Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services

#StaffAppreciation Day at our Pacific Lodge campus brought our incredible staff and youth together for some much-needed summer fun with refreshing snow cones. 🍧 These moments of joy and connection are at the heart of what we do—creating a supportive community where everyone can thrive. Here’s to building brighter futures together, one snow cone at a time! 🌟

Exciting news! Our Annual Report is officially here! Inside, you'll find valuable insights into our programs, uplifting success stories, and the profound #impact we've made in the lives of youth and families this past year. Join us over the next few weeks as we #highlight some amazing #stories from the report! But if you're eager to explore right now, don’t wait—head over to oyhfs.org to dive in! 🌟

A big thank you to Mayor Karen Bass for highlighting the importance of supporting foster youth and addressing critical child welfare issues at the #DemocraticNationalConvention. With over a century of experience in assisting foster youth and tackling the #fostercare to homelessness pipeline, we deeply appreciate the continued national spotlight on these critical issues. Mayor Bass’s ongoing commitment is invaluable in keeping these concerns a priority. At Optimist, we remain dedicated to creating lasting change and empowering #fosteryouth to build brighter futures. Thank you, #MayorBass, for championing this vital cause!

A huge thank you to the Rotary Club of Woodland Hills for visiting our Pacific Lodge campus! Your ongoing support and dedication to our mission of providing essential services and empowering youth and families have truly made a significant impact on our community. 💙 To learn more about our mission and how we’re building bright futures together, visit oyhfs.org. 🌟

We are thrilled to announce a generous $10,000 donation from the Chapman family, made through their foundation in loving memory of Terry Chapman—an incredible father, brother, and husband! 🌟 Presented by the Crown City Club, this amazing gift not only supports our mission but also celebrates Terry's inspiring legacy. Thank you, Chapman family! Together, we continue to make a difference! 💙 #HonoringTerry #OptimistFamily

As we celebrate Simone Biles’ incredible achievement of 3 gold and 1 silver at the #Olympics, we’re inspired by her journey from the child welfare system to global stardom. With the 2028 Olympics coming to Los Angeles, we’re reminded that every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential. Let’s continue to uplift foster youth and empower them to achieve their dreams—right here in our city and beyond! 🌟 #FosterCare #Inspiration #LA28 📸: CNN 🔁: FosterMore

Written by one of our dedicated foster parents, Andrew Heiger, this heartfelt poem was penned for the youth who will soon find a new home in his care. His words offer a glimpse into the warmth, understanding, and hope that awaits each child as they begin their new journey. To hear more inspiring stories from our foster parents or to discover what it takes to become one, visit us at oyhfs.org/fostering!

🌟 A heartfelt thank you to Ranlyn and Renate from the L.L. Foundation for Youth for their generous support of our supportive housing programs for transition-age youth! 🌟 Exiting the foster care system at 18 presents significant challenges, but at Optimist, we're here to help. Our programs provide transition-age foster youth with safe housing and essential resources, empowering them to build independent life skills and pursue their educational and career goals. Together, we are truly making a difference! 🏠🎓✨

🌟 August is Child Support Awareness Month! 🌟 This month, we recognize the vital role that child support plays in shaping children’s lives. At Optimist, our evidence-based programs have been dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and families for over 118 years. Through individualized care and comprehensive support, we ensure that both children and families have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Learn more about our impact by visiting www.oyhfs.org!

Our S.T.E.A.M. summer camp was out of this world! Last week, our young astronauts launched their paper rockets with a straw, testing which one could land inside the planets and help our friendly alien return home. 🛸🌟 Their excitement was contagious as they combined science, creativity, and a touch of intergalactic adventure. 👨🚀 And don’t worry—thanks to our brilliant young explorers, the alien made it home safely! 🌟