May is Foster Youth Awareness Month. It’s the time of year that we acknowledge our resilient and outstanding foster youth and provides the opportunity to raise awareness of a cause close to our hearts.

Our Youth Development Department goes above and beyond to provide crucial services to our program participants to remove personal barriers to success and provide essential resources.  Our programs support foster youth in receiving the education, skills training, workforce development, and opportunities they need to successfully transition to adulthood. From the CRCD Academy to Jobs for Los Angeles Graduates, all of our youth-centered programs support the development and success of foster youth.

Especially, Project Tipping Point (PTP) which provides support specifically for LA’s current and former foster youth to successfully access college through the provision of a two-year, cohort-based academic program operated in partnership with Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. In this program participants earn post-secondary credentials and exit prepared to pursue higher education or embark on a sustainable career path.

Join us in celebrating these foster youth in their success and bright futures!

Crystal has been an outstanding participant during her time with the Jobs for Los Angeles Graduates (JLAG) Program.  Crystal enrolled in the program in January and has since then earned a Job Readiness certificate from the LA City Chamber of Commerce, her forklift certification license, and ServSafe food handlers license.  Crystal has also established herself as a leader at the CRCD Academy High School.

Crystal’s strongest qualities are that she does not turn down any opportunity for self-improvement and when she commits to something she gives it her all.  Once she begins a project, she follows through with positivity and is a motivating force for everyone else involved.  The CRCD Academy staff appreciates her for being a positive influence on her peers and for her dedication to the school.  During her time at the Academy, Crystal has raised her GPA and earned A’s and B’s for all her classes.  She will be part of the 2019-2020 graduating class and plans to enroll in college at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College.

Crystal has overcome many obstacles and barriers to be where she is at now.  It has been a pleasure providing her with the tools necessary to advance academically and professionally.  The CRCD family wishes her success in everything she sets her mind to.