Aspiranet holds event with former foster youth guest speakers, May 21

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - May 11, 2015 - PRLog -- Each year, approximately 5,000 18-21 year olds in California transition out of the foster care system and have nowhere to go. While this new chapter in the lives of these individuals should be a positive experience, the sad reality is that too many are left without a roof over their head, a bed to sleep on, or a mentor to guide them through their transition into adulthood.

Leading human services agency Aspiranet—one of the state’s largest providers of THP since 2010—understands that transitional care is critical to ensuring success for youth as they “age out” of foster care. The agency introduced its THP+ Foster Care program to Sacramento County in 2014, and will hold its first Open House celebration for its Sacramento office on Thursday, May 21, from 4 - 6 p.m. The event will feature an insightful guest panel of inspiring former foster youth who will share their personal experiences about how the program has given them stability to excel in their personal and professional lives. The guest speakers include:

Richard Lazaro Alonso from Aspiranet Fresno THP Plus program, THP+ Case    Manager/Life Coach

Alexis Barries with Altruit (a program of Aspiranet), Lead Youth Ambassador

Current THP+FC program recipient, Alexus Gordon

During the event, Program Director, Maria Barron will educate attendees about important support services, such as housing opportunities, job placement, educational enrollment that can be utilized by the youth as they can continue with their goals of being able to have independent, productive lives and to successfully transition into adulthood. For youth to qualify for THP+FC program, they must be actively pursuing goals with regards to education, vocational training or employment.

The Open House is open to the public and Aspiranet’s Barron will share an array of ways the public can get involved in the program, such as providing financial support; becoming a volunteer, housing partner or host family; and make an in-kind gift donation, such as furniture, kitchen supplies, hygiene products and interview clothes. Attendees will also learn about HealthShack, a web-based personal electronic record that provides a safe and secure place for at-risk youth and young adults to store their medical and life documents.

To learn more about THP+FC program, visit http://www.aspiranetthpplus.org. RSVP by calling Maria Barron, 916-366-1656 ext. 4031, or by email at mabarron@aspiranet.org.

Event info:

Who: Aspiranet

What: THP+FC program Open House

When: Thursday, May 21 from 4-6 p.m.

Where: Aspiranet office located at 9719 Lincoln Village Drive, Suite 401 in Sacramento, Calif.

About Aspiranet

Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity, supports foster children, siblings, families and the community with 35 core programs offering specialized services throughout 45 locations within California. Aspiranet strengthens children, families and communities through seven core programs including: Foster Care, Adoption, Residential, Transition Age Youth, Behavioral Health, Wraparound and Family and Community Services.

Founded 40 years ago as a six-bed group home for young boys in Moss Beach, Calif., Aspiranet is one of the most diverse nonprofit social service agencies in the state. With a statewide network of innovative services, Aspiranet serves more than 10,000 families each year. For more information, please visit www.aspiranet.org.