The Women’s Fund Celebration of Grants Awarded 11 Local Nonprofits a Total of $1.25 Million
Just a few months ago, Channel Islands YMCA opened the county’s first home for youth aging out of foster care. Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Heinen-Stiffler presented jarring statistics: By the age of 21, one in five youth exiting the foster care system reports being incarcerated, and one in four becomes a parent or experiences homelessness. The care center, which opened in February and welcomed their first client just weeks ago, will provide a “safe, stable launching pad for getting foster youth into adulthood,” said Heinen-Stiffler.
