Fostering Success – Assistance League

According to the Idaho Foster & Adoptive Parent Association website (March 2023), “Foster kids need a range of essential items to help them feel safe, secure and loved. Whether it’s basic necessities like clothing, toiletries and school supplies, or comfort items like stuffed animals, toys and books, these simple items can make a big difference in the lives of foster children.” The path to success for foster youth can be difficult without the support of caring individuals.
Headed by Carla Combs, Fostering Success is one of eight Assistance League® of Santa Clarita’s philanthropic programs. It supports our foster youth community. Fostering Success provides basic needs, including vision care, to College of the Canyons students who have aged out of foster care. Assistance League has partnered with Dora Lozano of Inspire Scholars/Next Up at College of the Canyons (COC) and Gina Stevens from Foster Youth Independence (FYI). Together they idenitfy the needs of these students to maximize support for their learning and development.
Beginning in August, members of the Fostering Success Committee organized, purchased, and delivered hygiene products to Inspire Scholars/Next Up of COC. These much-needed items were then made available to the students in the program at the start of the fall semester and will be accessible throughout the semester. A second delivery of hygiene products will be provided at the beginning of the spring semester.
Through Opera;on School Bell®, students in the Inspire Scholars/Next Up Program and FYI can shop at JCPenney for clothing, whether it be shoes, specialized workplace clothes or clothing for school. Volunteers will be available during the shopping events to assist students.
The Fostering Success also provides students with eye exams and eyeglasses. Students are referred to Assistance League by the leadership of Inspire Scholars/Next Up or FYI. For many, this is the first ;me they have received an eye exam or glasses.
Proceeds from Assistance League’s Resale Store, contributions from our generous donors and service hours provided by Assistance League of Santa Clarita member volunteers all contribute to make this program possible. When foster youth have the support of their community, they feel safe, secure, and loved—the recipe for success.