A Full-Circle Moment of Impact
Earlier this month, our program director, Gina Stevens, received a text from a DCFS (Department of Child and Family Services) administrator. The message included a photo of her with one of our FYI alumni, accompanied by the following note:
“Gina!! Look who I met today!! And she’s my mom’s nurse!! We both teared up after she told me how she has been impacted by FYI and her “mom” (Ally) Linda. Now she’s paying it forward to help care for my mom, who is in the hospital, and she’s also training a new nurse. She’s been amazing with my mom today. I love how life has come full circle.”
This is just one example of the difference FYI is making. Together, our staff, Allies, and community of support are changing the lives of Santa Clarita’s foster youth—by encouraging, guiding, and equipping them to reach their educational goals and become successful, independent adults.
But the impact doesn’t stop there. These remarkable young adults are also making life better for everyone around them.
Recently, while filling out a grant application, I was asked, “Approximately how many people will be directly and indirectly impacted by your program?” As I reflected on the ripple effect created by the youth served by FYI, I realized that assigning a number simply wasn’t possible.
I thought about how FYI helps young adults break cycles of abuse and poverty so they can create better lives for their own children. I imagined the nurses and healthcare workers like Karina, Destiny, Silvia and others caring for countless patients and their families. I pictured teachers like Sabrina and Manda shaping young minds in classrooms year after year, and future attorneys like Ash, Shiya and others fighting for justice for those who are often unheard. I thought of the brave individuals like Shanya and Ryan in the armed forces who are serving and protecting our country.
The truth is, the full impact of FYI extends far beyond what we can measure—it reaches into homes, communities, and future generations.
As we approach the end of the year, you will have another special opportunity to be part of the impact FYI is making. At FYI, we don’t host expensive galas or golf tournaments. Instead, we focus on one annual campaign where we ask individuals to be generous, with 100% of every dollar raised going directly to serve foster youth in Santa Clarita. The funds raised during our year-end campaign fuel programs, Ally relationships, and events that support youth 365 days a year—including tutoring and academic support, college and career guidance, safe housing assistance, financial literacy coaching, driver’s license support, mental health resources, and emergency aid when the unexpected happens.
We know you will have many options for your year-end giving and ask that you help impact generations to come by investing in FYI!