(LOGAN, Ohio) – In partnership with the Appalachian Children Coalition and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, FosterHub celebrated today the project launch for a $7.3 million comprehensive transitional housing and training center to support youth as they age out of the foster care system. The center is funded by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s landmark investment in Ohio’s Appalachian communities.
“When you look at what the state has collectively done as it relates to children, we are supporting them from the earliest stages of life and on,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “No matter what, we have to look out for our kids in Ohio. This is another way we are creating support so they can live a successful life in our state.”
"We believe that every young person should have a safe place to call home and the tools to build a brighter future," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “This project will support our foster youth with the skills and resources they need to reach their full potential.”
Located in Hocking County, FosterHub assists foster youth as they transition out of the care system to reduce the chances of difficult situations. According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, 14,720 Ohio youth are in foster care; 4,826 will age out in the next five years. In the Appalachia region alone, 491 youth will age out of the foster care system in the next five years.
“This is an important day for Ohio’s youth, especially those navigating the foster care system,” said Randy Leite, PhD, executive director of the Appalachian Children Coalition. “Today’s project launch represents another step toward supporting Appalachian youth exactly where they are now and setting them up for future success right here at home.
FosterHub assists in providing housing, resources, tools and guidance for the first decade of their adult lives to ensure a successful future.
“We know that youth coming out of foster care are at a higher risk for challenges such as substance abuse, mental health difficulties, illnesses, homelessness and unemployment due to a lack of regular health care and social support,” said Michelle Mays, CEO of FosterHub. “Twenty-five percent of youth will be incarcerated within two years of leaving care, and 50% of youth who age out will develop a substance use dependency. We are determined to support these kids and help them to thrive as they move into adulthood.”
The new center will focus on two vital components meant to help youth thrive:
- Transitional housing.
- The new center will feature 10 apartments meant for youth ages 18 and older to live in for up to six months while working toward permanent housing with job training, a teaching kitchen, laundry services and primary care and behavioral health services through Hocking Valley Community Hospital and more.
- Workforce training.
- Local businesses and organizations have committed to creating apprenticeships for those living at the center. Partner organizations will work with youth to ensure they are enrolled in government assistance programs along with creating training programs that will teach youth key independent living skills.
“Kids reach their full potential in environments that are healthy, safe and stable, with access to resources they need,” said Theresa Hatton, strategic initiatives manager of School Health Services at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “A facility like this one is one more tool in a community’s toolbox to provide that environment and those resources.”
The grant proposal for the program was prepared by Nationwide Children’s on behalf of the Appalachian Children Coalition to improve children’s access to the care they need. The Appalachian Children Coalition, in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, aims to bring transformative change to Ohio’s Appalachian region by supporting FosterHub with project oversight and guidance and implementation support throughout the life of the project.
The center is expected to open in late spring 2026.
About FosterHub
FosterHub assists foster youth who are aging out of care navigate through life's transitions: providing housing, resources, tools, and guidance for the first decade of their adult lives to ensure a successful future. By offering comprehensive support, FosterHub aims to ensure a brighter and more secure future for foster youth. FosterHub is passionate about creating positive change in the community, one youth at a time. More information is available at www.FosterHub.com.
About Appalachian Children Coalition
The Appalachian Children Coalition (ACC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of children across Ohio's 32-county Appalachian region. Driven by a mission to uplift children's lives through collaborative advocacy and strategic investments, ACC has forged impactful partnerships since 2020. These partnerships have enabled the redirection of resources toward a robust support infrastructure tailored to the region's unique child needs. ACC's initiatives focus on behavioral health workforce development, prevention education, school-based health services, and regional responsiveness, comprehensively addressing the diverse needs of children in the communities it serves. Operating as advocates for those serving children, ACC remains resolute in ensuring every Appalachian Ohio child has equitable access to resources for holistic development and well-being.