California has the largest number of young people in foster care in the nation. And each year in Los Angeles County alone, at least 1000 young people leave the foster care system when they reach age 18.

A drop-in center located in the Pasadena community is the launching place for people aged 16 to 25 who are making the move from out-of-home care to living on their own.

At the Pasadena Alumni Support Center (PASC), they can seek employment, find housing, gain access to health and mental health benefits, and research scholarships and information about higher education. They can also learn computer skills and take cooking classes. It’s a welcoming place to tap into services, support, and assistance with obtaining  financial aid.

Staff includes alumni of foster care
Key members of the staff are youth advocates, young adults formerly in foster care who know what it’s like to go out into the real world feeling unprepared and uncertain of the future. Along with the on-site community supervisor, community specialist and case managers, Youth Advocates connect young people to services they need.

Finding a place to live at a price they can afford is the top priority for transition-age youth, followed by getting a job. Many times, young people come in for emergency help and decide to stay connected for other services.

Take Michael, a young man who, after a night sleeping in the park, came in for help with food and shelter. PASC staff rallied round him to address his immediate needs. Feeling safe at the center, Michael later decided to accept a referral for mental health counseling. Staff also helped him apply for transitional housing and gave him money to cover a deposit and first month’s rent so he could move to a safe place.

One-stop shop for needed services
Casey Family Programs operates PASC, drawing on the resources of public and private social service agencies and departments in Los Angeles County. In addition to Casey employees, on-site staff include a county probation officer and transition coordinators from the county child welfare and probation departments.

Interested young people are invited to call or drop by the center. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.