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News Release

DATE: July 25, 2008
CONTACT: Amy Nusbaum Rode
PHONE: 419-695-8010

For Immediate Release

SAFY Collecting Donations For Special-Needs Teen

Employees at Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) are digging deep into their pocketbooks this summer to help a former foster child with special needs.

The staff at the not-for-profit foster care agency, headquartered in Delphos, are holding weekly fundraisers to generate needed dollars for Ottawa teen, Jodi Young. Jodi is far from a typical teenager. At the age of six, Jodi was left a quadriplegic following a car accident. Since then, even simple tasks can create a challenge. Pursuing a college a degree is no different. Currently, Jodi attends the University of Findlay. Her hope is to one day work in with children in a rehabilitation center or hospital setting because she knows first-hand how hard it is for a child to deal with a major injury or illness.

Jodi uses a wheelchair to get from place to place. The current challenge facing Jodi is obtaining transportation to help her get to college. Jodi is no longer in foster care but she resides with Bill and Diane Rieman who have fostered 73 children over the years and do not have the money for a new van to transport Jodi. If one can be obtained, state aide will help equip the van and make it handicap accessible. This is just another in a long list of hurdles the Rieman family have jumped to help Jodi reach her full potential.

Her story triggered a generous response from the employees at SAFY. While money is tight for many of the staff, they feel Jodi’s situation is more important. The agency is collecting money through weekly “jeans days” and various contests. For example, leading up to the 4th of July holiday, staffers paid $1 for every vote cast in an Uncle Sam contest. The money came pouring in when SAFY’s Chief Financial Officer was nominated to dress as the historic figure. To date, the employees have raised over $1,200 to go toward a new vehicle for Jodi with more fundraisers planned.

SAFY is appealing to others in the community to consider helping the determined young college student. An account has been set up through US Bank to collect donations to help towards Jodi’s van and can be made at an US Bank branch location.

In the meantime, Jodi continues to live her life to the fullest. She has not allowed her disability to get her down even though it comes with a host of health-related complications. “I never wish things were different,” says Jodi. “It’s just a God given quality.”

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