Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services

We are thrilled to announce a generous $10,000 donation from the Chapman family, made through their foundation in loving memory of Terry Chapman—an incredible father, brother, and husband! 🌟 Presented by the Crown City Club, this amazing gift not only supports our mission but also celebrates Terry's inspiring legacy. Thank you, Chapman family! Together, we continue to make a difference! 💙 #HonoringTerry #OptimistFamily

As we celebrate Simone Biles’ incredible achievement of 3 gold and 1 silver at the #Olympics, we’re inspired by her journey from the child welfare system to global stardom. With the 2028 Olympics coming to Los Angeles, we’re reminded that every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential. Let’s continue to uplift foster youth and empower them to achieve their dreams—right here in our city and beyond! 🌟 #FosterCare #Inspiration #LA28 📸: CNN 🔁: FosterMore

Written by one of our dedicated foster parents, Andrew Heiger, this heartfelt poem was penned for the youth who will soon find a new home in his care. His words offer a glimpse into the warmth, understanding, and hope that awaits each child as they begin their new journey. To hear more inspiring stories from our foster parents or to discover what it takes to become one, visit us at oyhfs.org/fostering!

🌟 A heartfelt thank you to Ranlyn and Renate from the L.L. Foundation for Youth for their generous support of our supportive housing programs for transition-age youth! 🌟 Exiting the foster care system at 18 presents significant challenges, but at Optimist, we're here to help. Our programs provide transition-age foster youth with safe housing and essential resources, empowering them to build independent life skills and pursue their educational and career goals. Together, we are truly making a difference! 🏠🎓✨

🌟 August is Child Support Awareness Month! 🌟 This month, we recognize the vital role that child support plays in shaping children’s lives. At Optimist, our evidence-based programs have been dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and families for over 118 years. Through individualized care and comprehensive support, we ensure that both children and families have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Learn more about our impact by visiting www.oyhfs.org!

Our S.T.E.A.M. summer camp was out of this world! Last week, our young astronauts launched their paper rockets with a straw, testing which one could land inside the planets and help our friendly alien return home. 🛸🌟 Their excitement was contagious as they combined science, creativity, and a touch of intergalactic adventure. 👨🚀 And don’t worry—thanks to our brilliant young explorers, the alien made it home safely! 🌟

Place a name on a tile at the Optimist Highland Park campus and make a lasting impact on the children we serve. Your tax-deductible gift will create a legacy for decades to come. Large tiles are available with a $500 donation, and small tiles with a $250 donation. Tiles will be inscribed in August, so don’t miss this annual opportunity! Contact the Development Department at 323-443-3025 or [email protected] by August 5, 2024. 🌟

🌟 Big News! 🌟 We're thrilled to announce that our incredible resource parents, Deybi and Jeronimo, have officially finalized the adoption of their non-minor dependent, marking the beginning of a beautiful new chapter! Their enduring bond and unwavering commitment exemplify the life-changing impact of foster care. Swipe through to see heartwarming moments from the adoption day. Celebrate this joyous milestone with us and discover how you can make a difference too. Visit oyhfs.org/fostering to learn more about becoming a #fosterparent. We’ll support you every step of the way! ❤️

🎉 Exciting Announcement! Let's give a big round of applause to our phenomenal Employees of the Month at Optimist, Melisa and Lyza! 🌟 Melisa, our dedicated Youth Development Specialist, brings unmatched passion to supporting athletics, arts, and career-focused activities. Her success in building rapport and encouraging participation is truly inspiring. Her boundless optimism and enthusiasm light up the days of our kids, colleagues, and volunteers! Lyza, our exceptional Case Manager, is the epitome of reliability, proficiency, and collaboration. She consistently goes above and beyond in her strength-based efforts to support kids and families. Her insightful and can-do attitude is nothing short of remarkable! Congratulations to Melisa and Lyza for this well-deserved recognition, and thank you both for your unwavering commitment to building bright futures! 🌟👏

Over the years, the youth in our care have brought many talents through our doors, including a creative eye that they’ve channeled into the art of painting. Their creativity and expression through art deserve to be celebrated, and we are always amazed by their talent. It’s hard for us to pick a favorite, so we’d love to hear from you – which painting speaks to you the most? 🎨✨