Welcome to the first issue of The Village Network's eNewsletter! Each eNewsletter will include a selection of current information. Thank you for your on-going support of the mission of The Village Network...promoting responsible living and positive change in troubled children through partnerships with families and communities.

Since coming to The Village Network, school has begun to make sense to me. I didn't go to school very often as I was picked on by the older kids. I was afraid. Gang members ran the middle school and threatened anybody who didn't want to join them. I was beat up in a bathroom. My mother left for work early and came home late so I stayed home. I was way behind but at least I was safe.

In November of 2006, I was sent to The Village Network. I'm glad to say I am not afraid anymore. My favorite subjects are Math and Social Studies. I get A's and B's and I'm almost to my grade level.

I want my family to be proud of me. My dream is to go home. My family has moved to a safer neighborhood. I would like to go to college and study medicine.

Thank you for listening and caring! Juan - age 16

The Community Foundation of Mt. Vernon and Knox County has awarded The Village Network's Mt. Vernon office $3,000 for an outdoor playground and athletic field.

The Village Network has opened a new location in New Philadelphia at 1888 East High Avenue. The Village Network of New Philadelphia specializes in day treatment for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges.

Lynn Angelozzi, Director of Tuscarawas County Job and Family Services stated, “Tuscarawas County Job and Family Services is extremely excited to have a day treatment program for youth in this county. We have entrusted our foster children in Village Network treatment homes for a number of years. The Village Network has also developed some treatment foster homes right here in Tuscarawas County.”

“Having a quality day treatment program in the county ... more details...

Ohio Foster Care Reform legislation drafted in early 2007 is nearing final approval. House Bills 213 & 214 and Senate Bills 163 & 164 will impact The Village Network. In brief, two bills are targeted toward background checks, requiring FBI checks on all potential foster families. It is also by amendment, requring notification to schools and juvenile court prior to placement of an exceptional needs or delinquent child adjudicated for a felony in a treatment foster home. The other bills target foster parent training and the issue of public access to foster parent information.

The Village Network and OACCA (Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies) continue to work with local and state legistators to make these reform bills the best for children, foster families and agencies. For more information on the House and Senate Bills, click here...