Pioneer Center Welcomes New OhioKAN Kinship and Adoption Navigator
Article Presented By Tomlinson Insurance…
The Pioneer Center, in partnership with OhioKAN (Ohio Kinship and Adoptive Navigator Program), is proud to announce the hiring of a new Kinship and Adoption Navigator, Amanda Van Dyke, to serve families throughout Ross County and the Southern Ohio region. This full-time position is dedicated to supporting kinship caregivers and adoptive parents by helping them access vital services, resources, and social support systems.
OhioKAN is Kinnect program that is funded by the Department of Children and Youth (DCY). It is a free and voluntary statewide initiative designed to empower families raising children and youth through kinship or adoption. The program provides individualized referrals and advocacy to ensure families receive the support they need to thrive. The Navigator will work directly with families to assess needs identified by the family, develop a collaborative plan to assist in connecting families to community resources, while also engaging in outreach and continuous quality improvement efforts.
“We are thrilled to expand our support for kinship and adoptive families in Ross County,” said Amy Beeler, Superintendent. “This new role strengthens our commitment to building resilient families and ensuring children have stable, nurturing homes.”
The Navigators with OhioKAN collaborate with kinship and adoptive families by helping them access and coordinate a wide range of essential services. They provide personalized guidance to meet families’ basic needs, connect them with benefits programs, and support caregivers’ health and education. Navigators also assist with connecting families to child health and development, childcare, educational, family functioning and social support resources. Additionally, they help families secure financial assistance and navigate legal aid and services, ensuring caregivers are equipped to create stable, nurturing environments for the children in their care.
Families interested in learning more about OhioKAN services or connecting with a Navigator can visit https://ohiokan.ohio.gov or call 1-844-OHIOKAN (1-844-644-6526) Mon – Fri 8:30am – 6:30pm.
