Community Resources
Beyond Emancipation
Beyond Emancipation is Alameda County's primary provider of services for former foster youth. Since our inception in 1996, we have grown from a small auxiliary of the County's Independent Living Skills Program to an independent nonprofit organization serving nearly 500 youth each year.
Bust’n Out
Bust N Out is a website dedicated to helping youth find their way in life. This Website was designed to act as an information resource for all youth, youth in foster care and emancipated youth in Butte, Glenn, Colusa, Shasta, Tehama, Lassen, Plumas, Del Norte, Humboldt, Modoc, Siskiyou, Trinity, Lake, Sutter, and Yuba counties so that they can obtain important information regarding many of lifestyle changes they will face once on their own.
California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
If you are or were in foster care and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don’t have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you’re in school. You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states.
California College Pathways
The goal of the California College Pathways is to increase the number of foster youth in California who enter higher education and achieve an academic outcome by expanding access to campus support programs, such as the Guardian Scholars Program, the Renaissance Scholars Program and other successful approaches to supporting former foster youth on campus.
California Youth Connection
California Youth Connection (CYC) is guided, focused and driven by current and former foster youth with the assistance of other committed community members. CYC promotes the participation of foster youth in policy development and legislative change to improve the foster care system, and strives to improve social work practice and child welfare policy. CYC Chapters in counties throughout the state identify local issues and use grassroots and community.
Casey Family Program
Casey Family Programs is the nation’s largest operating foundation entirely focused on foster care. Since 1966, we have worked to provide and improve—and ultimately prevent the need for—foster care in the United States. As advocates for change, we are committed to our 2020 Strategy – an ambitious yet attainable goal to safely reduce the number of children in foster care and improve the lives of those who remain in care.
Children Uniting Nation
CUN is a proactive organization created to bring attention to the plight of at-risk and foster youth. The goal is to reach as many children in out-of-home care by offering role-model support, guidance, a sense of community and promote the importance of an education. Inspired by the Day of the Child, CUN wanted mentoring to be more accessible to children living in foster care and therefore created a mentoring program to be administered in every city nationwide.
Common Ground
HYPE (homeless youth peer education, ages 12-25)
2012 Lincoln Blvd
Santa Monica 90405
(310) 314-5480
Homeless youth drop in:
Monday 3-5PM
Tues, Wed, Fri 5:45-8:30PM
Hot food, phone & internet access, flat screen tv, art supplies, new socks & blankets, used clean clothing, bus tokens, hiv testing, case management, counseling & support groups, dental services (1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month), reproductive health care, std screening, needle exchange
Community Build
We are dedicated to the revitalization of our community through human investment and commercial economic development. We strive to empower our communities and the young people of today by investing, training, and equipping them with the skills, resources, confidence and encouragement they need to become active participants in the process of rebuilding our community.
Daniel’s Place
1619 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica 90404
(310) 392-5855
“A drop in center offering support and services for young adults experiencing the first episodes of a mental illness and their families”
Free services
Psychiatry/therapy- MediCal
Department of Children and Family Services (D.C.F.S)
The Department of Children and Family Services, with public, private and community partners, provides quality child welfare services and supports so children grow up safe, healthy, educated and with permanent families.
Enhanced Emergency Shelter Program (EESP)
LA County DMH
Temporary shelter for for clients aged 18-25 for up to 29 days
Eligibility criteria: aged 18-25, severely emotionally disturbed or severely persistently mentally ill, uninsured, homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, does not have any income or other resources to pay for shelter, not a danger to self/others or gravely disabled
Locations in South El Monte, Los Angeles, Long Beach
4 additional confidential locations for female victims of DV
EESP Coordinator: (213) 738-6194
Families First
EMQ FamiliesFirst does whatever it takes to help children in crisis and their families. We are recognized for innovative mental health treatment, foster care and social services that help families recover from trauma, abuse and addiction, and rebuild their lives. We fight for sustainable change and advocate for improvements in the local, state and federal systems that serve children in need.
First Place for Youth
Founded in 1998, First Place for Youth was the first organization in Northern California to provide affordable housing and supportive services to former foster youth, and today is considered a national model for providing permanent housing for high risk youth. The agency works to ensure that all foster youth have the opportunity to experience a safe, supported transition from foster care. Through a housing program, an employment and academic enrichment program, counseling, youth community center, collaboration with other Bay Area agencies, and community education, First Place helps youth to gain the skills they need to live independently and succeed on their own.
Foster Care Outreach
The Office of the Foster Care Ombudsman was established by legislation, California Senate Bill 933 (Chapter 311/Statutes of 1998) and has been mandated to do the following:
- Ensure the voice of foster children and youth is heard, and act on their behalf.
- Create an avenue for foster children and youth to file complaints regarding their placement, care and services without fear of retribution from those who provide their care and services.
- Act as an independent forum for the investigation and resolution of complaints made by or on behalf of children placed in foster care and make appropriate referrals.
- Provide children and youth with information on their rights when placed in foster care.
- Maintain a toll-free telephone number which foster children and youth may call from anywhere in California to express their concerns and complaints.
Fostering Futures
was founded to provide scholarships and other support to this special population of young people throughout California, former foster youth who have proven themselves scholastically and have demonstrated the motivation and perseverance required to carry them into successful adulthood.
Independent Living Program
To provide comprehensive services and resources to assist transition age youth (TAY) successfully transition from dependency to self sufficiency.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is a private, independent foundation established by Jack Kent Cooke to help exceptionally promising students reach their full potential through education. Launched in 2000, the Foundation focuses in particular on students with financial need. The Foundation's scholarship and direct service programs support the education of approximately 650 remarkable students each year, while our grantmaking allows thousands more to engage in challenging educational experiences
John Burton Foundation
The John Burton Foundation for Children Without Homes is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, California dedicated to improving the quality of life for California’s homeless children and developing policy solutions to prevent homelessness.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)
The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) serves an ethnically and culturally diverse community through programs designed to both alleviate hardship and promote health, personal responsibility, and economic independence. The Department provides the following benefits and services to low-income residents of Los Angeles County:
- Temporary financial assistance and employment services for families and individuals.
- Free and low-cost health care insurance for families with children, pregnant women and aged/blind/disabled adults
- Food benefits for families and individuals
- In-home services for elderly and disabled individuals
- Financial assistance and advocacy for federal disability benefits for disabled individuals.
These services are provided locally throughout the many communities that comprise Los Angeles County.
Los Angeles Transit
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is unique among the nation's transportation agencies. It serves as transportation planner and coordinator, designer, builder and operator for one of the country's largest, most populous counties. More than 9.6 million people - nearly one-third of California's residents - live, work, and play within its 1,433-square-mile service area.
The mission of the Mario Batali Foundation is to educate and empower children, encourage them to dream big while providing them with the necessary tools to become an active force for change in today’s world. In an effort to do so, the MBF strives to ensure all children are well read, well fed and well cared for.
OPCC ACCESS Center
503 Olympic Blvd.
Santa Monica
(310) 450-4050
Homeless Drop in Center
Case mgt, meals, clothes, medical care
Nightlight program is the young adult specific program. Tuesday AMs and Thursday afternoons.
Orangewood Children's Foundation
The Orangewood Children's Foundation focuses on the ongoing needs of children in the foster care system, developing a wide range of activities, scholarships, support and programs to give every child every chance to succeed.
Orphan Foundation of America
OFA helps former foster children become successful adults. In most states, foster children leave the social services system when they turn 18. In the eyes of the court they’re adults, but few 18 year olds are emotionally, mentally or financially able to support themselves. Without someone to guide them, too many end up homeless, unemployed, incarcerated or pregnant. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Para Los Niños Youth Development Services (YDS)
Para Los Niños Youth Development Services (YDS) is a program contracted by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services to assist youth living in Los Angeles’ SPA 6 with successfully transitioning from foster care to self-sufficient independent living. YDS offers current and former youth in foster care, between the ages of 14 and 21, one-on-one tutorial services, life skills training courses, mentoring services and access to all of Para Los Niños’ programs.
Program services include: Education Assessments, Tutorial Services, Life Skills Training Classes, Life Skills Parenting Track for parenting and expecting teens/young adults, Mentoring Services, Youth Advocacy Board and a Drop-In Center. With the support of community collaborative partners, youth also benefit from supportive services such as case management, legal and health clinics, financial literacy classes, art programs, job assistance, and higher education workshops.
United Friends of the Children
United Friends of the Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bettering the lives of foster children and to supporting former foster youth in their journey to become successful, independent adults. Through our programs, advocacy efforts, and direct involvement with youth, UFC seeks to be a catalyst for change.
Housing for BGS Students after College
Bridge of Faith (Whittier) - FEMALES ONLY
http://www.bridgeoffaith.org/index.html
P.O. Box 9108, Whittier, CA 90608
Attn: Ms. Carol Reza
Phone: (562) 789-8009 or (562) 907-0783
ILPeligibility NOT required, but $600/month rent (incl. food) is required.
Serves females ages 18-47.
C.H.A.I.N.Reaction Inc. ( Los Angeles ) - THP-Plus Program
6433 Wooster Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90056
Attn: Ms. Jessica St. Paul
Phone: (310)428-1290
Fax: (310)417-3554
Serves youth ages18-24. Youth must have “aged-out” of foster care or Probation.
D & R Turning Point ( Los Angeles ) - THP-Plus Program
339Paseo Tesoro, Walnut, CA 91789
Attn: Mr. Dwaine Jackson
Phone: (323) 707-8165
Fax: (909) 594-2922
Serves youth ages18-24. Youth must have “aged-out” of foster care or Probation.
David and Margaret (La Verne and Glendora) - THP-Plus Program
1350 3rd Street, La Verne, CA 91750
Attn: Ms. Rebecca Schaal
Phone: (909) 596-5921 x3622
FAX: (909) 596-3954
Serves youth ages18-24. Youth must have “aged-out” of foster care or Probation.
DCFSTransitional Housing Program (Various Sites)
3530 Wilshire Blvd. 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Attn: Ms. Lynn Durham
Phone: (213) 351-0190
Fax: (213) 637-0035
Serves youth ages 18-22. EmancipatedDCFS and Probation youth are eligible for the program.ILP eligibility Not required.
First Place for Youth (Los Angeles)
4317 S.Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008
Attn: Ms. Mickey McKinney
Phone: (213) 321-5007
Fax: (323) 508-0644
Serves youth ages 18-21.ILP eligibility required
Five Acres ( Pasadena ) – THP-Plus Program
760 W. Mountain View, Altadena, CA 91001
Attn: Ms.Kristienne Brooks
Phone: (310) 678-6125
Serves youth ages18-24. Youth must have “aged-out” of foster care or Probation.
Gwen Bolden Manor (Los Angeles)
$244/month rent, Must Attend School and Work
1302 E. 41st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90011
Attn: Anthony Thomas
Phone: (323) 231-8600
Fax: (323) 846-2508
Serves youth Ages: 18-25;ILP eligibility NOT required.
Hillsides “Youth Moving On” (Pasadena)
650 North Oakland Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101
Attn: Thomas Lee or Monique Holguin
Phone: (626) 219-1240 or (626) 219-1242
Serves youth ages: 18-21.ILP eligibility NOT required, but applicants must have full-scale Medi-Cal.
An online application is required for all potential applicants.
The application may be found by visiting Hillsides’ website at: http://www.Hillsides.org.
H.O.M.E.(Los Angeles) - THP-Plus Program
4131-35Palmwood Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90008
Attn: Ms. Mary Johnson
Phone: (323)493-0185
Fax: (310) 645-8871
Serves youth ages18-24. Youth must have “aged-out” of foster care or Probation.
Leroy Haynes (La Verne) - MALES ONLY -THP Plus Program
233 W. Baseline Road, La Verne, CA 91750
Attn: Jason Green
Phone: 909-593-2581 x213
Serves males ages18-24. Youth must have “aged-out” of foster care or Probation.
L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center (Hollywood)
1625 No. Schrader Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
Attn: Intake Coordinator
Phone: (323) 993-7450
Serves youth ages 18-24.ILP eligibility NOT required.
Murrell’s Farm and Boys Home ( Palmdale) - MALES ONLY - THP-Plus Program
823 E. Pillsbury St., Lancaster, CA 93555
Attn: Ms. Rhonda Moss
Phone: (661) 947-9752
Fax: (661) 947-9762
Serves youth ages18-24. Youth must have “aged-out” of foster care or Probation.
Orangewood Children’s Foundation “The Rising Tide” (Garden Grove and Tustin)
1575 East 17th St., Santa Ana, CA 92705
Attn: Linda Levshin
Phone: (714) 619-0239
Serves youth ages 18-25.ILP eligibility NOT required.
“Pathways to Independence” (Whittier and Inglewood)
1055 Wilshire Blvd., Suite #1955, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Attn: Karl Calhoun
Phone: (213) 580-1822
Fax: (213) 580-1820
ILPeligibility required, but will also accept youth over 21.
Ages 18-23 (must enter prior to 23rd birthday)
Penny Lane (North Hills and Antelope Valley)
15317Rayen Street, North Hills, CA 91343
Attn: MaryBratten
Phone: (818) 892-3423x271
Serves youth ages 18-21.ILP eligibility required (can also accept youth over 21 on a case by case basis).
Rancho San Antonio Independent Living (Chatsworth) MALES ONLY
21000 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311
Attn: Paul Key
Phone: (818) 882-6400 x140
Serves males ages 18-23.ILP eligibility NOT required.
Renaissance Unlimited Homes (Los Angeles) –THP Plus Program
2718 Redondo Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016
Attn: Chris Onyegbaduo
Phone: (909) 262-8015 or (323) 935-1786
Fax (323) 935-5411
Serves youth ages18-24. Youth must have “aged-out” of foster care or Probation.
RichstoneFamily Center (Hawthorne) FEMALES ONLY –THP Plus Program
4431 West 137th Place, Hawthorne, CA 90505
Attn: Ms. Valerie Rumery
Phone: (310) 970-0261
Serves youth ages: 18-24. Youth must have “aged-out” of foster care or Probation.
Rosemary Children’s Services (South Pasadena) FEMALES ONLY–THP Plus Program
36 S.Kinneloa Ave. Ste. 200, Pasadena, CA 91107
Attn: Amanda Yoshioka-Maxwell
Phone: (626) 844-3033 x216
Fax: (626) 844-3034
Serves youth ages: 18-24. Youth must have “aged-out” of foster care or Probation.
Salvation Army/The Way In
5939 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
Attn: Anthony Gonzalez
Phone: (323) 469-2946 x169
Serves youth ages: 18-21.ILP eligible youth NOT accepted.
San Gabriel Children’s Center
2200 E. Route 66 #100, Glendora, CA 91740
Attn: RuthSigala or Jacqueline Cervantes
Phone: (626) 859-2089x213 or 227
Fax (626) 859-6537
Serves youth ages: 18-24. Youth must have “aged-out” of foster care or Probation.
United Friends of the Children –THP Plus Program
1055 Wilshire Blvd., Suite #1955, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Attn: Karl Calhoun
Phone: (213) 580-1822
Fax: (213) 580-1820
Serves youth ages: 18-24. Youth must have “aged-out” of foster care or Probation.
Volunteers of America “Women’s Care Cottage” (North Hollywood) FEMALES ONLY
3600 Wilshire Blvd., Suite #1500, Los Angeles. CA 90010
Attn: Norma Shiferaw
Phone: (213) 500-6013
Fax: (213) 385-7599
Serves females ages 18-21.ILP eligibility required
Wings of Discovery (La Verne) - FEMALES ONLY
1350 3rd Street, La Verne, CA 91750
Attn: Ms. Rebecca Schaal
Phone: (909) 596-5921 x3622
FAX: (909) 596-3954
Serves females ages 18-21.ILP eligibility required
YWCA Santa Monica (FEMALES ONLY)
2019 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Attn: Allison Griffith or Sherry Wunder
Phone: (310) 314-1466 or (310) 452-3881
Serves females ages 18-22.ILP eligibility NOT required.