FYI Holds Annual “Celebration of Everything” Honoring Foster Youth and Volunteers
Twenty-nine local foster youth cheered on for earning their degrees or certificates; 100-plus volunteers thanked for supporting the youth
SANTA CLARITA (June 24, 2026) – Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence (FYI) held its “Celebration of Everything” event recognizing an impressive number of 29 local youth for education milestones, as well as appreciating the over 100 volunteers who make such a difference in the lives of Santa Clarita foster youth.
Over 160 people came together for FYI’s annual celebration, which honored the new graduates: 10 youth received high school diplomas, seven completed certificate programs, nine received associate degrees, two received bachelor’s degrees, and one even received a Juris Doctor degree.
“That so many of our youth achieved a degree or certificate is exciting to celebrate, seeing that youth aging out of the foster care system are at high risk for a challenging future without a post-secondary education,” explained Carolyn Olsen, FYI’s executive director and co-founder.
Additionally, FYI acknowledged the 16 new youth who joined the organization in the past year, as well as seven youth who obtained their drivers licenses through FYI’s “Ready, Set Drive!” program. Among the 100-plus volunteers thanked were Allies, tutors, staff, support volunteers, board members and sponsors.
The largest foster youth support organization in Santa Clarita, which has supported 224 local youth since its founding, FYI aims to lift up the community’s transition age foster youth (ages 16 to 29) with needed resources as they age out of the foster system and work to complete a post-secondary education to prepare to become successful, independent adults. Since its founding in 2017, FYI has celebrated 150 youth graduation and certificate completions.
Olsen welcomed the assembled guests by saying, “We are so thankful for everyone here. Every one of you is a star in the galaxy that is the FYI community. We each shine in our own way, but together we form something much greater than ourselves. Every relationship, interaction, and shared experience creates connections that bring us closer together, helping this galaxy grow brighter and stronger. Because of each of you, the FYI community is a place of hope, belonging, and possibility.”
Gina Stevens, program director and co-founder of FYI, added, “Each youth here tonight carries a story as unique as the milestone they’ve reached. I am humbled to have witnessed the paths that led them to this success. Despite the weight of family loss, health challenges, housing instability, and the echoes of past trauma, they did more than just show up – they put in the relentless effort to succeed. It was never easy, yet they persevered. Tonight they are writing their own story and stepping into the future they have earned. Each one of you is a true inspiration, and we couldn’t be prouder of what you have accomplished.”
The keynote speaker for the event was FYI alumna Karina Gomez, whose inspirational story about overcoming hardships and going on to become an oncology nurse, was only achievable with the support of FYI and her Ally. During her remarks she said, “When I look around this room I see strength and resilience, I see young people who have already overcome challenges that many people may never fully understand. And I know that because I was once sitting where you are. FYI didn’t just provide resources to me, they connected me with people – especially my Ally – who believed in me during times when I struggled to believe in myself. Your circumstances don’t define your potential. Being a foster youth is part of your story, but it’s not the limit of your story. Never think it’s too late, never think you’ve fallen too far behind, never think your past disqualifies you from your dreams. Your future can be bigger than you can ever imagine.”
Several youths also made heartfelt comments about how much their Allies mean to them as they have been preparing for a life of independent living. Their comments included:
“They’ve shown me that no dream is ever too far to reach and if I fall, they will be there.”
“I want to thank her for all the kindness and love she has shown me – her example has pushed me to do so much more good in this world, because I see her do this every day.”
“After many hikes, long conversations over matchas, and lots of check-ins, the foundations of my friendship and trust with her is so solid that I know it will be that way for many years ahead.”
“She is a pretty amazing person and I’m very blessed to have her as my Ally. Even when I’m overwhelmed, she never stops making it clear that she’s there for me.”
Shannon Hurst, representing U.S. Congressman George Whitesides, and Crystal Carr, representing State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, attended the celebration and gave congratulatory and motivational remarks to the youth in attendance. Hurst said, “as graduates, you are proving it is never too late to rewrite your story.” And Carr remarked, “each of you has achieved something incredible by overcoming the challenges before you. Each of you has undeniable potential to continue pursuing your dreams.”
A presentation of 11 scholarships was also a highlight of the evening. Scott Hoolahan from the Rotary Club of SCV presented four youth with scholarships to help them complete their bachelor’s degrees. Three youth received Von Andreasen Memorial scholarships, two were awarded scholarships from the Jacob Zamora Memorial Foundation, and two received “Determined Scholar” awards from anonymous donors.
The graduation of FYI’s youth was especially impressive given that only 55% of foster youth graduate from high school. Outcomes for former foster youth are poor, with half becoming homeless or incarcerated within two years of aging out of the system. Only 4% go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, and rates of unemployment and poverty are high. “FYI and our incredible Allies and volunteers are working hard to break this cycle for foster youth,” explained Olsen.
She further thanked the sponsors who generously supported the event: The Backer Family, Holly Thompson Homes, Jeremy and Mindy Andreasen, KPMG, and Shepard Insurance Agency. Photography for the evening was generously donated by Rob Comeau Media Productions. “Their sponsorships show that there are many in our community who truly care about our foster youth, and for their support we are truly grateful,” Olsen said.
Further information about Fostering Youth Independence and ways to become involved, support and donate can be found on www.fyifosteryouth.org or by calling (661) 360-1500.
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About Fostering Youth Independence (FYI)
FYI is the largest Santa Clarita-based nonprofit supporting local foster youth who have aged out of the L.A. County foster care system without being adopted or reunified with their birth parents. FYI addresses the serious challenges faced by these youth, which include not finishing high school or pursuing higher education, homelessness, and incarceration. FYI offers local foster youth numerous resources to help overcome past traumas, complete an education, gain employment, and become successful, independent adults.
FYI currently serves 85 transition age (16-29 years) foster youth in the Santa Clarita Valley and has supported 214 local youth since its inception in 2017. It assigns each youth a caring adult volunteer Ally and a coordinator to help them set and achieve goals in areas such as education, employment, housing, finances, health, transportation, assistance with college applications, enrollment and class registration, and referrals to resources for food, housing, health, mental health, and employment. It also provides emergency financial assistance when an unexpected expense such as a car repair threatens to derail a youth’s educational plans. FYI offers The Study Place for learning support and tutoring, a Ready, Set Drive! program to assist youth in obtaining their drivers license, personalized Money Matters financial literacy education, hosts events throughout the year where the youth can connect with other youth and Allies to create a community of support, and partners with College of the Canyons for referrals and counseling. It also provides school supplies, holiday gifts and household items for youth moving into new homes with few possessions.
FYI is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. FYI’s federal tax ID number is 82-1034101.
Website: www.fyifosteryouth.org
Instagram: @fyifosteryouth
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fyifosteryouth
Contact:
Carolyn Olsen
Co-founder and Executive Director
colsen@fyifosteryouth.org
(661) 360-1500 ext. 700