About the founder
The founder of Teens&Tots nonprofit program
Jemekea Ross established Teens&Tots with the state of Ohio March 2021, whom herself became a parent at the young age of 15 years old. knowing firsthand the struggles of teen pregnancy and parenting, she was able to graduate from Westland high school. She continued her education by obtaining a criminal justice degree from Kaplan university as well as a trade by completing the cosmetology program at Paul Mitchell, and barbering certificate at the Ohio State College of Barber Styling. This life experience has provided her the drive and passion to help other young parents, and similar situations, and have the understanding they need to not judge and instill the proper work ethic, needed to create a sustainable life for themselves and their children.
mission
Teen pregnancy is not a new issue nationally as of 2019 teen pregnancy rates have been on the decline however, in the US teen birth rate is substantially higher than in other western industrialized, nations, racial/ ethnic and geographic disparities in teen birth rate persist.
Columbus Ohio teenage birth rates are 18% though this number seems slow majority of these cases stem from inner city teens ranging from 15 to 19. These are essential years for growth and development and shit be nurture when answering adulthood.
The federal office of our lesson health, (OAH) reports that teen moms are less likely to finish high school and more likely to be poor as adults and edition their children en tend to have more health problems and behavior issues. Compare with kids that parents are older. To prevent the risk of the situation, as we pledge to support provide skills, knowledge, and guidance during this transition in their lives.
It’s been proven, the best intervention to prevent teen pregnancy requires a multidimensional approach. Young people who are provided accurate and unbiased information, can make responsible decisions for themselves. The target group for this program are males and females 15 to 19 years of age typically from inner-city low income areas with lack of resources. This does not discount those from suburban high income areas, for we understand, misinformation, and lack of confidence to reach out for help can be from those of any background however, we want to ensure the resources we have to offer are being geared towards those who are lacking the most
These are the tools we know, will help those who have already started the journey of parenthood. many of these teen parents require a little more help than others, such as housing food, and transportation. We are looking to provide supplemental assistance for them and help them get to places where resources are provided Such as the office for women, infants and children (WIC), housing and urban development (HUD), Columbus, Metropolitan, Housing Authority (CMHA) and Ohio department of job and family services ODJFS we find these departments can help to bridge to self substantiality as we offer to help on how to navigate through these programs properly and apply for their assistance and stay in compliance with these programs.