Assistance League of Diablo Valley forged a relationship with the Independent Living Skills Program of Contra Costa County in 2004-2005, when several forward thinking chapter members toured the offices of the various services. A visit to the ILSP facility, located in Martinez, revealed a welcoming environment where emancipating foster youth could gather for fellowship, life skills awareness, education, vocational training, and safe refuge. What first emerged from Assistance League’s needs assessment was a scholarship dedicated to emancipating foster youth. As the years ensued, for many, the dream of completing high school became a stepping stone to vocational training, community college and university studies. But why and how did these youth get to the ILSP facility?
Through no fault of their own, children entering foster care are typically removed from their homes due to unhealthy living conditions, sometimes with only the clothes on their backs. Assistance League of Diablo Valley responded by providing backpacks to the county receiving centers. Specifically prepared for adolescent and teenaged youngsters, member volunteers stuffed the backpacks with such items as sleepwear, snacks, playing cards, and other items to see them through a particularly trying time. These young survivors may remain at the Receiving Centers for only 23 hours and are then placed into a foster care setting.
A closer look at the word “emancipated” alerted Assistance League of Diablo Valley that rather than result in freedom, without resources for everyday living, it many times means struggle. Half of the emancipating foster youth do not graduate from high school, more than one-third of its population has endured homelessness, far too many grapple with depression, while others face Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome which is many times manifested by “acting out.” To offset such struggle, the chapter funded a duffel bag assemblage through its Community Outreach Program. Member volunteers defied logistics by cramming pots, pans, dishes and flatware, towels, grooming necessities, cleaning products, innumerable first-year apartment supplies as well as a gift card from Target into rolling duffel bags. They carefully enclosed a note that offered Assistance League’s message of “Caring and Compassion,” which added one final strain to a zipper already overburdened.
Assistance League of Diablo Valley further investigated ways to enrich the lives of Contra Costa County’s Foster Youth. Their financial struggle amplifies during their senior year of high school when participating in senior year activities and purchasing graduation items are prohibitive. In 2009, the Senior Year Sponsorship Program turned a dream into reality when 18 emancipating foster youth qualified for financial assistance to help pay for such well-deserved purchases as a yearbook, SAT preparation classes, class rings, prom and the senior breakfast; things many students take for granted.
In 2010, California Assembly Bill 12, with matched federal funding, extended foster youth coverage. Contra Costa County Independent Living Skills Program Coordinator Don Graves remarked, “We were excited about AB12 passing. The law takes effect on January 1, 2012 and will provide those youth that take advantage of it extra time to pursue their goals without having to worry about housing. The bill extends foster care until the youth turns 20. They will be deemed ‘non-minor dependents’ and will have the option to leave foster care on a “trial independence,” and if need be, they can come back into foster care by petitioning the courts. Graves added that he foresees that AB12 will relieve some of the congestion in terms of wait lists for the Transitional Housing Program.
Graves has also assessed Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s role in supporting emancipating foster youth as unique in regards to consistency and reliability. “The passion and commitment shown by this organization is both inspiring and commendable. Year after year, Assistance League has raised thousands of dollars to help youth pursue their goals. Through Scholarships, Senior Sponsorships and the Exit bags, the chapter has shown its commitment to this vulnerable population.”
What does the future hold for former foster youth in Contra Costa County? “Empowered youth will give back to the system by taking an active role in improving Independent Living Skills service and delivery,” Graves specified, “This year, emancipated foster youth facilitated workshops; Health Education, Employment, Housing, Financial Aid and College all had the voice of former foster youth. They conduct speaking engagements. They participate in foster parent trainings, community college engagements and new youth orientations.”
How does knowledge of this impact our community? It shows that because of this little known partnership, empowerment can replace supposed emancipation and that realizing a goal can replace struggle. A closer look reveals that all of us can be a part of this. Let’s keep these young survivors in our hearts and on our radar.
Since 2004-2005, Assistance League of Diablo has also forged relationships with various corporate volunteers who have been hands-on involved with duffel bag assembly designated for foster youth. To learn more, visit the website: diablovalley.assistanceleauge.org or phone 925-934-0901 and ask for Kathy Dean, Vice President Philanthropic Programs. Assistance League of Diablo Valley is a nonprofit, member volunteer organization dedicated to improving lives in our community through hands-on programs.
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