Leadership
Just in Time for Foster Youth
Just in Time for Foster Youth envisions a future in which every youth
leaving the foster care system has access to a Community of caring adults after 18 . They believe forging consistent , lasting relationships is the foundation for the success of our youth so they can thrive and enjoy productive , satisfying lives . It is caring adults , like Pilar and Luis that make all the difference defining the future of foster youth .
Pilar Meza
When Pilar Meza first heard about Just in Time for Foster Youth from her dear friend and Giving Back Magazine ’ s very own Danitza Villanueva , she was eager to get involved . Just in Time serves and supports transition age foster youth ages 18-26 to become resilient and self-sufficient . Upon meeting the organization ’ s participants , Meza was instantly hooked . “ The rest was history ,” she says . Over the past year , Meza has become a coach and mentor to a former foster youth and Just in Time participant . She recently led a virtual boxing class , which was a big hit with participants and volunteers . “ Ever since I started volunteering , I have grown to love the organization more and more . I am proud to be a part of such an amazing organization !” As a community leader and advocate for youth , Meza is a great addition to the Just in Time Board of Directors which she recently joined . The Rancho Santa Fe resident is currently on the award-winning real estate team of Eric Iantorno at Pacific Sotheby ’ s International Realty , specializing in selling luxury real estate in San Diego . Clearly , creating and giving back to the community is Meza ’ s passion and strength .
Luis Valencia-Moreno
Fellow Just in Time Board Member and Point Loma resident Luis Valencia-Moreno shares Meza ’ s passion for building stronger communities . After moving to San Diego in 2002 and becoming an attorney , Valencia-Moreno worked with the Legal Aid Society of San Diego where he represented hundreds of lowincome individuals , many of whom were Spanish-speaking . Valencia- Moreno is currently an attorney with SoCal Realty Law , specializing in real estate . Since joining the Just in Time board , Valencia- Moreno has provided pro-bono legal advice to participants with issues related to landlord / tenant law and provided general guidance to navigate the very technical
Luis Valencia- Moreno and confusing laws that apply to residential tenancies . Despite a busy law practice and becoming a new father , Valencia-Morena is committed to being a mentor to help foster youth overcome the many obstacles they face in life . Growing up , a close friend struggled in foster care and though now a successful adult , she has faced ongoing challenges . “ My relationship with my friend caused me to reflect on how fortunate I am to have the love and support of my family ,” says Luis . “ I cannot overstate how important my family and mentors have been in helping me to realize my potential .” And now Luis is giving back by serving as a volunteer and joining a reliable community of committed adults .
To become a volunteer or to learn more about Just in Time for Foster Youth please visit www . jitfosteryouth . org .
28 GBSAN . COM | NOVEMBER 2020