Why I'm Participating in the Big House 5K: Ugbaad Keynan
1/25/2018 10:29:00 AM | Features, Community Engagement
The 2018 Big House 5K: Trail to the Victors presented by Toyota on Sunday, April 8, will benefit six local, non-profit organizations selected based on the support they provide to our Washtenaw County community in key areas like housing, healthcare, the arts, youth programming and social services. In the weeks leading up to the race, MGoBlue.com will share stories from people inspired to participate this year because of one of the beneficiaries.
By Ugbaad Keynan
I first heard of Ozone House in 2010. I had just moved to Ann Arbor from West Africa. Moving countries and changing schools -- on top of being a teenager -- made it a trying time for me. My high school counselor gave me a small green card and said that there were people who were available to help me with this transition. The info card had the Ozone House logo and their tag line: Safe Place, Real Support. It listed their 24/7 Crisis Line as well as a multitude of other resources for specific situations from getting hot meals to child care to sexual assault. In those moments of such loneliness and hopelessness, it both warmed my heart and truly awed me that there was free, unconditional support from pure strangers.
When I started college in 2013, I was looking to fulfill my aching need to do something more than just live my life for myself. While searching for volunteer opportunities, I came across Ozone House's Crisis Line. I could only imagine the impact this resource had on the community, and I leapt at the chance to be a part of that.
After 40 hours of conversation and empathy training, I found myself on my first shift. Scared and worried I would do more harm than good, I was met with kindness and support by the volunteers and the staff. Over the weeks and months, I took all kinds of calls and by no means had the answers to a caller's problem or a solution to wipe away all their fears. What I did in each and every call was provide empathy, support, and an ear to listen. You will see reading this that support is the key word in what Ozone House does.
Years later as part of the work force and working in banking, I came across a Facebook post. I was quite content with my job and not looking for another one, but I saw that Ozone House was looking for a finance and development associate. I didn't know if I was qualified or if I'd get the job, but I jumped at the chance to work for an organization with a mission I have supported for years.
I have had the most impactful, wonderful time here at Ozone House. I work in the administration part of our organization, and a lot of the work I do helps support the people on the front line of what we do, working with youth and families to get to a better place. I take a lot of pride and joy in helping those that help others. I'm running (and maybe walking a bit) in the Big House 5K to create awareness for youth homelessness and youth that need support as they transition into adulthood. I hope that the more people know that we are here, those moments of loneliness and hopelessness can maybe be lessened if only a little.
To register for the Big House 5K: Trail to the Victors presented by Toyota and further support our race beneficiaries, visit MGoBlue.com/bighouse5k.
About Ozone House
When a young person in our community is on the streets, or hopping from couch to couch, at risk of being homeless, or at risk of being separated from their parents, there is only one place they can turn: Ozone House. Homelessness means a lack of safe, stable, reciprocal relationships and vulnerability to dangers such as physical assault, sexual assault, or human trafficking. Tragically, many endure trauma or exploitation in exchange for a place to sleep. Up to 40 percent of youth who are homeless identify as LGBTQ+. These youth are at higher risk than their peers for bullying, violence, exploitation, and discrimination. Ozone House is available 24/7 to help youth and families struggling with such issues as family conflict, runaway episodes, homelessness, suicide, abuse and neglect, domestic violence, sexual orientation and gender identity, and other crises. Whether youth need shelter, housing, counseling, support, life skills or job training, to enroll in school, or just a hot meal, our door is always open. For more information, visit ozonehouse.org
