Fostering Youth Independence (FYI), a Santa Clarita non-profit, is celebrating the end result of their year-end giving campaign that raised more than $45,000 in efforts to provide educational accessibility for local foster youth. 

The year of 2021 reportedly ended on a very positive note for FYI when their year-end giving campaign raised over $45,000– a donation allocated to Santa Clarita foster youth who are in need of necessary services, support and resources to allow them to reach their goals, according to FYI officials. 

“We want to thank our matching donors and everyone who invested in FYI,” read a statement from the non-profit. “We are profoundly grateful for and encouraged by all of you! Your kind-heartedness will allow FYI to continue to offer life-changing programs and services to Santa Clarita’s foster youth in 2022.”

See Related: FYI Holds Holiday Party For Santa Clarita Foster Youth

As the students and staff look forward to the year ahead, non-profit officials anticipate the celebration of FYI’s fifth birthday and 17 youth graduations including six high school diplomas, four associate’s degrees, six bachelor’s degrees and one master’s degree, according to program officials. 

“Our youth are achieving some amazing successes, and we couldn’t be prouder,” read a statement from FYI. “We also look forward to welcoming new youth to FYI and watching them blossom as they receive the support they need and deserve.”

For almost five years, FYI has provided Santa Clarita Valley’s transitional age foster youth, ages 16 to 25, with the necessary support to make sure they can access educational opportunities and reach their goals, according to officials. 

FYI’s services include: 

• Assigning each youth a caring adult volunteer Ally to provide encouragement and moral support
• Helping youth set and achieve goals in areas such as education, employment, housing, finances, health, and transportation.
• Assisting youth with college applications, enrollment, and class registration.
•  Assisting youth without a high school diploma to complete a high school equivalency program.
• Helping youth complete the FAFSA (federal student aid) and other financial aid applications.
• Referring youth to resources for food, housing, health, mental health, vision, dental, employment, transportation, and other needs.
• Educating foster youth on the benefits of staying in the foster care system through age 21.
• Providing emergency financial assistance when an unexpected expense, such as a car repair threatens to derail a youth’s educational plans.
• Offering events throughout the year where the youth can connect with other youth and their Allies to create a sense of community and a network of support.
• Providing a program called “The Study Place” for online learning support and tutoring.
• Supplying backpacks and school supplies.
• Providing gifts during the holiday season through a community wish list sponsorship program.

To become an ally, consider attending FYI’s Ally training session on Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. by emailing Teri Gaudioso at tgaudioso@fyifosteryouth.org for further information and a Zoom link.

“FYI youth will tell you that their relationships with their Allies have been the key to their successes,” read a statement from FYI. “The heart of FYI, Allies work one-on-one with youth, guiding and encouraging them on their journeys to completing a post-secondary education and becoming independent adults.”

To make a donation, click here.

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