Community Education
What is the Community Education Team?
The Ozone House Community Education Team offers informative, interactive presentations for students, teachers, and community members. Our main goal is to ensure that people are knowledgeable about the supportive services that Ozone House provides for young people.
Who is on the Community Education Team?
Ravi Ramaswamy is Ozone House’s full time Educational and Outreach Coordinator. He is a certified secondary education teacher and has six years of experience working with high risk youth and families. He has extensive experience facilitating youth-based workshops, and has specialized training in High/Scope® methods and best practices.
Bethany Masch is a unique member of Ozone House’s Education Team, because she began her agency career as a high school project participant.. She has four years of experience working with youth through her participation in our Youth, Education Leadership (YEL) and Peer Outreach Worker (POW) programs. Bethany is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree at Eastern Michigan University.
What does the Community Education Team present about?
In order to raise awareness, our presentations address concerns and issues that frequently affect homeless and runaway youth in our community. Our presentations are interactive and often require participants to confront stereotypes while placing themselves in the position of young people in crisis. During the presentations, participants are given Ozone House Help Cards, shown pictures and videos of our facilities, and informed about our basic services.
Who does the Community Education Team present to?
Our team is particularly interested in presenting to young people between 7th and 12th grade, but we are always open to school faculty, college classes, parents, and any other community members who work or interact with youth. The normal length of each presentation is approximately one hour, and we prefer smaller groups of 30 or less, but we can tailor both time and content to fit your group’s needs.
What do participants have to say about Community Education presentations?
The following are presentation evaluation responses from students and teachers:
“It was different when we stepped into their shoes (homeless individual) and kinda connected with the person. I thought that everything was well put and understandable. (Ozone House) sounded like they would really help someone.” – 7th grade student
“I really, really appreciate Ozone House helping teens in need. I look up to you for that, and I’m sure my other peers do as well.” – 10th grade student
“(The presentation) taught me that all different people can be homeless.” – 9th grade student
“I hope you guys do this again, because it opened my mind and helped me get a better understanding of homelessness.” – 12th grade student
“I liked the activity with the scenarios. It gave the kids the chance to feel the situations that might not be safe and pointed out that kids can be homeless and unsafe, not just ‘old men.’” – 7th grade teacher
“The participatory exercise allowed the students to have a glimpse of the situations which challenge kids and to experience some of the emotions and instability those situations cause. None of the students were nodding off! Everyone was engaged.” – College professor
How can I request a presentation from the Community Education Team?
To request a presentation, please fill out and return this form (PDF Version).
How can I order Green Cards for my group or school?
If you wish to order our Green Cards in bulk, Download the Help Card application form today!
If you have any questions, or for more information, please contact:
Ravi Ramaswamy
Outreach Coordinator
734-829-0123
rramaswamy@ozonehouse.org
To contact Ozone House regarding any of the other services we offer, please call our business line at (734) 662-2265 or refer to our staff directory.
Back to Services main menu
