Alma Garcia Mendoza: Center will help those transitioning from foster care to adulthood

On Nov. 13, Aspiranet and Stanislaus County celebrated the grand opening of the Independent Living Program Youth Center along with participating youth, community partners and special guest Assemblymember Kristin Olsen. The event featured a panel of current and former foster youth who shared how the new youth center is providing them stability to excel through supportive services such as classes in independent living skills and assistance in achieving employment and educational goals. Youth ages 15-1/2 to 21 years transitioning out of foster care are sometimes a forgotten portion of our population; that is why the ILP Youth Center and its programs are so important.

Thanks to our community partner, Stanislaus County Community Services Agency, which understands the critical need to support youth as they age out of foster care. There are many ways you can get involved with these fantastic and promising youth – by becoming a volunteer, housing partner, employer or making an in-kind gift donation such as furniture, kitchen supplies, personal care products and interview clothes. To learn more, visit www.aspiranettransitions.org and make a difference in the lives of our youth.

This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 6:24 PM with the headline "Alma Garcia Mendoza: Center will help those transitioning from foster care to adulthood."