OUR MISSION
HEMI provides Hamilton County foster youth a long-term mentoring relationship that begins in high school and is focused on awareness of, preparation for, and completion of post-secondary education and career training.
About us
OUR HISTORY
In January 2009, Hamilton County Job and Family Services (HCJFS) Director Moira Weir approached the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and presented a challenge: there was no formal program in place to encourage and inform foster youths' educational pursuit and career training beyond high school.
The Board agreed that there was more that could be done for this vulnerable population. Looking for a partner in the education community, Hamilton County reached out to the University of Cincinnati. Representatives from the university expressed an interest in learning more and the possibility of UC joining in a community partnership to tackle this community issue.
Within weeks, Hamilton County and University of Cincinnati representatives joined together to design and implement the HEMI program. These representatives reached out to other partners in the area who readily agreed to collaborate.
Since 2009, nearly 100% of HEMI students have graduated from high school, and approximately 75% have enrolled in higher education. HEMI has celebrated seven students who have graduated from post-secondary institutons.
