Staff Reports

La Verne – Each year, tens of thousands of children “age out” of the foster care system at age 18. Turning 18 means losing support – financial, educational, social, and otherwise – that these youth count on. Their peers in the general population get support from their families throughout emerging adulthood, becoming more independent. But when children leave foster care without having a permanent family when they age out, what should be a gradual transition often becomes an abrupt loss that puts them at risk of negative outcomes.

Consider making their future a success by attending or being a donor to David & Margaret Youth and Family Services’ 2015 Annual Gala. The Monte Carlo-themed fund raiser will be held on Fri., Oct. 16, at 6 p.m., in the Avalon Room of the Sheraton Fairplex in Pomona.  The Gala includes a gourmet meal, live music, casino-style gaming, silent auction, and more!

The 2015 Annual Gala is part of the Campaign for David & Margaret, in support of a new 36-unit supportive housing complex currently under construction to provide assistance for children transitioning out of foster care and low-income families. The Campaign will also fund a new Youth Workforce Training Center, a not-for-profit store and café, allow for facility and infrastructure improvements, and create an endowment fund to sustain the agency long term.

Founded in 1910, D&M serves more than 1,000 clients annually through a comprehensive range of services. These include residentially based programs for adolescent girls, a foster family agency, adoption assistance, mental health services, treatment for learning disabilities, school and community-based education, and mentoring programs. The agency also has a chemical dependency unit that is certified by the State of California. Its specialized non-public Joan Macy School serves special education students in Grades 1-12 from D&M, as well as students from area school districts.

Event sponsorships are available that include admission and advertising in the event program. Silent auction donations are also welcomed and will also be acknowledged in the program. For more information, contact Publicity Coordinator, Julie Griffith, at GriffithJ@DavidandMargaret.org, or call (909) 596-5921, ext. 3180.

If you are unable to participate in this year’s gala, please consider making a gift today at http://tinyurl.com/DavidandMargaret-com-giving or contact Development Director, Michael Urquidez, at UrquidezM@DavidandMargaret.org, or call (909) 596-5921, ext. 3246 to learn more about other ways to support the agency’s mission and services.