Check out our impact last year across nine programs at David & Margaret and Haynes Family of Programs!
Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Growth Together
From success stories to the addition of a new program, we've been busy this past year! Check out what we've been up to at David & Margaret and Haynes Family of Programs in our Summer Newsletter!
Check out our newsletter for a look into the amazing enrichment opportunities available to our students and youth across all our programs. From career days and field trips to vocational arts and workforce training, there is always something exciting happening on campus!
It's been an incredible year of partnership between David & Margaret and Haynes Family of Programs. Together, we've expanded our reach to serve over 2,600 children, youth, and families in the community this past year. Our 2021-2022 Impact Report is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the generosity of our supporters, and to our mission of empowering children, youth, and families through culturally diverse services that foster emotional, educational, spiritual, and identity development.
Following the announcement of David & Margaret's partnership with Haynes Family of Programs in November 2021, both organizations have continued to adapt and thrive, providing the best care possible to the community's most vulnerable children, youth, and families. In this edition of our newsletter, we highlight the successes of each program and celebrate coming together to serve more youth in more ways than ever!
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) affects every community, but youth in foster care are particularly vulnerable. Learn more about how the programs at David & Margaret provide support, training, and healing to youth and families impacted by CSEC.
While everyone is busy planning their New Year’s resolutions, over 1,100 young adults with a history of foster care in Los Angeles County have been diligently working on exit plans for months to avoid becoming homeless on January 1st, 2022.
For many, the holidays are a time for family to spend time together, partake in traditions, and practice being grateful. For youth in foster care, the holidays can be scary, lonely, and a reminder of the challenges they are facing. While it may not be easy, here are 4 tips for supporting youth in foster care during the holiday season:
David & Margaret Youth and Family Services has a long history supporting youth with disabilities and their families. Learn more about how Joan Macy School provides students with the opportunity to succeed, no matter their ability.
While National Adoption Month is a time of celebration for many families, it can be a time of grief and loss for the young adults who spent the most time in foster care, never getting adopted into a forever family. Although adoption may be nearly impossible, these young adults deserve permanency, stability, and support while they transition out of state services into independent adulthood.
Having a strong sense of cultural identity is an important contributor to an individual’s wellbeing. Youth with stronger cultural identities experience lower rates of anxiety, depression, and isolation, as culture can provide a sense of belonging, access to social networks, and support from a community with shared aspirations and values.
Last month on September 30th, COMPASS Programs held another quarterly resource fair where community partners come together to inform each other of the services and resources available to the young adults in the COMPASS Program. Each quarter focuses on one of the four aspects of wellness: Intellectual, Emotional, Physical, and Social. This time around, the theme centered around Social Wellness, featuring two community colleges, a local boba shop, a wellness center for Transitional Age Youth (TAY), and the La Verne Heritage Foundation.
While young adults with a history of foster care earn high school diplomas at similar rates to non-foster peers, less than 2% go on to earn a post-secondary degree compared to 22% of the general population. In the past decade since the introduction of Extended Foster Care, a concerted effort has been made to increase post-secondary degree attainment for transitional age youth.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11, COMPASS Programs is taking time to support our local heroes who keep our communities safe.
Through housing, educational resources, and financial aid assistance provided by COMPASS Programs, Kayla is on her way to the University of La Verne this fall for a degree in Business - all while running her own nonprofit focused on female empowerment!
In the last six months, COMPASS Programs has seen a huge boost in participation following the easing of some COVID restrictions and adapting to best serve the needs of the young adults in the program. With new ways to participate in learning life skills, social events coming back to COMPASS Point, and a boom of new participants, COMPASS Programs supports more youth in more ways than ever.
Earning a college degree is a pathway to independence that many young adults aging out of foster care cannot access. The COMPASS Training Program (CTP) provides young adults help with applications, financial aid assistance, tutoring, and monetary compensation for classroom time. By reducing the barriers to post-secondary education, young adults are more likely to obtain higher-paying jobs, stable housing, crucial social skills, and, ultimately, independence.
July is Disability Awareness month! For young adults with disabilities in the foster care system, aging out presents unique challenges. Learn about how COMPASS Programs supports youth with disabilities on their journey to independence.
Young adults with a history of foster care are two times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD than military veterans. COMPASS Program's holistic approach to wellness not only provides young adults with access to necessary mental health services but also assists with education and career attainment, stable and affordable housing, life skills training, and more, ensuring a pathway to independence.
COMPASS Program hosted their quarterly Resource Fair this past Tuesday, focusing on local community organizations with services and programs that promote Intellectual Wellness.
LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in a foster care system that often does not meet their needs. COMPASS Programs is devoted to creating a safe, supportive, and affirming environment for all youth, regardless of identity, through a holistic approach to wellness.
Olivia was placed into foster care at 15 years old. With the support of COMPASS Programs, Olivia used her unfaltering determination to overcome many obstacles. This coming fall, Olivia will be attending California State University of Los Angeles, her dream school where she will pursue a degree in social work so she can support other youth with similar backgrounds.
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, COMPASS Point hosted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion event in the Drop-In Center last Friday.
To celebrate Foster Care Awareness Month we are highlighting stories shared by Foster Parents with the FFA! This week Elisha shares her insights and advice to those considering foster care.
May is Foster Care Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month! In this article, we highlight the correlation between the two topics and address the ways COMPASS Programs at David & Margaret support the mental and overall health of youth with a history of foster care.
Five ways to support foster parents in your community this Foster Care Awareness Month!
John and Vicki Hoffner have been making a difference as foster parents with David & Margaret for a little over a year. They accepted their first placement of two school-aged boys in January of 2020 after completing their certification process with the Foster Family and Adoption Agency!
Learn more about Mark's journey with the COMPASS Programs at David & Margaret Youth and Family Services! These programs support young adults with a history of foster care as they work towards independence.
Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort and Campground recently hosted an incredible Vintage RV and Car Show. They used the proceeds to make in difference in the lives of children, youth, and families with a history of foster care and donated a portion of all proceeds to David & Margaret Youth and Family Services.
Spring is here and COMPASS in-person events have started once again! Recently, COMPASS Point hosted the Spring Time Celebration, where participants engaged in fun activities, a super yummy lunch, and spend some time getting to know one another!
Learn all about the Foster Care and Adoption Agency at David & Margaret! Read stories from real foster parents and get an inside look at what it takes to become Resource Family Certified! The latest edition of the Quarterly Newsletter is one you won't want to miss!
Aricka, a COMPASS Training Program participant, shares the ways she has grown since joining the program. She has completed various workshops and classes
It's opening day for Major League Baseball and spring is in the air! Did you know MLB also has some strong connections to foster care and adoption?
In honor of Women's History Month and Social Worker Month, we're highlighting the leading ladies behind the field of Social Work!
March is Social Worker Month! David & Margaret has many programs that utilize the expertise of social workers, including COMPASS Programs. Marlene Medina is a social worker in the Transitional Housing Program where she supports youth and young adults with a history of foster care.
In 2019 David & Margaret applied for a grant with AmeriCorps and received funding for four VISTAs to come in and help shape and grow the COMPASS Programs at D&M that provide housing and other supportive services to youth and young adults with a history of foster care also known as Transitional Aged Youth or TAY. The VISTA members have been a huge support in the development of the COMPASS Point Drop-in Center, which is the physical resource center located on campus dedicated to providing essential services to at-risk young adults in this community.
This International Women's Day we would like to spotlight Marissa Scholefield, Director of COMPASS Programs. Marissa has been serving at-risk youth and young adults for 13 years. She is a leader with a vision of what can be for the young adults she serves. She is focused, upbeat and persistent with a dose of magical thinking when needed. This and her dedication make her the right person to lead COMPASS Programs at David & Margaret.
Get to know Brenda Evans, Foster Care Social Worker. After an unexpected life change, Brenda decided to go back to school to study sociology and
Welcome back to our "meet the board" blog post series. We hope you enjoy learning about our leaders and discovering a bit about who they are and what led them to lead the organization during this transformative time. Today's interview is with board member RayVillanueva.
Your help is needed. In the past year, more children and families have experienced devastating trauma and loss than in recent times. Children entering foster care at an alarming rate, a mental health crisis impacting children and youth, and homelessness at an all-time high. These populations need support now more than ever. David & Margaret is here to serve them, but we need your help to meet the demand.
In 2020, D&M welcomed four AmeriCorps VISTAs into COMPASS Point Drop-In Center team to help build the program. The goal of an AmeriCorps VISTA member is to work alongside community members to meet challenges and advance local solutions. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve at an organization full-time for one year, during which they are given specific projects to build capacity for non-profit and public agencies through community engagement, funding, and develop programmatic infrastructure.
The latest edition of the Quarterly Newsletter is now availble! Vol. 3 Issue 1 is an exciting read- the COMPASS Programs Commemorative Issue focuses on the various COMPASS Programs at David & Margaret dedicated to supporting youth and young adults with a history of foster care!
We celebrate it each year in February, but many are unsure of how it became such an event. For this, we have Carter G. Woodson to thank. Learn how Black History Month evolved from a week-long celebration to what it is today.
Welcome back to our "meet the board" blog post series. We hope you enjoy learning about our leaders and discovering a bit about who they are and what led them to lead the organization during this transformative time. Today's interview is with board member and San Dimas resident, Kevin Kearney. Kevin is currently a City Manager in the San Gabriel Valley, he is truly a great man and we hope you
COMPASS Staff run a Bi-Monthly Food Bank Distribution for the community on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 11 am-3 pm! All qualifying families and individuals are encouraged to attend. Simply drive up to the designated parking area in the COMPASS Point (and Dave and Maggie’s Center) parking lot and pop your trunk. COMPASS staff will place your items in your vehicle, ensuring a safe and contactless transition.
This month, the La Verne Chamber celebrated their 2021 Excellence in La Verne Awards. David & Margaret Youth and Family Services was honored to receive the award for Non-Profit of the Year for excellence in providing critical services and supporting at-risk communities during the coronavirus pandemic. David & Margaret was recognized for the broadening of services with the opening of COMPASS Point which supports young adults with a history of foster care, demonstrating creativity and innovation in meeting the needs of the La Verne community, promoting volunteerism, demonstrating growth and stability, and making a worthwhile impact on society and individuals.
Today is the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century! To highlight the occasion here are 21 facts regarding the populations served at D&M. Each face grim statistics but because of your support, they are able to receive crucial life-changing services.
Joan Macy School transitioned to virtual learning this year- while change can be challenging, nothing is too difficult for these dedicated students.
Although the Civil Rights Movement feels so long ago, we are still fighting the same fight that Martin Luther King Jr. fought those decades ago.
There is a deep need for families to care for the children and youth in our nation's foster care system. The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the situation, as more and more children enter foster care we find there is a shortage of available foster parents. You have the potential to change the life of a youth in need. We invite you to attend an orientation.
It's no secret that non-profits rely on the generosity of donors to continue providing supportive programs and services to at-risk populations. But did you know there are even more ways that you can help?
There are many reasons someone in our community may come to David & Margaret. Maybe they're interested in becoming a foster parent or they're a child who requires specialized education. Whatever the reason, caring professionals provide support every step of the way!
Welcome back to our "meet the board" blog post series. We hope you enjoy learning about our leaders and discovering a bit about who they are and what led them to lead the organization during this transformative time. Today's interview is with board member and La Verne resident Susan Hume who has been on the board and served as treasurer since 2018.
This year is quickly coming to an end, we invite you to sit down, relax, and enjoy the latest issue of the 2020 David & Margaret Quarterly Newsletter!
This year brought many challenges and the children, youth, and young adults served by David & Margaret were able to get through it all because of the generosity and support of the community. Many challenges lie ahead and we ask you to consider David & Margaret in your year-end giving. The IRS has announced up to $300 tax-deductible charitable donations in the upcoming tax year and
Just as adults struggle with their mental health, so do children. Getting them the support they need is crucial in building a life-long pattern of mental wellness. The therapeutic professionals at David & Margaret offer Mental Health services to Medi-cal eligible children, youth, and young adults in the surrounding communities. Start your journey to mental wellness today.
Welcome back to our "meet the board" blog post series. We hope you enjoy learning about our leaders and discovering a bit about who they are and what led them to lead the organization during this transformative time. Today's interview is with board member John Norton
COMPASS Point Drop-In Center hosted a Mental Wellness Virtual Information Session for Transitional Age Youth in our community earlier this month. With the stay-at-home orders and increasing virus spread it is more important than ever to know where to find resources to help support your mental wellness during this challenging time.
As we moving into this season of gratitude there is so much to be thankful for, even in this challenging year. So much good has happened at David & Margaret and it is because of you, D&M ‘s donors and supporters!
Adoption is amazing, adoption is difficult, adoption is challenging, and adoption is pure love. It makes sense to me that National Adoption Awareness Month falls in November a time when we give thanks.
In honor of National Adoption Awareness Month, Interim Executive Director, Michael Miller agreed to share his adoption story with us. Michael was adopted by his step-father when he was a child and was kind enough to recount that experience for us.
Joan Macy School just completed its 1st quarter with excellent participation from most students. Students are engaged in classes that are taking place daily via Zoom.
Dave & Maggie’s center is stocked and the staff is waiting to welcome you for your holiday and everyday shopping needs! You won’t want to miss out on all the great deals. There are many many items that will make great holiday gifts, but hurry in as once our inventory is gone, its gone!
The social workers at David & Margaret are trained in the process of completing home studies and are there to be as supportive and helpful as you need. It can be a daunting experience to have some much of your life looked in to, but they are there to address any issues and to support you in your goal of adopting. Because they have completed so many home studies they bring many ideas and suggestions and know how you are feeling. They will be with you throughout the process and make sure all your questions are answered. The home study will help determine what type of placement will be most appropriate for you.
Welcome back to our "meet the board" blog post series. There are several new & returning members joining the David & Margaret board of directors this year. Today's interview is with returning board member Brian Bowcock.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11th. It honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Frank Smith, Director of Information Systems is a veteran and we thank him and all other veterans for their service!
COVID-19 necessitates new ways to fulfill a holiday tradition
On December 1, people all over the world will come together and harness the power of human connection to change our world. David & Margaret Youth and Family Services will be participating in GivingTuesday 2020, and we invite you to join us!
On Friday, October 30th the Compass Point Drop-in Center put on their Dia de Los Muertos and Halloween Celebration Event specifically for young adults in David & Margaret’s housing programs.
Throughout David & Margaret Youth and Family Services’ long history, it has been dedicated to the care of children and youth in foster care. David & Margaret’s Foster Care and Adoption program also works to create forever families, transitioning youth out of foster care and into permanent loving homes. In recognition of the importance of families formed through adoption, David & Margaret employees who are legally adoptive parents receive an “adoption day” anniversary holiday, to celebrate with their family.
David & Margaret’s programs are built around a person-centered philosophy recognizing that every person is wonderfully unique. We believe those we serve are the experts and key decision-makers in their recovery process and our mission is to support them in their life’s journey by working collaboratively with them, their community, and their family supports and resources.
The United Way of the Inland Empire generously provided a $5,000 COVID-19 relief grant to David & Margaret Youth and Family Services. The grant was used to support Transitional Age Youth (young adults ages 16-25) in our community who were experiencing food insecurity as a result of the pandemic.
A mutual force supporting the well-being of children, youth, and families.
Monica says she supports David & Margaret because it offers so many programs to help the youth, from housing to mental health support. It is a wonderful organization that helps our most vulnerable youth. I am very grateful to have been introduced to Dave & Margaret.
Welcome to a new series of blog posts that is starting today. There are several new members joining the David & Margaret board of directors, and in this series, they are interviewed by board member Ellenor Hodson. We hope you enjoy learning about our newest leaders and discovering a bit about who they are and what led them to lead the organization during this transformative time. Our first interview is with incoming board member Judith Wagner.
David and Margaret’s Compass Point Drop-in Center for Transitional Age Youth hosted it’s first Preview Day and Resource Fair. It was a successful event with about 54 guests in attendance.
Joan Macy School (JMS) is back in session and like so many other schools adapting to meet the needs of their students through remote learning. The dedicated teachers and staff are being creative and finding ways to make remote learning fun for their students.
Miles came to the D&M Transitional Housing Program (THP) in March of 2019. He was eager to make changes in his life but really didn’t know where to start or who could help him.
More than half of the 19,000 children in LA County's foster care system are Latino. For many Hispanic children in the foster care system, however, it can be challenging for them to identify with their culture.
Today is IT Professionals Day and we want to take a moment to acknowledge Frank Smith Director of Information Systems
National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage month takes place from September 15 to October 15 each year. It is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Welcome to the fall edition of the David & Margaret Quarterly Newsletter. Grab a cup of tea or coffee, sit back and enjoy!
Jessie worked tirelessly in support of Transitional Age Youth throughout her tenure. "Jessie is one of the hardest working individuals I know.” Shares Marissa Scholefield, Director of COMPASS Programs.
Isabella was placed into foster care in March of 2020. The coronavirus pandemic caused unforeseen difficulties in her case, learn more about the loving parents who were there to help.
Get to know Alex Sanchez, David & Margaret Maintenance Supervisor. Alex performs above and beyond and always creates a focused and friendly atmosphere for all who work with him.
Joseph had begun exhibiting signs of anxiety and depression, his mother knew he needed support that she couldn't provide. She discovered the mental health program at David & Margaret and reached out to set up an assessment. Joseph has now been in the program for nine months and because of the support and determination from Joseph, his therapeutic team, and his mom, Candace, Joseph has makes enormous strives in his mental health.
David & Margaret Youth and Family Services is pleased to announce new leadership for its Board of Directors. Bob Dalton was appointed board president at the board meeting held on August 3, 2020. Bob’s appointment comes as Sabina Sullivan completes her second term as board president. The board is responsible for the high-level leadership and decision-making for the organization, including determining its mission and purpose, providing financial oversight, ensuring legal and ethical integrity and accountability, strategic planning, and much more.
Katy began volunteering with David & Margaret in 2019 as an intern for her Social Work program at Azusa Pacific University, in this time she has become such a wonderful addition to the COMPASS Program team.
Get to know Sharon Skinner! Sharon had been with David & Margaret since 1992 and currently teaches various subjects at Joan Macy School and is the Learning Enhancement Center Program Director.
Just like it has been for all of you, these past few months at David & Margaret Youth and Family Services have been like nothing any of us could have anticipated. It is in challenging times like these that we are especially grateful to be guided by our mission and values. Our mission states David & Margaret empowers children, youth, and families through culturally diverse services that foster emotional, educational, spiritual, and identity development. Our mission and our work are more important now than ever for the at-risk youth and families in our community.
David & Margaret Youth and Family Services is pleased to share that we will be welcoming four AmeriCorps VISTA members to our campus this summer. The four VISTA Members will be joining the COMPASS Point Drop-in center team and working to build this new program’s infrastructure.
Check out the latest edition of the David & Margaret Youth and Family Services Print Newsletter! Find exclusive information and read about the
2020, the year everything changed! Although JMS was unable to meet in person for spring semester, teachers and students have had the absolute pleasure of getting some safe and desperately needed one-on-one time!
Celebrating Graduation during a global pandemic! Although a traditional ceremony was out of the question, Joan Macy staff were determined to make the day as
How Alex and Patrick found their forever Fathers. Alex was a kindergartener at Justin's school. "He was having some issues and my office manager reached out to his social worker because
Dave and Maggie's Center provides two benefits to the community: as a retail store offering staple and other goods at deeply discounted prices, and as a training center for youth aging out of foster care who need work experience to build their futures.
Lesley is a dedicated Therapist in the Mental Health Program at David & Margaret Youth and Family Services
David & Margaret Youth and Family Services (D&M) mourns the killing of Mr. George Floyd. Not only is it a tragic personal loss for his family but it is a loss to society. His death stands as the most abhorrent evidence of systemic racism, as well as the broad-ranging social injustice that racism breeds.
This Foster Care Month we highlight Ana, the Recruiter/Trainer in the Foster Care and Adoption Agency!
Nicole shares her thoughts and experience regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. As an APU student who was set to graduate this month, she offers a unique perspective that
Like most schools across the globe, students and teachers from JMS are practicing distance learning during the safer-at-home order. Faculty and staff at JMS have had to get creative in recent weeks when offering support to their students.
COVID-19 has led to the closure of amusement parks, schools, parks, and other activities that allow us to explore and spend time with our families. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to bring these activities to our homes in order to allow us entertainment and help the time we spend at our homes pass by. What makes things even more difficult is that this time of staying home is also a time that we have to spend away from other people. Having to isolate is difficult, but we are able to find ways to entertain ourselves as the social distancing order is still in place. Below we share 5 creative, yet simple ways to make a child’s life in quarantine a little more festive.
Like with most industries right now, methods of service delivery have changed; new policies have been put into place to ensure children and families can still access the social workers they depend on as well as other crucial services. This means, to keep countless families safe, many social workers are now telecommuting when it is appropriate.
The youth and families served by David & Margaret Youth and Family Services (D&M) were already living with trauma and loss when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. They, like all of us, must now face the added stresses of COVID-19 to the best of their abilities and resources.
Change is challenging but support is available. David & Margaret's Mental Health programs offer support to youth and families
The Auto Shop received a much-needed roof repair - an opportunity provided by The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Grant awarded to David & Margaret Youth and Family Services.
David & Margaret welcomes Julie Asuncion as the newest member of the David & Margaret Board of Directors!
The COMPASS Point Drop-in Center opening date nears, and the first Stakeholder meeting was held last week. Despite the Safer at Home order, passionate members of the community were able to join together from the safety of their own homes as they share ideas and learn more about David & Margaret Youth and Family Services
March is a month dedicated to honoring Women’s History. Nicole Parades, David & Margaret intern, writes about the lives of influential women in pop culture with a history of foster care.
COVID-19 update with Wayne Wolcott
Welcome to the first issue of the second volume of the David & Margaret Quarterly Newsletter!
David & Margaret responds to the COVID-19 pandemic
Psychology major at APU, Nicole shares about finding her passion for Social Work.
5 questions with Michael Miller, LMFT... "I would say one, my wife. She is able to balance the many hats that she has and does an excellent job at it. Much better than I could do in many ways."
Announcing recent changes at David & Margaret
Celebrating Black History month includes remembering and honoring those that have helped and continue to make an impact in our society.
David & Margaret Youth and Family Services is pleased to share that we will be welcoming four AmeriCorps VISTA members to our campus this spring, and we will be supporting Ettie Lee Youth and Family Services as they welcome three AmeriCorps VISTA Members. David & Margaret and Ettie Lee are actively recruiting members for service. Please share these opportunities with those that may be interested.
Khyra’s 6-month internship in the Foster Care and Adoption Agency at David & Margaret has come to an end. She was a wonderful addition to the team and was always willing to do what it took to get the job done! She is on track to finish her Masters in Social Work by the end of this year and we wish her the absolute best.
Patricia brings her life long passion for helping at-risk youth and families and her educational expertise to the David & Margaret Board of Directors. She is someone others can always rely on during difficult times and is a guiding light for many.
China has adopted out a quarter of a million children in the last few decades. Nearly one-third of these children were adopted by Americans.
Inland Empire United Way and University of La Verne, champions of the MLK Service Day 2020!
During winter and summer months all types of blood are in short supply and you can help! David & Margaret will host a Blood Drive with The American Red Cross January 15, 2020 between 12pm-6pm.
Rancho Verde Crimson Regiment visits David & Margaret just days before they're set to perform in the 2020 Tournament of Roses Parade.
What a year it has been! We hope you have been enjoying the Quarterly newsletter, in the final issue of 2019 you will find wonderful highlights from the year as well and important information!
Mark's addiction to alcohol led him down a dark path. Upon hitting rock bottom he decided to turn his life around. He has dedicated his life to supporting others and this week he completed his final semester at The University of La Verne making the Dean’s List and will be graduating in February with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Concentration Management.
The Godinez family will have a new member in the New Year when they adopt their foster son
10 exciting ways the Compass Point Drop-In Center will provide unique individualized support for all transitional aged foster youth in the surrounding communities!
Rose Parade-Bound Marching Band to Perform at David & Margaret Youth and Family Services on Monday, Dec. 30
Merry children, jolly Santa and more!
You can renew hope and inspire change for youth with a history of foster care in your community!
Volunteers help David & Margaret sparkle for the holidays
Get inside the workings of David & Margaret with our Print Newsletter! Volume 1 Issue 4
The community is invited to David & Margaret Youth and Family Services as it celebrates its Annual Holiday Open House and Boutique on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 3-5 p.m.
Giving Tuesday is the Global Giving Movement which takes place the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. This year Giving Tuesday is on December 3, 2019.
Security Guard Santos Torres is inspired by the difference David & Margaret makes in the lives of young people.
Today, the need for foster/resource families is even greater than it has been in the past.There are nearly 450,000 children in foster care in the United States and the numbers continue to grow. It is easy to assume this problem doesn’t affect us, but it does. There are children in need in our own community. Los Angeles County is home to 30,000 of the 50,000 children in foster care in California.
For most children in foster care (430,000 and counting), the primary goal is reunification. But in the unfortunate circumstance when reunification is no longer a viable option, a child becomes available for adoption and will need a permanent home and family.
An interview with Seth, in celebration of National Adoption Awareness Month!
Adoption has always been a part of society, but until 1851there were no formal laws in place
Celebrate Adoption Month this November!
Yesterday, we had a very special visitor. Donna is a former resident of David & Margaret. She came to us with her sister in the early 1940’s, when she was only 6 years old.
Jessie Sandoval, who is known for her expertise and compassion as Employment/Education Specialist, got into social work by accident.
It is time for the third issue of the Quarterly Newsletter! We hope you will benefit from the information shared!
Local community member Nick Solis has an extensive history volunteering & supporting causes near to his heart. He and his Starbucks team have become valuable assets to David & Margaret and the families we serve.
September 15 - October 15 is recognized at Hispanic Heritage Awareness Month! It's important to recognize & honor the heritages your foster child belongs to. Recognizing the cultural differences between you and your foster child is a huge stepping stone to providing the best support to your little (or not so little) one.
What do you most enjoy about working here? “Being able to be a part of people’s journey’s in changing their life for the better.”
Generous sponsors enabled David & Margaret to raise record funds at this year's Annual Gala
September Is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This article was written to help put an end to the stigma around suicide and hopefully help educate, you, the reader.
The 12th Annual Gala, Fostering Community, was definitely a night to remember! The community truly came together; with over 175 attendees, who collectively helped raise over
Get to know Wayne Wolcott, Transitional Housing Program Supervisor & passionate advocate for youth and young adults with a history of foster care!
Joan Macy School (JMS) is a specialized, Non-Public School located on the campus of David & Margaret Youth and Family Services (D&M) in La Verne. Joan Macy School serves females and those who identify as female, whose needs and challenges may be quite complex.. Students are referred by their school districts which includes Glendora, Covina, Pomona, Walnut, Ontario, Claremont, Montclair, El Monte and more.
The silent auction is happening now! All proceeds support children, youth & young adults with a history of foster care. Some items include a 4 pack of Disney Park Hopper tickets, a night at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, wi...
Only 26 and already over a decade of volunteering experience, Ruth is truly an inspiring young woman.
Having a meaningful job helps give Tabitha's life purpose.
Dave & Maggie's Cafe debuts art exhibit by youth with a history of foster care
Joan Macy School welcomes students back for the 2019-20 school year
Starting this month, the walls at Dave and Maggie's Café will feature art by young adults who are part of the Transitional Housing Programs.
The youth's first field day was a great day enjoyed by D&M residents and staff! Staff and youth engaged in good old-fashioned activities like water balloon tosses, sack races, sponge competitions, ring toss, bubble stations and more!
One of the better-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteering allows people to connect to their community and make it a better place. Helping out with even the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people that David & Margaret serves.
Brian Bowcock's life is a testament to his passionate devotion to helping people, especially young ones. His services go above and beyond. Whether it’s coaching little league, mentoring a foster child, serving on a community college foundation board, or simply making access to city services easier for people, he’s done it.
David, Scott, Christopher and Matthew make up a wonderful family brought together in an extraordinary way!
The Learning Enhancement Center has been turning learning disabilities into learning abilities since 1990! Helps thousands of families take control of their life!
Beverly is preparing to retire this month after 28 years with David & Margaret Youth and Family Services. Since she has been such a big part of what we do, we asked her to be our “5 Questions” interviewee for the month. Enjoy retirement, Bev – you’ve earned it, but we will really miss you!
Community Staple offering favorite brand products and providing paid internships to youth and young adults with a history of foster care.
We hope you enjoyed the first issue of the Quarterly Newsletter, we are proud to present you with issue 2!
5 Questions: an interview with Cristina Romero, A.M. Counselor, DUCO
Dave and Maggie's Café is excited to announce their new pastry source! We spoke with Annie, owner of Heritage Baking for the inside scoop!
In honor of Father’s Day and a special dad who makes a difference. Whether you are a bio parent, step parent, foster parent, god parent, special relative/mentor there are so many ways to make a difference in the lives of a child and on this father’s day we celebrate all the men making a difference.
In honor of Pride Month and Father's Day we have asked Peter Gandolfo, an executive coach with www.GandolfoGroup.com and a father of two, to share his path to parenthood and how interconnected that path was to his coming out as a gay man.
A former David & Margaret resident rises above addiction.
David & Margaret Youth and Family Services has a long-standing relationship with a unique group of women.
Meet Luis! COMPASS Programs participant.
David & Margaret is dedicated to providing support to children, youth and families involved in foster care. In recognition of Foster Care Awareness Month we are pleased to announce progressive steps to further support team members involved in the foster care system.
Meet David, a DUCO case manager!
San Dimas Chamber of Commerce provides internships to former foster youth at David & Margaret Youth and Family Services.
May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and our theme for the observance is “It Takes a Village.” In this post, we talked to Dan about his and his wife’s experiences as foster/adoptive parents.
Hop Skip Drive, helping youth in foster care and families across the nation.
May is National Mental Health Month. Why should that be important to you?
National Mental Health Month aims to increase the awareness and understanding of mental health throughout the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in the U.S. more than 44 million people - one in six adults - suffer from mental illness.
Mo Williams, BUSD shares insights into the village supporting youth in foster care.
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month (NFCAM), a time dedicated to raising awareness for all the children and youth in foster care. It is also when we honor the foster parents, families, volunteers, child welfare professionals, and members of the community who have a role in supporting youth who experience foster care!
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, to honor this occasion we have asked Courtney O’Steen, a child abuse survivor, and Mrs. California 2019 to share a few words with our readers.
Thank you to each of the 539 community members who came out to the David & Margaret 44th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. It was such a fun and joyful day! There were balloon twisters, face painters, easter egg dyeing, lots of games, live music, photo booths, and Easter Egg Hunt, and of course a visit from the one and only Easter Bunny.
Since the café opened in 2017, we’ve been making changes to meet the demands of our customers and to give interns more valuable work experience. Recent improvements to the café include it opening earlier, offering Wi-Fi, and wonderful espresso drinks are now available, hot or cold. The décor is being brightened up, and watch for new menu items beginning in May!
5 Questions: An Interview with Marlyn Medina, social worker, Transitional Housing Programs
David & Margaret is fortunate to have close to 200 volunteers annually who donated almost 9,000 hours of volunteers service in 2018!
On a recent Thursday afternoon, David & Margaret Youth and Family Services welcomed a very special group of forty plus guests to our volunteer recognition event at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens.
