Youth
HERE FOR OUR YOUTH
South Bay Community Services
E
ach
year,
more
than
300 of San Diego’s
foster children “age
out” of the foster
care system. They
enter this system
alone; removed
from their home
due to physical
and emotional
abuse, neglect or
abandonment. It is
common to hear
that a child has moved 15 times to different foster homes, not to
mention new schools and new surroundings. The transition into
adulthood is even more difficult. They are expected to become
independent, self-sufficient and contributing members of society
with little or no support from others. They are among the highest
at risk to end up homeless, unemployed or in prison.
Behind these startling statistics are stories of youth who faced the
challenges and triumphed; and the people, places and programs
who offer support to help them meet their potential. South Bay
Community Services (SBCS) provides a transitional housing as
well as comprehensive programs to assist hundreds of current and
former foster youth every year.
Abraham, 20, entered foster care at four years of age and
spent the next 14 years moving from foster home to foster
88 GBSAN.COM | APRIL 2018
Abraham (center) with
SBCS Trolley Trestle Team
home. Abraham
transitioned out
of foster care,
graduated high
school and
attended California
State University
San Marc