Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services

We’re excited to announce that we’ve been awarded a $50,000 grant from QueensCare Charitable Division! This support will directly strengthen our provision of vital mental health services for youth in our programs for victims of human trafficking and supportive housing for transition-age youth, helping those with the most critical needs. We’re grateful for this new partnership with QueensCare, whose commitment to improving health access for low-income communities in Los Angeles supports our mission to empower both at-risk youth and their families. Together, we’re building a brighter future. 🌟

Join us for the #FAFSA Information Workshop on October 15, 2024, from 5:00-6:30 PM! Whether attending in person or virtually, we'll walk you through every step of the FAFSA process. 📍 Location: Optimist Foster Family Agency, 520 W. Palmdale Blvd., Ste I, Palmdale, CA 93551 🔗 Be sure to RSVP by scanning the QR code on the flyer to secure your spot. Space is limited, so don’t wait!

The L.O.L.A. Clubhouse Open House was a fantastic success, highlighting the vital role that clubhouses play in supporting youth facing mental health challenges. Clubhouses provide a safe, inclusive space where members can connect, build relationships, and access mental health resources, which can significantly impact their recovery and well-being. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible staff, volunteers, and community partners for attending and supporting this event. Special thanks to Elsa Juarez and Oscar Gonzales from Our Third Place (Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services), Brenda Lynch and Melissa Spolar from Coffee With A Cause, Irene Holguin from Arroyo Vista Family Health Center, Morgan Chitty from PLUS ME Project, Kate Teague from California Youth Connection, Pastor Victor from The Universal Church in Eagle Rock, Street Poets Inc., Assistant Regional Administrator Elia S. Godinez from DCFS, and peer mentors Christopher Hendrix and Cynthia Meza from the Near-Peer Mentorship Program for your invaluable contributions. Your commitment to the community makes all the difference in our work! #ClubhouseInternational

Staff at our Pacific Lodge campus enjoyed some well-deserved time cooling off with sweet treats at our ice cream social! A great afternoon of connection and fun with co-workers, complete with a table full of delicious flavors. Can you spot your favorite? 🍦🌟

A new kind of support is here—come celebrate at the L.O.L.A. Clubhouse open house! 🎉 Built for youth, by youth, this welcoming community space is designed for youth with serious mental illness, offering connection and resources in a non-clinical setting. 📅 Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 ⏰ 10 AM - 3 PM Drop by to meet the team, enjoy light refreshments, and explore an interactive art project as we come together to shape a future filled with hope and possibility! For further information, please visit oyhfs.org/lola.

From strangers to teammates in just a day—our L.O.L.A. Clubhouse landscaping project brought together the Women of Amazon group for an incredible volunteer effort! These women, meeting for the first time, worked side by side to transform the outdoor space for our young adults. What started with sweat and hard work quickly turned into laughter and the sharing of personal stories, showing the power of community. One volunteer said it was especially meaningful to see the project through from start to finish and know the impact it will have. 🌟 Get involved by visiting oyhfs.org/volunteer!

Ever thought about becoming a hero for a child in need? 🌟 Discover how at our online Pre-Approval Orientation with Optimist Foster Family Agency. Explore the certification process, learn about our programs, and see how you can make a real difference in a child’s life.

Ready to tackle FAFSA? Join us today for our Before the FAFSA Class, either in person or online! We’ll guide you through essential steps before the FAFSA application opens in October. Learn what documents you'll need, set up your school email, and create your Financial Aid account. Scan the QR code to join the meeting via Teams or visit us at Optimist Foster Family Agency, 520 West Palmdale Boulevard Suite I, Palmdale, CA 93551. See you there!

The wait is over! 🎉 Introducing the L.O.L.A. Clubhouse: a new, innovative referral community designed to provide a safe space for youth with serious mental illness. This non-clinical space will be open to youth ages 18-21, offering integrated therapeutic support and connecting youth to essential resources like crisis intervention, educational support, housing assistance, and employment services. Join us as we officially open the doors on Wednesday, September 25! Meet our dedicated team, enjoy light refreshments, explore an interactive art project, and discover how the program can make a difference in the Highland Park community. Visit oyhfs.org/LOLA for all the details!

Excitement is building at our #HighlandPark campus! ✨ In just 2 days, we’ll unveil something special for our community. Here’s a sneak peek at the behind-the-scenes action. Stay tuned for the big reveal! #2DaysToGo