“Foster kids need a range of essential items to help them feel safe, secure and loved. Whether it’s basic necessities like clothing, toiletries, or 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 Assistance League® of Santa Clarita has eight philanthropic programs, one is Fostering Success which supports the foster youth community in the Santa Clarita Valley.  The Fostering Success program is headed by Assistance League’s volunteer member, Jennifer Lopez. This program provides basic needs, including vision care to College of the Canyons students who have aged out of the foster care. Assistance League has partnered with Dora Lozano of Inspire Scholars at College of the Canyons (COC) and Gina Stevens from Foster Youth Independence (FYI) to help identify these students and their needs to maximize support from Fostering Success.   

Beginning in August, members of the Fostering Success Committee organized, purchased and delivered hygiene products to Inspire Scholars 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 the Operation School Bell® program, students in the Inspire Scholars Program and FYI can shop at JCPenney for all their clothing needs. Whether it be shoes, specialized workplace clothes, or clothes for back-to-school, students can find what they need with the help of Assistance League volunteers who will be available during the shopping events.

Fostering Success also provides students with eye exams and eyeglasses. Students are identified and referred to Assistance League’s Vision Care Program by the Inspire Scholars program or FYI on a case-by-case basis. 

Proceeds from Assistance League’s Resale Store, contributions from our generous donors, and service hours provided by Assistance League’s member volunteers all contribute to making this program possible.  When foster youth have the support of their community, they feel safe, secure, and loved—the recipe for success.