Just in Time is the only organization in San Diego to assist former foster youth with immediate emergency financial aid and the necessary support to continue their education, enhance their job skills, and transition to self sufficiency and independence. We focus on youth who are striving for self-sufficiency by holding full-time jobs or attending college/vocational school.

In fiscal year 2008, Just in Time assisted more than 600 former San Diego foster youth ages 18-26, on 99% volunteer power, through our six major programs:

• Basic Needs/Emergency Funds Grant Program provides immediate financial support in emergency situations that may include rent money, bus passes, gas cards, interview clothing, and vehicle repair.





• Grocery Gift Card Program provides youth with a grocery gift card for immediate food relief.





• My First Home Program provides gently used and new furnishings for the youths' first homes (View Photos)





• College Bound Program provides former foster youth computers, printers, essential school supplies, and basic furnishings for their dormitory rooms or college apartments. We also offer information for creating a college budget. (View Photos)





• Spring into Success Program (Vocational Training) provides former foster youth with up to $500 of vocational and education tools. We celebrate their award with their sponsors and members of the community at a luncheon in the spring of the year.(View Photos)





• Individual Sponsorship Program provides board members and volunteers to work one-on-one with a Just in Time youth to identify his/her needs, give life guidance, and connect the youth with all of Just in Time's program resources. This assistance can be maintained throughout a four to five year period.

One Success Story

Changing a life and securing a future. After five years of operating our emergency basic need program, we know Just in Time helps our youth succeed in life. When the board of directors voted to establish this program, they envisioned the future of the organization: eventually, former foster youth would become the employees, volunteers, and board members of Just in Time. Some four years ago, a Just in Time board member met a former foster youth at a luncheon and told her about the program. Within a few months, the board member became this youth's mentor, helping her obtain a job in a law office. Also, Just in Time, provided her home furnishings and emergency money during challenging times. Today, this young woman, Meredith Hall, is a graduate of the University of California San Diego and is Just in Time's first full-time program director. Now she has the opportunity to help former foster youth, like herself, to stay employed, attend vocational programs, and receive an education. Just two weeks ago, she received a call from a young man who desperately needed clothes for his second interview. Within hours, she met with him and assisted him with purchasing clothing. He now has a job. Ms. Hall is a shining star and a perfect example of how emergency financial assistance, similar to that of a parent, can change the life of an at-risk youth.