June 2025

June Celebrates Pride Month

Holiski- Bazan Story: A Family’s Story of Love and Belonging

This Pride Month, we’re celebrating the love, resilience, and vibrant diversity of LGBTQ+ families—like the Holiski/Bazan family. As featured on KTLA’s CARES segment, Dawn Holiski and Celeste Bazan shared their journey of becoming foster and adoptive parents through All For Kids. What began as an uncertain path turned into a powerful story of connection, growth, and unconditional support. Today, they’re the proud moms of a bright, creative teenager and continue to celebrate the unique story that brought their family together.


From kitchen dance parties to deep conversations about identity and belonging, Dawn and Celeste have built a home grounded in joy, compassion, and fierce love. They credit All For Kids for walking alongside them—offering not just structure, but a community that fully embraced them as a two-mom family. That support inspired Dawn to change careers and become a therapist for other foster and adoptive families, proving how life-changing this journey can be.


Their story is a beautiful reminder that love knows no bounds—and that every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and celebrated. Click below to read the full interview and see how All For Kids is proud to stand with and support LGBTQ+ families this Pride Month and every day of the year.

Meet Social Worker Brenda Garcia

This month we're shining a spotlight on Brenda Garcia, one of our dedicated social workers whose compassion, persistence, and commitment have made a lasting impact on countless children and families. With a calm presence and deep understanding of the foster care system, Brenda has become a trusted guide—not only for the families she supports, but also for the colleagues who rely on her insight and steady leadership.



“Social work can be hard, but it’s incredibly rewarding,” Brenda shares. “I choose it every day because I want to help others. Collaborating with families and children to help them reach their goals—and seeing them find light at the end of the tunnel—is what fuels my passion.”


Brenda’s work goes far beyond paperwork and case notes. She listens deeply, advocates fiercely, and celebrates every step forward with the families she serves. Whether she’s mentoring a new foster parent, supporting a child through a tough transition, or lifting up her teammates, Brenda shows up with heart and intention. “I feel fortunate to be part of a supportive organization like All For Kids, where I can use my experience to impact not only families and children, but also my incredible team,” she says. Her dedication embodies the mission of All For Kids: ensuring every child feels seen, safe, and supported. We’re honored to have Brenda on our team and grateful for the light she brings to the work every day.



RaiseAChild, Raise a Future: Honoring LGBTQ+ Dads and Our Shared Mission

This Pride Month—and with Father’s Day just around the corner—we’re celebrating the strength, love, and commitment of LGBTQ+ parents who are changing lives every day. Families like Griffin and Matt’s show us what it means to lead with heart. As foster and adoptive dads, they’re not just parenting—they’re mentoring, advocating, and showing up for youth who need safe, affirming homes.


Their journey reminds us why our partnership with RaiseAChild continues to matter. Now united under the All For Kids umbrella, RaiseAChild’s legacy of supporting LGBTQ+ and Spanish-speaking families lives on—stronger than ever. Together, we’re removing barriers and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up surrounded by love and stability.


This Father’s Day, we honor all the dads—biological, foster, adoptive, and chosen—who show that family isn’t defined by gender or genetics, but by the daily acts of care, presence, and unconditional love. As we celebrate Pride, we also celebrate the unity, progress, and powerful impact of LGBTQ+ parents who are shaping the future, one child at a time.


Watch RaiseAChild and All For Kids on the KTLA Cares segment here.

What You Need to Know: Support for Foster & Adoptive Families

Caring for a child in foster care comes with support—and it grows as the child’s needs are better understood. In California, all new resource (foster) parents begin with a monthly stipend of $1,206. After 30–60 days, a Level of Care (LOC) assessment helps determine if the child’s needs require additional support, which may increase the monthly rate.

Some families may also receive a Specialized Care Increment (SCI) for children with extra behavioral or medical needs. This additional amount varies by county. For example, an SCI Tier 2 rate is:

  • $600 in LA County
  • $475 in Ventura
  • $525 in Kern
  • $300 in Riverside

Be sure to check with your social worker, as not all counties provide SCI rates.


All children in foster care receive medical and dental coverage through Medi-Cal.


If you’re adopting from foster care, the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) continues that support—offering monthly financial benefits and Medi-Cal coverage until the child turns 18–21, depending on eligibility.


Families in Los Angeles County can also access Adoption Promotion and Support Services (APSS), which include a support worker, mentorship, service referrals, and support groups—whether you're in the process of adopting or have already finalized.


Have questions? Reach out to your social worker—we’re here to support you on this journey.



Thinking About Fostering or Adopting?

Let's Get You Started

Whether you’re just curious or ready to take the next step, we’ve made it easy to learn more about becoming a foster or foster-adoptive parent.


Choose What Works Best for You:


Review at Your Own Pace

We offer a self-guided online PowerPoint orientation that you can view whenever it’s convenient. Just email rfrecruitment@allforkids.org or click below to request it.


Join Us Live on Zoom (English)

If you'd rather connect with someone in real time, we’re holding a live Zoom orientation on June 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. It’s just one hour, and a great way to ask questions and hear directly from our team. Click here to learn more or sign up.


Prefer Spanish? We’ve Got You Covered

We’re happy to email you a Spanish-language version of the orientation. Just give us a call at 800.730.3933—a bilingual staff member will be there to walk you through it.


Once you’ve completed either orientation, you’ll be on your way to becoming a resource parent. It’s a meaningful step, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.


Ready to Apply?

Our application is available online—fill it out and email it to rfrecruitment@allforkids.org. You’ll also get free online training through Foster Parent College.


Got questions or need a little guidance? Reach out to beatrizcruz@allforkids.org—we’re happy to help.


Every child deserves a safe place to grow. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now’s a great time to explore it.



Help Keep Siblings Together -

Become a Resource Parent

Every day, children enter foster care in need of safe, stable homes—and the need is especially urgent for sibling sets. In Los Angeles County alone, there are over 25,000 children in foster care, with more than 200 waiting to be adopted. Many are part of sibling groups, and unfortunately, All For Kids must turn away at least 10 sibling sets each week simply because there aren’t enough families to keep them together.


“Being a resource parent lets you help someone in their time of need. You’re the support system for a child and for their parents,” shares Brittany, who, along with her husband Jeremy, foster-adopted two siblings while raising their three biological children.


At All For Kids, we believe strong families and caring adults create a world where every child is safe to grow. We welcome individuals and families from all backgrounds to consider opening their hearts and homes. We provide training, guidance, and continued support—you won’t be doing it alone.


Have questions or ready to get started? Call us at 800.730.3933 or below to fill out a quick inquiry form.

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