Foster Youth Independence (FYI) kicks off the school year for Foster Youth with school supplies and a career fair. 

Fostering Youth Independence students were  equipped to go back to school following the non-profit’s eighth annual Back to School Bash and Career Fair.

“Foster youth have not had a lot of exposure to different careers, and hearing from these professionals helped broaden their horizons,” explained Carolyn Olsen, FYI’s executive director and co-founder. “Many of the youth told us that the career panel was their favorite part of the evening.”

 Approximately 140 members of the FYI community, including 65 youth and their Allies, came together for the event which provided youth with new backpacks and all the supplies they could possibly need to start the new school year.

Before the youth “shopped” for their school supplies a taco dinner was served, which was followed by a career fair featuring six professionals who shared their career journeys and offered valuable advice and encouragement.

The career panel included Senior Lineman Carlos Romero from the Department of Water and Power, State Farm Agent/Risk Advisor Enrique Borja, Registered Nurse Jazmin Delia, Buyer Katie Fowler from Santa Clarita Water Agency, Family Law Attorney Tess Cozine, and Jack in the Box Franchise Owner Wilfredo Herrera. 

After the presenters spoke, youth had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with them to answer questions and further discuss opportunities and paths to the career.

Olsen thanked The Sanctuary Church, Christ Church of SCV, and Judy Eichner for supplying the “store” with notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, post-it notes and everything else the students needed to succeed. 

Olsen extended a further thank you to Tracy Quick for setting up her own “pantry” with nonperishable food and household items, plus health and beauty supplies, as well as Christ Lutheran Church for allowing the event to take place on their campus.

“The week leading up to our Bash was exciting as six new youth joined our community,” added Olsen. “And eleven former foster youth started college for the very first time. Plus, the Study Place reopened for the new school year with free lunch, tutoring and academic assistance. Lives are being changed here at FYI, and we are grateful to everyone who is partnering with us to give foster youth hope for a better life.”

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