At its monthly meetings the La Crescenta Woman’s Club chooses many good causes to support. At a recent meeting, not only did the members send money to support CVHS robotics, Shriners Children’s hospital and City of Hope but it decided to add a new philanthropy to its roster of support – Journey House in Pasadena. Jesse Aguiar and his team told Club members of the work Journey House in Pasadena does to support foster youth.  

The mission of Journey House is to support former foster and probation youth to live fully independent lives. Founded in 1983, Journey House provides emotional support and guidance, as well as financial aid, to help former foster and probation youth with the cost of attending college and vocational schools. The goa of Journey House is to create opportunities for advancement in education, economic stability and a better quality of life for former foster youth. 

Did you know?

20% of foster care youth will become homeless upon turning 18?

Less than 1% of foster youth earn a masters or doctoral degree?

Only 50% of foster youth who age out of the system will have gainful employment

by the age of 24?

25% of foster youth will be in prison within two years of emancipation?

On the day of their “emancipation,” these youth are expected to be able to provide their own food, shelter, clothing, transportation, medical care and college expenses with little additional assistance.

Aguiar told of his life, which was spent going from one foster home to another, growing up with several incarcerations before becoming the executive director of journeyhouseyouth.org. He now shares stories of his children in college and how his life turned around. His talk was well received by the Club, which tripled its usual donation of $200 for the philanthropy of the month. 

Submitted by Danette ERICKSON