Lisa Dickson serves as co-facilitator of the Overcoming Hurdles in Ohio Youth Advisory Board (OHIO YAB) and Communications Chair for Alumni of Care Together Improving Outcomes Now (ACTION) Ohio. She is the lead organizer of Ohio’s annual regional Thanksgiving Together celebrations for foster care teens and alumni. These positions are in a volunteer capacity, in addition to her full-time job.
Lisa emancipated early from foster care and entered college at age 16. Within a year, she experienced homelessness. During her time in college and graduate school, she visited former placements from her time in care, including group homes and an emergency shelter, to support fellow foster youth.
Beginning in 2006, Lisa has listened to the voices of young people in and from foster care in the state of Ohio, and empowered them to design proactive policy solutions, including the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act. She was a founding member and former chair of Ohio Reach, a statewide initiative to support post-secondary success for foster youth. She is deeply proud of the accomplishments of Ohio foster care youth and alumni, and grateful for allies and partners.
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