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Amanda
One MFH setup five years ago inspired our 2009 annual My First Home for the Holidays
event. Amanda Hasana was in foster care for nine years after domestic violence claimed
her mother’s life. When she turned 18, JIT helped her move into her first
apartment, furnished it, and filled her pantry with food. Today, Amanda is thriving
as a senior at San Diego State and interns at a group home facility. In Amanda’s
own words, “Just in Time gave me the first place I could call home, a safe
haven. The first night that I slept in my own bed, I was so happy—surrounded
by furnishings filled with love. The statistics on foster youth are so terrible
and yet I was lucky enough to be stepping out into the world with a huge support
system.”
Becky
Becky and her sister were locked away and nearly starved to death until they were
rescued and became part of the foster care system. During her seventeen years in
foster care, Becky was placed in eight different foster homes, not including group
homes. When she finished high school, JIT stepped in with words of encouragement,
tech tools, and a complete set-up of her empty apartment. Now, Becky works part-time
for a local retail company, attends Mira Costa Community College, and dreams of
becoming an attorney. She also volunteers as a youth ambassador to assist former
foster youth throughout San Diego County.
Latroy
Growing up in the poorest areas of Milwaukee, Latroy moved from one home to another,
until he emancipated at age 18. When he moved to San Diego to begin a new life,
he also became a full-time student at San Diego City College. JIT first assisted
Latroy because he had no bed, home furnishings, or food. Today, Latroy attends Lubbock
Christian University as a full-time undergrad and basketball star. JIT’s services
provided him with many essential tools. Now as he begins his third year of collegiate
studies, Latroy is creating his own destiny.
Candy
In 2004, JIT provided Candy with a MFH setup. She knew that someone genuinely cared
about her and wanted to help her transition from foster care. In June, Candy graduated
with a B.S. from SDSU and now is working in a law office. A strong advocate for
foster youth, she plans to apply to graduate school and hopes to serve in the Peace
Corps.
Sade
After living in transitional homes for two years, Sade moved to her own place with
nothing it but a computer. MFH completely furnished her apartment and volunteers
took her shopping to help her select her own comforter and sheets. In Sade’s
words, “The comforter was sky blue and chocolate brown. My apartment turned
out real cool and I have the most comfortable bed in the world.” A superb
athlete, Sade is in college working toward a degree in sports medicine.
Sam
In 2007, Sam received an “amazing bedroom set, living room furniture and a
comforter” (his words). The assistance he received from JIT allowed him to
concentrate on his education without the added pressure of furnishing his home.
A UCSD student, Sam is a youth advocate and is a applying to SDSU graduate school.
Wesley (In his own words)
In 2006, Just In Time helped me furnish my first apartment with a bed, sofa, table
and chairs and all of the other stuff you need to live. They also paid for my first
month’s rent and deposit to help me off the streets and start my new life.
When I received a laptop, it was the most essential tool for my music business and
without it, I would still be dreaming about it instead of living it.
I was headed in the wrong direction in my life and on the verge of either starting
a whole new life, or falling back into a bad situation. The volunteers of JIT just
didn’t just deliver a few items for my home….when I called them to
talk about problems in my life, they always took my calls. I needed to know that
someone was out there who cared about me. It is good to know that given all the
bad in the world, there is an organization that strives to provide support for youth
that need it the most. That is uncommon where I come from in this world. I now have
a mentor from JIT who is just like having a real mom.
Currently, I am the owner and operator of Full Control Entertainment, which focuses
on educating and involving current and former foster youth in the entertainment
industry. I recently released a 9 track CD which features current and former foster
youth performing hip-hop, rock, metal, and spoken word style songs. I am also involved
in a play, “Telling Stories” funded by the Playwrights Project, acted,
produced and written by current and former foster youth. In addition, I have been
involved in a campaign, supported by KBPS, to educate and examine domestic violence
in teen relationships. The ad campaign aired via radio on 10 major radio stations
throughout Southern California. In 2008 I received the Casey Family Programs 2008
Ruth Massinga Award. This award recognizes individuals that work to provide, improve
or prevent the need for foster care. I was recognized for my distinguished service
to the community and for my leadership and volunteering efforts.
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