Foster youth invited for food, fun, self-advocacy training on June 12 at Seminole State College

SEMINOLE, Okla. – Youth in foster care, ages 15 to 18, from 19 south-central Oklahoma counties are invited to enjoy free food, fun, entertainment and self-advocacy training at “Take Control,” an outreach event from 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 12.

Youth are eligible to attend if they reside and attend school in Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Choctaw, Cleveland, Coal, Creek, Garvin, Hughes, Johnston, Lincoln, Love, Marshall, McClain, Murray, Okfuskee, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie or Seminole counties.

Organizers expect between 50 and 100 participants for the event in the Haney Center at Seminole State College, located at 2701 Boren Boulevard in Seminole.

Highlights will include a youth panel on strategies for self-advocacy, a Mexican fajita lunch with dessert, a DJ, hypnotist, motivational speakers and door prizes.

Pre-registration is required by June 5 to allow time for organizers to prepare food and materials.

“We call the event ‘Take Control’ because students can get information needed to make smart, informed decisions that allow them to take control of their own lives and their future,” Vocational Rehabilitation program manager Tracy Elston explained.

Vocational Rehabilitation is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), which coordinates with Oklahoma Department of Human Services caseworkers to improve participants’ chances for a health transition into adulthood and employment.

“Last year, we noticed that all day long, nobody looked bored, especially when former foster youth were sharing their experiences,” Elston said. “Participants also learn about state and community services that can benefit them now or two or three years down the road when they are ready for training or employment,” Elston said.

Students may pre-register online at www.nrcys.ou.edu/drs-outreach or contact Elston at telston@okdrs.gov or 580-310-5340.

:60 Radio Public Service Announcement

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ANNCR: Youth in foster care -- ages 15 to 18 -- are invited to “Take Control,” a FREE event on June 12 with food, fun, entertainment and information about advocating for yourself. We’ve got a Mexican fajita bar, a DJ, hypnotist, motivational speakers and door prizes. It all happens on June 12 from 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.at the Haney Center at Seminole State College, located at 2701 Boren Boulevard. Pre-registration is required. Call 580-310-5340 for more information. “Take Control” is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and The OU OUTREACH National Resource Center for Youth.

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