"To strengthen youth and families and reduce the incidence of delinquency, neglect, & abuse through community involvement."
OAYA Mission Statement
To support the COVID-19 suppression efforts of our County we will be working remotely. You’re welcome to leave a voice message at (248) 693-6878 or email us at oaya@lok12.org. If you need to speak to someone immediately, contact Youth Assistance central office at (248) 858-0051. In case of an emergency contact Common Ground at (800) 231-1127 or dial 911.
100% of donations stay right here
in Lake Orion to support
children and families in need!
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
OAKLAND COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT-
FAMILY DIVISION
LAKE ORION COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
VILLAGE OF LAKE ORION
Orion Area Youth Assistance
What is OAYA?
Orion Area Youth Assistance (OAYA) is an organization of volunteers in the Lake Orion area, working with the Oakland County Circuit Court - Family Division, local schools, police, parents, youth and other community resources to help families and young people find solutions to their individual and collective problems. The primary goal is "To strengthen youth and families and reduce the incidence of delinquency, neglect, and abuse through community involvement." OAYA has no legal or judicial function. Participation is voluntary.
OAYA Board Members
Dawn Ames, Chairperson
Bill Kokenos, Vice Chairperson
Gina Adams, Treasurer
Jim Newell, Recording Secretary
Julie Monroe, Board Member
History and Background
Youth Assistance (YA) began in 1953 with a group of Hazel Park citizens and Juvenile Court Judge Arthur E. Moore. Together they developed a program to assist troubled youth within their own communities rather than referring them to Juvenile Court. The YA program has expanded over the past 60 years and is now a unit of the Oakland County Circuit
Court-Family Division with caseworkers placed in 26 offices throughout Oakland County school districts to provide counseling sources to youth and their families. These programs exist due to a unique tri-sponsorship with the local government, the local school district and the Oakland County Circuit Court - Family Division.
OAYA Staff Members
Amber Kish, MA Caseworker
Lisa Gdowski, Office Manager
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