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The Transforming Power of the Ally Relationship
Seventeen-year-old Kelli* joined FYI at the start of the 2025 fall semester after relocating to Santa Clarita to be closer to her sister. At the time, she was navigating significant challenges, including…
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Providing Hope and a Community of Support
Andrew* joined FYI last March. A senior at a local high school, Andrew was living in a foster home where he had been placed at the end of 11th grade. He had…
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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…
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Reflections on FYI’s Impact
As 2024 comes to a close, program director Gina Stevens reflects on FYI’s impact: This holiday season, I am reminded once again of how privileged I am to be the program…
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Finding Hope in a Loving Community
Last summer, FYI youth Mariah* confided that her two teenage sisters had run away from their adoptive home in another state and were staying with her. Lisa* and Michelle* had…
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Sharing Hope
In March 2023, our program director heard from a former FYI participant with whom we lost touch. His text message said, “Hi Gina. It’s Jorge.* I just wanted to know…
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A Fresh Start for Addison
Nineteen-year-old Addison* joined FYI in July when her boyfriend’s mom found FYI on social media. The oldest of five siblings, Addison first entered the foster care system at age 4,…
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The Truth About Suitcases
Gina Stevens, Program Director As I was listening to the radio last week, the station’s host began to describe the plight of foster children moving into foster homes with all…
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Reflections from Our Program Director
There is always a lot happening at FYI. Many moving pieces, all the time, with one common purpose: impact lives, improve futures, and make a difference. The goal is obvious.…
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A Home for the Holidays
If you have raised a daughter (or have been one!), then you know conflicts between mothers and teenage daughters are quite common. As teen girls journey toward adulthood, arguments and…