Remember when you finally left home?
Did your parents say to you: “Don’t call us. Don’t ever come back home. You’re on your own!”
That is the reality for too many foster youth in San Diego who leave foster care each year. Unfortunately, having a safe, stable place to call home is often out of their reach. And without that essential foundation, it is much more challenging to succeed at school, work and life.
Take Jackie who was already experiencing the mixture of excitement and anxiety that comes from starting college even before her housing plans unexpectedly fell through just days before her first class! With no place to live, Jackie faced the sudden possibility that her academic dream was evaporating right before her eyes. However, a friend introduced Jackie to Just in Time for Foster Youth where she received emergency rent assistance. Then a caring community of volunteers and staff helped Jackie set up her apartment as part of Just in Time’s My First Home program.
Being introduced to new friends and a support system has made all the difference for Jackie. “Being part of Just in Time has allowed me to focus on what is important for my future – keeping a positive outlook, building meaningful relationships and moving forward with my life. I’ve found a special place that I can always call home.”
Overcoming the fundamental gap of family support and encouragement – this is what the My First Home for the Holidays campaign is all about. Just in Time for Foster Youth invites caring individuals, organizations and informal groups of family and friends to join in the spirit of the season and help dozens of transitioning youth transform empty apartments into safe, comfortable homes during the holidays and throughout the year.
During this season of giving, invest in My First Home for the Holidays and remove another obstacle from the path of these courageous, resilient young people. Your contribution will have a tremendous impact on ending the cycle of foster care for every youth we touch.
When is the My First Home for the Holidays campaign?
Now through January 15, 2016.
How Can You Help?
There are 3 Easy Ways:
• Donate Cash Online www.jitfosteryouth.org/donate
• Mail in a gift card from a furnishing or any of the grocery stores to:
Just in Time PO Box 81292, San Diego, CA 92138
• Host your own Mini Drive involving friends, family, work, club, or church to collect new youth-appropriate household items such as: silverware sets, glassware, dish sets, pots & pans, bath towels, full-size sheet sets and comforters, pillows, blankets, vacuums, blenders, microwave ovens and lamps.
For more information on Mini Drives, go to our website, www.jitfosteryouth.org/myfirsthomefortheholidays
Contact Michelle Joel if you have any questions at (619) 677.2120 or email michelle@JitFosterYouth.org.
