BECOME VOLUNTEER
Volunteer as a tutor, mentor, participate in events.
Volunteer
To increase public awareness of the crisis many families and youth in Los Angeles County are currently facing in foster care. We do this through activities including advocacy work as well as at events where attendees can stop by and learn more at our lawn table.
To improve the quality of lives of children and youth in foster care, homeless, incarcerated or under the supervision of probation through the provision of direct services to the children or to the agencies serving them.
To improve the quality of the lives of children and young people in foster care, homeless, incarcerated or under the supervision of probation through system changes.
Children in residential homes who have tested positive for COVID-19 are in special need of fun and distracting activities to help them through significant social isolation as they quarantine and recover. Others are sheltering-in-place in their living quarters. Please consider donating any of the following items to help brighten their COVID-related challenges: small toys, puzzles, Legos, art supplies (coloring books, crayons, sketch pads, washable markers and stickers), books (all ages) and face masks. Most of the children are boys between the ages of 6 and 18. Items must be new and in original packaging. Financial contributions are also welcome for staff to purchase age and gender appropriate gifts. Thank you for helping children and youth who are personally impacted by the current health crisis.
On behalf of our DCFS social workers and their families, Foster Care Project wishes to thank all who previously donated grocery store gift cards. Many of our families continue to cope with food insecurity, so once again we are requesting $10 gift cards to help purchase food and essential supplies. Gift cards to Target, Food 4 Less, Vons, and Ralph's are very helpful.
In addition, many of our children and youth are struggling to stay active and mentally stimulated during these challenging stay-at-home times. Please consider donating activity items, such as toys, games, puzzles, books (all ages) and art supplies. Items must be new and in original packaging. Thank you for helping our children, youth and families as they navigate the difficult days and weeks ahead.
My Friend's Place, a resource center for homeless young people in Hollywood, serves thousands of youth who are experiencing even more serious difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, My Friends Place is offering food, clothing and support. Volunteers are needed to assemble snack packs; host a clothing drive for new or gently used clothing or shoes; make fabric masks; assemble art and activity kits; or host a virtual Bingo game or game night with friends and family as a mini-fundraiser to support the youth.
Violence Intervention Program (VIP), a program that works with children and youth who have been abused or neglected, is offering a one-on-one opportunity to connect and engage with these children and youth. Build a relationship and help a young person develop academic skills to achieve success in the classroom and in life. Tutoring is for one hour using Zoom.
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers make a difference in the lives of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. CASA volunteers receive special training and are appointed by a judge to advocate on behalf of a child with often life-changing results. CASA is actively recruiting new CASA volunteers even as the offices remain closed to the public and the court is hearing only urgent matters. The recruitment and training process is done online and it's easy to navigate. Get started now.
On behalf of our DCFS social workers and their families, Foster Care Project wishes to thank all who previously donated grocery store gift cards. Many families in FCP's Adopt a Child Abuse Caseworker Program continue to struggle with food insecurity, so once again we are requesting $10 gift cards to help purchase food and essential supplies. Gift cards to Target, Food 4 Less, Vons, and Ralph's are very helpful.
Foster Care Project is continuously recruiting active community members and leaders to serve as Members on the Steering Committee. Leaders with experience in all industries are welcome.
California Youth Connection (CYC) is a youth-led advocacy organization of current and former foster youth, ages 14 - 24. The newly formed CYC Pasadena Chapter needs Volunteer Supporters. Volunteer Supporters are particularly important to CYC's youth-led model. Volunteer Supporters collaborate with CYC Members to develop their leadership skills and to ensure CYC members have the resources they need to run a successful Chapter, attend leadership conferences, and participate in policy activities to create the change members want to see in the child welfare system. Supporters take on an "ally" role by providing social capital, professional tips, and guidance. The commitment is about 10 hours a month.
We appreciate your interest in supporting the Birthday Club! We are closely monitoring best practices and guidelines on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As a result, we will be suspending the Birthday Club and will temporarily decline gifts from supporters until DCFS renders it safe to do so. All Birthday Club supporters will be notified as soon as this program is back in action. Thank you again for all that you do to support children and families of our community!