By Cindy White

Corona – With thousands of children in foster care in the Inland Empire, it’s imperative that quality resource homes be established to provide a safe, loving environment for children in the foster care system, many who have been abused and neglected. Avant-Garde Foster Family Agency carefully evaluates applicants before placing children in their care, eliminating the undesirable turnover common with foster care. For sixteen years, Greg Estravit, CEO and Founder of Avant-Garde Foster Family Agency has been passionate about placing foster youth in the best possible home environments.

Once an approved applicant passes the background check and home study, they become part of the Avant-Garde Foster Family community. It can take some counties several months to sign off a new resource parent, so patience with the process is a must. Avant-Garde encourages those resource parents waiting for a placement to spend that time serving in any number of volunteer opportunities with the agency.

Estravit says, “We respect our foster parents and consider them family. We’re all on the same team.” Estravit discovered his passion for helping children after the profound experience of the birth of his own daughter.

Under the direction and oversight of CEO Greg Estravit and Administrator Phyllis Smith, M.S., Avant-Garde FFA is in the final stages of receiving their accreditation designation. “As mandated by the State of California, accreditation has been a difficult process. However, I see the importance of it as we’re held to a higher standard for the sake of the children.,” Smith says.

Avant-Garde has begun their Christmas Drive, requesting new toys, gifts, and financial donations that go directly to purchasing gifts for the kids. 100% of all donations go directly to the children. “It’s all about the kids,” says Estravit. The Christmas party for the foster families is one of the most significant events of the year.

Avant-Garde Foster Family Agency is a private, non-Profit 501(c)3 community service organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and youth in foster care. They currently serve Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties. The office is located at 1655 East 6^th St. Suite A-4C, Corona, CA  92879.

For more information about becoming a resource parent, volunteer opportunities, or donation needs, call 919-735-5300 or visit their website at www.avgffa.org.