Inside Elvira’s mission to support former foster youth
Get ready for a jam-packed July newsletter! We've got sizzling highlights from our latest episodes, featuring inspiring stories and insightful conversations that are sure to energize you like a shot of "Espresso." So grab your favorite summer drink, kick back, and dive in. Whether you're feeling "Not Like Us" or you've "Had Some Help" along the way, you'll find something to enjoy. And for those who "Miss You Much," don't worry—we've got plenty of updates to keep you connected!
(P .s. What is your song of the summer? And can you guess ours?)
In our latest YP2F Podcast, we are joined by Elvira, a former foster youth and the Community Resource Manager at A Sense of Home. Elvira shares her journey through the foster care system, starting at age 9 due to her mother's addiction. She talks about facing instability and trauma but also emphasizes the incredible support she received at Heritage Group Homes, where she now serves as a board member. Thanks to caring therapists and staff, Elvira began healing and set herself on a path to success.
Despite the difficulties, she manages to balance her responsibilities with the help of her daughter's father and a strong support network. Elvira's story underscores the need for better mental health resources and consistent care within the foster system while demonstrating the power of resilience and community in overcoming adversity.
"I never want, you know, any foster youth to feel the way that I felt like, I want them to know that somebody cares here, you know, because I know that that could be a lifeline for someone."
Resources to support former foster youth:
Elvira’s journey through the foster care system is a powerful story of resilience and the impact of community support. We compiled some relevant resources if you want to get deeper into the topic:
The episode highlights the important work of A Sense of Home, who helps former foster youth make a home, by furnishing their new living spaces.
Definitely give them a follow too @ASenseofHomeOrg!
Heritage Group Homes is the org that significantly impacted Elvira's life (that she now sits on the board of!)
Remarkably Us is a non-profit organization that empowers current and former Latina foster youth, through storytelling and other community initiatives.
Thanks to amazing advocacy form our coalition partners, Los Angeles has significantly expanded housing resources for former foster youth
FYI Voucher Applications to DCFS are due July 31! Please make sure age-eligible individuals with foster system experience apply! Connect with your local youth org, like Safe Place for Youth
The Transition-Age Youth Research & Evaluation Hub (TAY-Hub) is an applied research group seeking to improve polices related to foster care youth. They have a ton of resources including many research articles and policy briefs.