A new partnership between SCE Credit Union (SCE FCU) and Los Angeles County will allow teenagers in foster care to open their own checking and savings account, with benefits like a free initial $5 deposit, not requiring an adult co-owner, accepting alternative forms of identification and waiving account fees. The Youth Access Banking program also features complimentary sessions by SCE FCU to foster youth in their home settings to answer any questions about the program and help them with the required steps to open an account. “Research consistently shows that providing youth with access to basic financial services generates greater knowledge and resilience, empowering them to navigate future financial challenges,” said Ombudsperson Michelle Lucarelli-Beltran, who is leading the efforts on the program. 



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College students in San Diego, CA recently spent a day shadowing Mayor Todd Gloria and other City Council members to learn about careers in public service. The students are participants in Promises2kids, a local organization that helps youth transition from foster care to adulthood. Attendee Gabrielle Wesley credits Promises2kids with helping her navigate homelessness, finding resources, and developing a community of support through a mentor and other activities. She says the behind-the-scenes look at how city government works has motivated her to pursue a degree in social work and perhaps work with children in the future.



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Generations Village is now under construction in the Ozark Mountains, MO, with the goal of opening in early 2025 for residents comprised of foster families, seniors, and older youth aging out of foster care. Intergenerational communities like these create connections across generations and provide opportunities for senior adults to volunteer their time mentoring, tutoring, babysitting, and interacting with other generations. To encourage intentional neighboring, a community center, green space, and outdoor gathering areas will be built. Village Board President Kristiann Hudson said, “Seniors report that they have more of a sense of purpose and just overall a better quality of life living in this type of a community and feeling like they’re able to give back and support the foster families and youth that live in the communities.”



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The New Vision Village is a community of 24 bungalow-style houses a former missionary is planning to build in West Virginia for young adults aged out of foster care. Ruston Seaman is spearheading the project intended to be a safe space for young people in danger of becoming unhoused after leaving foster care. He told the Pittsburgh Post Gazette that the homes were designed "to be pleasant, colorful, clean,” since Seaman believes the spaces should feel like homes as "You should never ask anybody to live somewhere you wouldn't live. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh has provided a $750,000 grant for the project and five homes are expected to be complete by the end of summer.



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Earlier this month, The New York Foundling launched a new affordable and supportive housing complex in Harlem, with 51 apartments earmarked for young adults leaving foster care and the shelter system. For the 70 young people who will move into these homes, the complex also offers services like counseling, mentorship, and job training. The Foundling’s prior work with young people transitioning from foster care shows great success, with 95% of residents in their scattered-site supportive housing successfully transitioning to living independently. Melanie Hartzog, President and CEO of The New York Foundling, says, “Easily accessible and centrally located, this supportive housing project represents a new model that builds a bridge from foster care to independent living. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul and all of our incredible project partners for helping us bring this much needed project to the heart of Harlem.”

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