TLF

Angels Game in Community

The Launch Pad residents were recently given the opportunity to attend an Angels Baseball game. The league has been a long-time financial and in-kind supporter of TLF. It’s these sorts of evenings that allow our residents to unwind, try new things, have fun, and most importantly, be in touch with one another. And we even made the jumbotron!

“I haven’t had this much fun in a long time,” said one resident.

“It was fun to hang out with other residents and just be able to let loose and enjoy myself. I tend to be more serious and am always focused on my worries or things I have to get done. Tonight, was a great chance to just be me and have fun. Thank you!”

These types of outings are important for our residents. They provide an opportunity to get to know one another outside of their normal routines and socialize in a fun, relaxed setting. It’s also a chance for them to see that there is more to life than their current situation and that there are people who care about them.

When you support the Launch pad through TLF’s Annual Campaign, you are supporting the lives of our residents. Be sure to check out our video, where you can learn more about one of our resident’s stories and how she has beat back homelessness. Our goal is to provide housing, support services, and opportunities for enrichment that will help them keep pace with life’s challenges so they can move forward on a brighter path.

Emily Graduates from High School!

Before Emily came to the Launch Pad, she faced many obstacles while trying to finish her high school diploma. We were so excited to welcome Emily, and her two young children, to the Launch Pad in August of 2020. Like all foster youth who come to the Launch Pad, she was paired with mentors we call her ‘flight crew.’ With the help of her mentors and the TLF staff, Emily was able to continue working on her high school degree and successfully graduated just a few months later in October! This was an important milestone for Emily, showing her that she was able to conquer the circumstances that made finishing high school difficult and graduate!

 

 

In California, foster youth face greater rates of being absent from school, getting suspended, not meeting academic standards, as well as many other difficulties that make it harder for foster youth to obtain their high school diploma. Only 56% of foster youth graduate high school in the normal four-year period, compared to an 85% four-year graduation rate of their peers. After foster youth exit the system, they often have little resources for help and support, making it extremely unlikely they will finish their high school academic career.

 

 

We are so grateful to be able to work with foster youth, like Emily, and help them get the support they need to be able to finish high school and continue on to higher education. Emily’s success is important to her and to us and we are excited to celebrate with her!