by: James Higa     

Foster children Ben and Max have spent the past four years moving from house to house and sleeping on couches. They have been exposed to domestic violence, drug use, and unsafe living conditions. After 13-year-old Ben courageously asked their aunt and uncle to represent him and his 7-year-old brother as their guardians, they will finally be able to experience a stable and safe home life. While the boys are finally in a safe place, they came to their new home with clothing that was tattered and did not fit. To help during this transition, PVF provided a small grant to the boy's social worker of $250 for each youth in order to purchase proper clothing for school.

Supporting basic needs like this can make an immense difference in the life of a child. Our Social Worker/CASA Resource Program awards grants of up to $250 to Bay Area social workers and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) who work with youth in dependency. The grant is to be used for immediate essential needs of the youth, but in the end the grant does so much more than fill that need. The program can also support summer camp or music lessons - opportunities afforded to other children but beyond the means of caretakers of youth in foster care. The Social Worker/CASA Resource Program is PVF's way of showing foster youth that there are people who care, as well as honoring the adults and social workers who work tirelessly to help them succeed.

One CASA eloquently requested support for her 16-year-old CASA youth: "Jason has a great deal of inner resolve, creativity and giftedness. He is working hard in school and I am so proud of him." She requested funds for a pair of warm winter boots for Jason, sharing Jason's request in his own words: "I would like a sturdy boot that will walk long and hard with me through my struggle and to create a sturdy foundation from which my future legacy will grow." With a $175 grant, Justin's CASA was able to provide him with a much-needed item and to give a positive and encouraging message of support.

It takes just a small amount of funding to play a role in supporting a foster youth, through PVF's immediate response program. Making grants to public sector employees is something almost no foundations practice. It is another way that PVF redefines and pushes the boundaries of philanthropy.  If you are interested in funding the needs of a foster youth this holiday season, please click here to donate, and select Social Worker/CASA Resource Program.