Youth and Family Programs

 

While essential resources are primary, we believe lasting healing and transformation happens in community.

Read below to see what programs we offer for children and families connected to the child welfare system and how to join.

 

The Open Table - Our Mentorship Model

For youth aging out of foster care ages 18-22 years old.

The Open Table is a national mentorship model connecting 1 youth aging out of foster care with 6 caring, trained adults in the community, forming a “Table” of support. These “Tables” meet together once a week over the course of a year to work together towards youth-identified goals and transitioning into independent adulthood. If you are or know of a youth aging out of foster care who desires this type of mentorship, please sign up for a 30-minute informational webinar to hear about next steps HERE.

Family Time Visits

For biological parents working towards reunification with their children.

We have a bright, happy trauma-informed and sensory integrated playroom at our Resource Center in Newbury Park where we host Family Time Visits, or court-ordered visitations. We welcome biological parents and their children with open arms to use our playroom for these visits. Social workers or visit supervisors can reserve the playroom ahead of time. Click HERE if you are a social worker or visit supervisor wanting to reserve the playroom for a Family Time Visit.

Purposeful Parenting

For young parents (ages teen - 26 years) working with a caseworker.

We offer a variety of supports for adolescent parents to assist them as they grow as parents and individuals. Read here to join the programs:

  1. Baby Showers: We host baby showers for pregnant teens in foster care, youth aging out of care (ages 18-23), and AFLP teen mothers at our Resource Center in Newbury Park. Showers come complete with all baby gifts requested, decor, cake, and party guests, and encouragement. Mothers can fill out a wish list ahead of time and schedule their baby shower with us at James Storehouse. Caseworkers work with each pregnant mother to complete their Baby Shower Wishlist (click HERE). Once completed, you will be contacted to coordinate a date for the baby shower.

  2. Monthly Support Meetings: All adolescent parents can attend a monthly life-skills class and support group to assist young parents as their baby grows. On the third Tuesday of each month we have discussions and fun activities at our meetings ranging on child development, life skills, and personal empowerment topics. We also have special gatherings such as park days and holiday parties. If you are a social worker or young parent and would like to join Purposeful Parenting meetings and events, click HERE.

  3. Ongoing Resources: As the baby grows, adolescent parents are welcome to request ongoing essential resources such as clothing, diapers, baby gear, and more. An online referral can be submitted to make an appointment for personalized resources at our Resource Center in Newbury Park. Email us for the referral link.

Sensory Days

For children ages 0-7 years old and their caregivers.

We host Sensory Days at our Resource Center in Newbury Park for children ages 0-7 and their caregivers on the second Friday of each month. Sensory Days are facilitated by Stories in Sensory, empowering children to “read with all their senses.” Sensory play, individualized attention, and seasonal sensory kits are provided for attendees. Click HERE to sign up for our monthly Sensory Days.