I would like to start with how long have you been involved with Daybreak and how did you get connected with us?
I think the first time I became familiar with Daybreak was while I was working in development at legal aid law firm’s advocates for basic legal equality and legal aid of Western Ohio. Both are nonprofit law firms that serve low income and disadvantaged people in civil cases.
And it was either through the work that was done there or other community connections that I became aware of Daybreak. Since then, however, I’ve become even more familiar with the organization through the Iddings Foundation that has been a long-time funder of programs that are provided by Daybreak for disadvantaged youth who are homeless.
Definitely a long relationship, and with the Iddings Foundation too. We’re very happy to have, partners like you and the Iddings Foundation and then also advocates in the community with your work that you did with legal aid.
So how have you seen Daybreak change since you first heard of us?
I think the organization has been more robust in its many services that are provided to young people.
One of the things that really concerns me is that I think when people think about homelessness, they mostly are focused on adults and families.
The thought that there are actually young people as young as ten years old, from 10 to 24, who are out there literally roaming the streets alone. Who are no longer in their homes, no longer with their natural parents or family members, is a frightening thought. And that is something that’s happening in our community not far away.
This is a Dayton issue with the number of homeless people being on the rise as well.
And with a lot of uncertainty right now as government actions get underway about how people will be able to manage and support themselves.
So, I think it’s a significant benefit to not only those youths but our community as a whole to know that Daybreak is serving in the way that it does.
Yeah, definitely. And like you said, it is local. Those are happening right around us.
What surprised you the most in your time with Daybreak?
Well, I’ve been impressed with the wide array of services that you provide and anecdotally, I should just mention I have a son who works for the county and environmental services, and he drives the community a lot. One day, just from out of the blue, I got a call from him saying, “Mom, I’m seeing these young people. They’re like, asleep in the grass. They’re under highway overpasses and I’m seeing lots of them. I can’t believe this.”
And he’s a single father raising a son. So, this had a real heart wrenching effect on him. Enough that he actually picked up the phone and called. For people who think that this is some minimal issue, that’s just one tiny example of how it is not.
This is someone who wasn’t connected with the organization at all. Certainly was not advocating one way or another, just expressing concern about something he was seeing on the street. The fact that those young people could come to Daybreak to even get emergency assistance just to come in and be able to shower and get a meal is significant.
If they are able to get into some of the emergency housing, that will give them literally a place to lay their head and to be fed and to be cared for is very significant. And beyond that, if they’re able to get into some sort of traditional housing and maybe eventually more long-term housing, that’s a huge plus I can appreciate.
The emphasis that you put on making certain that people get an education.
Education. It’s not only knowledge, but it’s power, because it empowers you to be able to sustain yourself, to even consider what other options might be that could raise you out of poverty. And then when you add on the health care assistance that you’re giving those clients and mental health. I’m sure that people who are going through this must have a lot of mental health issues to cope with. That’s extremely important to offer.
That you connect them with employment opportunities.
Clearly, they’re going to have to find a way to live on their own. I mean, that’s an unfortunate circumstance, but a reality for many of them.
So, all of that is good.
But I still keep going back to this issue of people being as young as ten years old coming to you. I know that’s not all of your services, but still just the notion that youngsters could be that young finding themselves on the street.
You think about the vulnerability that, I mean, they are truly at risk at that point, for any number of issues.
Yeah. I know last year, while we do serve a majority of 18- to 24-year-olds, we served over 100 minors. That’s 10- to 17-year-olds who did go through our Emergency Shelter and that’s in the Dayton community.
So I’m glad that we’re here for them, but I would like them to not have to need those services, but it is a reality we live with.
Yes. So, thank you.
Yeah, well, we couldn’t do it without organizations like you.
Like you said, as a community, we don’t always focus on children or young adults or youth. We focus more on families and families with children. They need different things. So, we’re glad to be here to provide those services.
That’s a very good thing that you are. Unfortunate that there is the need, but so glad that you’re trying to address it.
What do you most enjoy about Daybreak and the work that we do? Although, you already said a lot of wonderful things.
I suppose just knowing that you do exist, that you do provide those services, that there is a way out. They may be students or just kids and young people who don’t know they have another option. For those who find you, or if you find them, this is a huge benefit and impact on their lives.
Helping them to become stable, productive people of our community and the community should be grateful because these are our people.
And that you are helping them to gain a footing in life is something we should all appreciate.
Thank you. Well, we are happy to be able to serve and help the youth and young adults and also transfer that into making our community stronger as well.
Thank you for your time.
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