Copyright Santa Clarita Valley Signal
News release Fostering Youth Independence co-founders Carolyn Olsen and Gina Stevens received the One Hart award at a recent board meeting of the William S. Hart Union High School District for exemplifying the district’s core values, FYI announced in a news release. The award, presented to community members who embody one of the Hart district’s core values, was presented by board member Erin McKeon Wilson to the pair, who founded FYI in 2017. The nonprofit supports local foster youth who have aged out of the L.A. County foster care system without being adopted or reunified with their birth parents. Wilson said board members have the opportunity to honor community members who personify one of the Hart district’s core values of community, caring, creativity and courage. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than you two,” she said as she bestowed the accolade to Olsen and Stevens, according to the release. Olsen, FYI’s executive director, thanked rin Wilson and the board, and accepted the award on behalf of the FYI staff and the hundreds of volunteers and community members who have supported the organization. She also invited the educators to refer their foster students to FYI so they can enjoy the benefits of having an Ally and being part of a caring and supportive community as they transition into adulthood. FYI’s mission is to support and guide local foster youth aging out of the foster care system to achieve a post-secondary education. Each youth is paired with a volunteer Ally, who has the opportunity to directly impact their life by providing encouragement and support. Olsen said FYI will hold an orientation and training session for those interested in becoming Allies 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, in the Fellowship Center at Christ Lutheran Church in Valencia. Those interested can email FYI Volunteer Coordinator Darlene Allen at [email protected].
