Promises2Kids

This Sunday! Join us for a Brunch & Learn Hosted by Sisters Pizza! Join us to learn about becoming a mentor for foster children and youth. We are seeking LGBTQIA+ mentors and diverse mentors from all walks of life to support one-on-one mentoring for foster children and youth, as well as group mentoring opportunities. *RSVP ONLY* as space is very limited. Please contact George@Promises2Kids.org to save your spot! For more information about mentoring, read our feature on Group Mentor, Maya https://lnkd.in/gBNsY_a4. https://lnkd.in/e8zb_2Hu

Monday, September 9th, we will be back at the beautiful La Jolla estate home of Joan Waitt for our Dream On Concert Gala presented by Kevin and Raegan Prior! Join us for an exclusive evening of dinner, an auction, and a private concert under the stars Featuring acclaimed recording artist, Kool & The Gang! Thank you to longtime supporters, Kevin & Raegan Prior for returning as our Presenting Sponsors. Tables and sponsorships are now available! Link in bio (or https://lnkd.in/gwrGSuMK ) #Promises2Kids #SanDiego #California #FosterCare #SanDiegoEvents

Guardian Scholar Brandy and Director of Programs, Rashida Elimu joined Evan Noorani on the set of CBS8 to talk about the value of mentoring, how Promises2Kids connects mentors with to former foster children like Brandy, and how to get involved as a mentor. We have plenty of space for mentors to be paired either 1-1 or in a group setting with Guardian Scholars groups based on cultural identifications as well as professional goals. If you’re interested in giving back through mentoring, visit https://lnkd.in/g9JVmZXa or join us at Sisters Pizza THIS SUNDAY! RSVP to save your spot (email, George@Promises2Kids.org for more info). https://lnkd.in/gfxsD-AM

Guardian Scholar and advocate, Vanessa Brunetta was recently featured on ABC10 News in an interview by Moses Small. The interview focused on the prevalence of housing insecurity in former foster children, Vanessa's personal experience growing up, and where she is today. The shocking fact is that 1 in 3 former foster children will experience homelessness within the first two years after exiting care. Lacking much of the traditional financial, familial, and structural support that many young adults have, many former foster youth are faced with this daunting challenge at a critical time, all while managing school and work. This issue hits close to home for Promises2Kids and led to our development of the “Foster Futures” prevention-based pilot program. This brand-new 12-month program will provide wrap-around care in the form of guaranteed income support of $1,000/month, coupled with career coaching, mentoring, financial literacy training, case management, and mental health resources. Promises2Kids has requested funds from the city that would be matched with philanthropic funds to support 50 former foster youth. We look forward to sharing more about the Foster Futures program! https://lnkd.in/geHGdEr4

A group of high school Guardian Scholars recently returned from an enlightening trip to the Bay Area to broaden their options as they consider their next steps in education. On the agenda were the University of California Berkley, San Fran State University, UC Santa Cruz, University of San Francisco, Habitat Horticulture, California Academy of Sciences Museum, and all the sights Northern California has to offer. If you put yourself in the shoes of a high school junior or senior, especially a student who has moved schools several times (unfortunately common for many foster youth), then you can see how making the jump to secondary education can seem daunting, scary, and out of reach. There is a whole world of options beyond San Diego that may feel unattainable to students without traditional support networks. But the reality is, we will be there for these Guardian Scholars in any way we can, shedding light on that path, helping them bridge the gap to their educational goals, and ultimately, to independent careers. On top of all that, there was plenty of downtime to pose by the Golden Gate Bridge, sale the bay, and visit the ballpark. We are grateful for the unwavering support of the San Diego community to help these students realize that their biggest dreams may not be out of their reach. This trip would not have been possible without Southwest, the Official Airline of Promises2Kids.

Happy Independence Day from Promises2Kids! #happy4thofjuly #happy4th #4thofjuly #promises2kids #bbq #fireworks #fosteryouth #sandiego

Guardian Scholars LGBTQIA+ group gathered at Sisters Pizza for a special meeting looking forward to the Pride month. The group put their minds and tastes together to create a collective Spotify playlist celebrating Pride Month. Of course, Pride celebrations are a significant time of year for any members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This group takes the grass-roots approach of connecting adult Guardian Scholars with peers and mentors sharing their identity right here in San Diego. We are proud of this tight-knit group and of the volunteer mentors who give their time to create this space. For more information about mentoring, visit: https://lnkd.in/gaShNTFb #volunteering #promises2kids #sandiego #pride #mentor #volunteer

Join us for a Brunch & Learn Hosted by @sisterspizzasd , Sunday, July 14th. Join us to learn about becoming a mentor for foster children and youth. We are seeking LGBTQIA+ mentors and diverse mentors from all walks of life to support one-on-one mentoring for foster children and youth, as well as group mentoring opportunities. *RSVP ONLY* as space is very limited. Please contact George@Promises2Kids.org to save your spot! For more information about mentoring, read our feature on Group Mentor, Maya https://lnkd.in/gBNsY_a4. #promises2kids #brighterfutures #lgbtq #pride #mentor #pridemonth #brunch #sandiegobrunch

Guardian Scholar Emilio and Mentor Ashley joined Maria Arcega-Dunn and Andrew Luria at FOX5 San Diego yesterday to talk about what our Mentoring Groups are, why we need mentors, and how to get involved. Identity Groups are a key component of our Guardian Scholars program, reconnecting Guardian Scholars to cultures and heritages they may have been separated from in foster care and developing sharing identity with positive role models. Emilio takes part in several groups and spoke to the impact it has had to have people like Ashley in their life. And Ashley, who became a group mentor through Promises2Kids over a year ago, spoke about the enriching and rewarding experience the group offers. If you’re interested in mentoring, visit https://lnkd.in/g9JVmZXa or join us at Sisters Pizza on July 14th for a Brunch & Learn (email, George@Promises2Kids.org for more info) https://lnkd.in/g_cvyfSC #Promises2kids #brighterfutures #sandiego #fosterchildren #pride

The confidence that comes from looking good and feeling prepared can make all the difference when taking the next step in your professional life. The truth is, first impressions matter, and thanks to Nordstrom Fashion Valley’s Dress for Success Event, a group of Guardian Scholars can check that box! Students were paired with Nordstrom stylists, like (@dg_stylist)who curated outfits and offered crucial insight for fits. For many, this was an enlightening experience as both the expertise of the stylists, and the support of the group mentors allowed each Guardian Scholar to feel like the best version of themselves. The excitement was high in the dressing rooms as many delighted in showing off their new looks to each other and offering supportive feedback. Faces beamed when they saw themselves in the mirrors. Guardian Scholars left with full shopping bags, feeling fresh and confident, ready to take on the next steps in their lives! #promises2kids #brighterfutures #nordstrom #businesscasual #shopping #sdshopping #fosterchildren #fostercare