYI office at 845-0403 and ask for Mary or Pat. The program is free of cost.