Ohio State Bar Foundation

Michelle Hendricks, OSBF's Grants and Database Manager, recently visited the Ohio Statehouse to explore the Ohio Alliance of YMCAs Youth & Government program, a longstanding OSBF grantee! This dynamic program empowers teens with hands-on experience in Ohio’s legislative, judicial, and executive branches. Participants gain leadership skills, write and research bills, and engage in real-world debates at the State Assembly. The program not only fosters civic engagement, but also strengthens life skills like self-confidence, tolerance, and ethical decision-making, preparing teens for active participation in democracy. Notable alumni include former U.S. Senator John Glenn, U.S. Representative Tammy Baldwin, and former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates – all of whom began their journey in Youth & Government. We’re proud to support this impactful program that continues to inspire the next generation of leaders!

A few weeks ago, we were thrilled to host a powerful evening at the The Lincoln Theatre. A heartfelt thank you to OSBF President Sarah Skow and C. Raphael Davis-Williams, J.D. Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Culture for the ACLUOhio for their thoughtful introductory remarks. And a huge thank you to Voices of Injustice for an incredible performance of The Lynched Among Us. The play was an emotional and eye-opening experience, shedding light on the stories of wrongful convictions, reentry, and healing. It gave us a deeper understanding of the resilience and strength of those affected by the justice system. It was a night filled with reflection, empathy, and renewed commitment to systemic justice reform. Thank you to everyone who joined us in this important conversation. We are excited to continue working toward a more just and equitable future. ??? Special thanks to our partners CAPA-Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, We Amplify Voices, and the ACLU of Ohio.

Check out this wonderful spotlight from The Blade on Judge Nicole Khoury a past recipient of the Ohio State Bar Foundation's District & Statewide Community Service Award! As a founding member of Acoustics for Autism, her commitment to supporting families affected by autism is truly inspiring. Judge Khoury shows us how attorneys can make a lasting impact beyond the courtroom, and we hope her story encourages others to give back to their communities too! #CommunityImpact #OSBF #Inspiration #AcousticsForAutism #ToledoBlade

We’re proud to support the Portage County Juvenile Court and Job & Family Services with a $20,000 grant to pilot the Child Protection Mediation program. This initiative empowers families to create safe, stable homes while reducing court involvement and the need for foster care. “We want to be able to keep the family unit intact in a safe and healthy manner, and if we can do that while working together, that’s the best approach we could ever imagine,” said Kaylyn Kane, JFS Child & Adult Protective Services Administrator. By giving families a voice in the process, this program helps ensure better outcomes for children and their loved ones. Learn more in this article from The Portager.

Thank you to everyone who attended "The Lynched Among Us" this past Saturday at the Lincoln Theatre. This powerful production, presented by Voices of Injustice, CAPA-Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, the ACLU of Ohio, and We Amplify Voices, brought to life the real stories of six men who were wrongfully convicted, highlighting their struggles and triumphs after unjust incarceration. We are proud to have partnered with these organizations to shed light on such critical issues. Special thanks to The Lantern for their thoughtful coverage of this event.?

Thank you to Matter News and Andy Downing for covering the upcoming performance of The Lynched Among Us, presented by the Ohio State Bar Foundation in partnership with CAPA-Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, We Amplify Voices, and the ACLU of Ohio. “When you get the right people in a room to watch a play like this, those conversations get to getting had among people who maybe never had that skin in the game, who haven’t been to prison and who don’t know nobody in prison,” he said. “Us? We’re supposed to be shouting from the rooftops that the system is broken. … But if you get somebody talking who doesn’t know anybody in prison, then it’s like, ‘Why are you shouting?’ And then more people are shouting, and now the public sees all this outcry and it’s like, ‘Okay, now we gotta do something about this.’” The Lynched Among Us takes place on Feb 15 at 7:30pm at the Lincoln Theatre. Purchase tickets at https://lnkd.in/e_Rdktih

?? The Ohio State Bar Foundation is thrilled to welcome?Laurie Beth Sweeney?as our next Executive Director! With a deep passion for justice, service, and the power of philanthropy, Laurie Beth brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, stakeholder engagement, and community impact. She'll officially step into the role in April 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited for the future of OSBF under her leadership. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eXPXR3BE Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!???

Need legal help? The Ohio Justice Bus will be at the Lincoln Theatre on Feb. 15 from 1–4 PM, offering free legal assistance and resources to those in need. This mobile legal aid office serves rural and underserved communities, addressing issues that impact financial stability, health, and safety. Connect with legal experts and explore resources to support individuals reentering society. Don't miss this opportunity for confidential, no-cost legal help! Free and open to the public. Walk-ins welcome! #OhioJusticeBus #FreeLegalHelp #AccessToJustice

Interested in the legal system? Dream of becoming a lawyer or judge? Apply now for the Justice 4 All Youth Summer Camp 2025, led by 2023 OSBF Fellow Judge Jaiza Page of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas - General Division. This weeklong program, held June 2–7, 2025, at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, gives 50 middle and high school students the opportunity to learn from judges and attorneys, analyze a case heard before the Ohio Supreme Court, and participate in a mock trial on June 7. Check out the video below to learn more! Applications available at https://lnkd.in/e-yURQQm Open to rising 6th through 12th graders. Apply by March 1, 2025. Notices of acceptance will be sent by March 22, 2025.

OSBF Grantee Disability Rights Ohio is currently looking for individuals to join their Protection and Advocacy System for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council (PAC)! The PAC is an advisory group for their mental health grant that helps Disability Rights Ohio better understand the needs in the community and provides input on their goals to guide their work each year. The PAC meets four Saturdays per year, with at least one meeting in person. To learn more, scan the QQ code or visit https://lnkd.in/eAQckFNi