Testimonials
Child Welfare Experts Speak About Impact of the CYFC™ SERVICES PROGRAMS
Children Youth and Family Collaborative™ services, or CYFC™ services, has been recognized as contributing to the field of child welfare:
“On behalf of the Stuart Foundation, we have been thrilled to support CYFC and its efforts to provide meaningful academic support to foster youth. We know that this work has and will continue to close the achievement gap for foster youth. We consider CYFC one of our most impactful grantees in the foster youth education space and are pleased to recommend CYFC and support its application for funding to continue this work.” – Michelle Traiman, Program Director, Stuart Foundation
“Through the years, CYFC has proven itself to be innovative, accountable, and results-driven. What makes CYFC successful in improving educational and post-emancipation outcomes for foster youth is its focus on strategic partnerships. Because no one can effectively do this work alone, CYFC collaborates with child welfare agencies, school districts, caregivers, and other agencies to coordinate services and maximize impact.” – Mindy Jones, Senior Program Officer, Ahmanson Foundation
“This intensive holistic approach, the Academic Remediation, Intervention, and Support Services Education Program Model, to serving foster youth at their individual school sites provides quality academic and support services for students. The program has received accolades from principals, administrators and teachers. We have been partners since 2000, providing the first tutors from a university partner and witnessed high school students benefit from the CYFC program by improving their academic and social enhancement. CYFC has provided trained, qualified personnel who can tutor, and provide academic remediation and support services to ensure that youth at the LAUSD schools where we have provided tutors and many resources graduate from high school and are college-ready.” – Tammy Anderson, Director, University of Southern California JEP
Alicia Rodriguez
“CYFC services have been an extraordinarily helpful program for me during the past four years of high school. I am eternally grateful for the help from influential people in this program. Like the tutor (Y.E.S.) Erica Hernandez. And the school-based social worker, Alesia Aguillo, and everyone who has helped me from this program these past four years.
I’d like to mention how these two people individually helped me. For starters, my tutor and my school-based social worker have been mentors, teachers, and people who have done so much for me. They helped me apply for college, meet important deadlines, apply for scholarships, helped me with homework, encouraged me to get good grades, taught me strategies on how to write formal emails, provided guidance, and provided continuous emotional support. Furthermore, this last year, I had to move homes during May, and I was afraid of my entrance to university being jeopardized, so these wonderful two helpers took the initiative to reach out to that home for me, and thanks to them, I’m still close to my school of origin and ready for the Fall to start going to a four-year university. It hasn’t always worked out for me; that is a heartfelt feeling. I have always felt so alone in my life. Until they came into my life and I realized I hadn’t been alone in this success. My situation is that I have never reunited with my parents. Without this program, I don’t know how I would have made it ahead.
The program changed my life around to focus and look towards my future and concentrate on accomplishing my goals. This program is enriched with such spectacular resources for youth. And I don’t think I could ever repay all the help I have received. I actually have a goal for myself. Then, after I accomplish my career goal, I want to give back to the CYFC program for students who need a hand. I want to give back and help just as the program was able to do for me. I want to send a warm and well-deserved thank you. Thank you for your patience, support, faith, and for always being in my corner.”
"CYFC has been a game changer for me. Before joining, I had no idea what dual enrollment was or how to start preparing for college. The support I’ve received helped me graduate high school and feel confident about my next steps."
— Jasmine T., 18
"I’ve gained so much knowledge about financial aid, FAFSA, and scholarships. CYFC made sure I wasn’t just prepared to graduate, but ready to succeed in college."
— Aaliyah M., 18
"As a former foster youth, I didn’t think college was possible for me. CYFC not only gave me resources, they gave me a community that believes in me."
— Devon S., 20
"The mentors and staff at CYFC truly care about us. Their guidance helped me navigate challenges at school and home while staying focused on my future."
— Jake P., 18
