Our Events Are Funded by Grants and Public Donations in Support of our Mission: To Assist Motivated Former Foster Youth, Ages 16-26, Who Strive to Become Self-Sufficient and Productive Members of Society

 
Date: October 21, 2008

2nd Annual Just in Time for Foster Youth Golf Invitational Crosby National Golf Course at Rancho Santa Fe
 

Thanks to UBS and our other sponsors and to our golfers, and volunteers for a fantastic day of golf and giving.
 

 
Date: September 20, 2008

Youth in Paradise Walk and Festival
 

Just in Time teamed up with community organizations county-wide to increase awareness and raise funds in support of activities and enrichment opportunities for foster children and former foster youth.


 

 
Date: July 26, 2008

College Bound Award Lunch and Shopping Spree
 

Congratulations to our Just in Time College Bound youth, those who will attend school full-time in the upcoming semester. Like a family, we assisted in setting up the youth's dormitory room or college apartment with essentials and provided him/her with a computer, printer, basic school supplies, deposits for dormitory, and other fees.

To be considered for the program, former foster youth had to: 1) be enrolled in college, 2) complete a JIT College Bound application, 3) submit a written essay, and 4) provide a letter of recommendation.

JIT actively recruits high school juniors and seniors in the foster care system for our College Bound and Spring Into Success programs. Recently, we participated in a College Fair for foster youth sponsored by UC San Diego and recruited 52 foster youth ages 16-17. In addition, we have created a partnership with the San Diego County Independent Living Skills program (ILS) to host workshops that introduce JIT to foster youth approaching age 18.

Statewide statistics show that less than half of our foster youth graduate from high school, and a mere 10% of those graduates attend college. To date, approximately 3% of this 10% obtain a bachelor's degree. JIT provides the critical resources to these motivated students who are succeeding against all odds-so they may achieve their career goals and lead productive lives in our society.

Here we are powering up at lunch for our shopping spree at Target.

 
Date: Yearlong, 2008

My First Home

Over the past few years, we realized that many of our youth were sleeping on the floor, so we started a campaign to collect gently used mattresses to help "get them off of the floor" and face the world with self esteem. In 2008, Sleep Train, Inc. donated 25 beds and committed more beds in 2009. JIT also receives hundreds of gently used furniture and household items. We provide our youth a combination of newly purchased and gently used donated goods.

Once a youth gets an apartment, a JIT volunteer takes the youth shopping to select new items, such as bedding, a vacuum, kitchen supplies (pots and pans, dishes, etc), a microwave, a vacuum cleaner, an alarm clock, and other basic necessities, to round out the essentials. Because the youth have a choice in some of these furnishings the apartment truly becomes their home. For many, this is their first real home and they experience a sense of pride and optimism which is invaluable. In addition, usually the volunteers are so touched by these youth, they contribute additional funds from their own pockets.

Here are some photos from the "My First Home" program

 
Date: December 2007

First Home for the Holidays
 

During the holiday season each year, Just in Time sponsors a special drive to help youth with their first homes.

 
Date: March 30, 2007

Spring into Success Award Luncheon

Current statistics indicate that 50% of former foster youth under the age of 21 are unemployed. Our Spring Into Success program assists youth by purchasing up to $500 of equipment they need to develop future job skills. Examples include cosmetology equipment, graphic design supplies, welding equipment, dissection kits, notary equipment, and computers with printers. To be considered eligible, a student must: 1) be enrolled in a junior college, G.E.D., or vocational program, 2) complete a JIT Spring into Success application, 3) submit a written essay, and 4) provide a letter of recommendation.

In 2007, Just in Time received several small public donations to help 10 youth with its first Spring Into Success program. Every single youth flourished in his/her job, G.E.D., or community program. We realized this event was the start of an extraordinary program that would forever change the lives of our foster youth. In 2008, we received a one-time donation enabling us to sponsor 20 foster youth working toward enhanced job skills and independent employment. By providing essential educational tools, this program offers at-risk foster youth the ability to develop job skills, gain employment, and take the next step toward self-sufficiency. Just in Time is seeking funding to continue this program into the future.

Here we are at our first Spring Into Success luncheon where these motivated youth were honored and presented with the tools they requested.

 
Date: September 29, 2006
 
Basket Project
Thank You, everyone, for contributing to the success of our "Basket Project"
 
As many of you know, at the end of May we were offered a donation of $30,000 (for the benefit of foster youth) if we could put together 200 gift baskets within two weeks! The baskets had to be done in time for the emancipation ceremony honoring the foster youth in San Diego who turned 18 that year. 
 
More than 30 volunteers toiled throughout the day at our project site, the First American Title building. Each basket included multiple food items, a $50 gift certificate to a super market, a $50 gift certificate to Target, a portable CD player, a gift certificate to Crown Records and a cook book. Each one was shrink-wrapped and decorated with a bow.
 
The teens were thrilled to receive such great gifts! We hope all of you know how much your efforts are appreciated by these kids.