Assistance League of Diablo Valley is a nonprofit, member volunteer organization dedicated to improving lives in our community through its 10 hands-on, philanthropic programs. One way of determining the programs’ effectiveness is by means of presentations at regular monthly chapter meetings. On March 9, Vice President Philanthropic Programs Susan Angle introduced Contra Costa County Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) Specialist Pat Ensley who mentors high school seniors as they apply for financial aid and scholarships, write personal statements and complete college and dorm applications in pursuit of higher education.
Eager to dispel the cosmetic appeal used to present foster youth in today’s media, Ms. Ensley asked the 180+ attendees to recall their mid- to late- teen years, years filled with such activities as getting a driver’s license, selecting a class ring, buying a yearbook and getting in trouble with their parents. Shattering the reminiscence, she asked if any of them were ejected from their homes with as little as seven days’ notice. (Foster parents can legally resort to such ejection.) She then asked the attendees to imagine yet another upheaval occurring a mere 60 days later. The reality is that foster youth need compatible placement, something not always achieved on the first attempt.
Having defined the plight of her clients succinctly, Ms. Ensley stressed the need for foster youth to be placed with families who provide a permanent home where they won’t have to throw their few possessions into plastic bags on short notice. While grappling to meet their basic needs, cultivating life skills and “fitting in,” it’s no mystery that their school grades and attendance, as well as on-the-job responsibilities, suffer.
Contra Costa County, nor any other county, can meet all of the multi-tiered needs of foster youth and ILSP participants. Assistance League of Diablo Valley has helped to fill that gap by offering emotional and financial support. As a result of that support, last year 35 high school ILSP seniors attended their high school prom, bought graduation memorabilia and participated in the senior trip.
Ms. Ensley concluded her presentation by thanking Assistance League of Diablo Valley for improving the lives of foster youth. At each ILSP Annual Recognition Dinner, Assistance League of Diablo Valley provides On My Way Kits crammed with dormitory and personal supplies for the program’s graduating high school seniors. As for academics, Ensley cited that Assistance League of Diablo Valley Scholarships Program’s less stringent GPA requirement has helped offset overwhelming odds and, therefore, has encouraged high school seniors to consider furthering their education and career goals.
Not surprisingly, there are more opportunities to empower foster teens. High school juniors face similar rigors that seniors do and would, therefore, benefit from similar mentorship. Likewise, post-high school ILSP clients living in transitional housing need to acquire living skills support to help them navigate an ever changing world. Returning ILSP clients now in their adult years have offered such feedback.
Ms. Ensley’s compact presentation guided an understandably captive audience on a journey that began in a state that caused uncertainty, self-blame and panic, but now continues on a path that empowers, nurtures and renews. To learn more about Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s 10 philanthropic programs and the Way Side Inn Thrift Shop that funds them, please visit this website: diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.
