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2025 Thanksgiving Dinner
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GET TO KNOW A LITTLE
Youth Stories
Just in Time has mobilized hundreds of volunteers and peers who now support hundreds of transition age foster youth in San Diego as an extended family, creating a sense of belonging and commitment. Our community-based model empowers grassroots efforts allowing youth to be positively impacted almost immediately. Here are just a few stories!
Reaching For the Stars: Jason’s Story
Jason joined College Bound, looking for connection and guidance. He was paired with a coach with a background in cloud engineering. They clicked instantly.
From Paycheck to Prosperity: Cherice’s Story
In 2023, Cherice was living in her car, earning an income through DoorDash and other gigs. A former foster youth who entered the system as a toddler, she was unsure she would qualify for help with Just in Time. She was wrong
From Surviving to Thriving: Daniel’s Story
A former foster youth who had also cycled through the juvenile justice system, Daniel was used to handling life alone. “I had never really reached out for help,” he recalls. “All I really had was myself.”
License to Succeed : M’Niya’s Story
M’Niya relied on Uber and public transportation to attend classes, grocery shop and complete errands. The expenses added up.
A Home to Call Their Own: Raquel & Andrew’s Story
When Raquel and her partner, Andrew, arrived in San Diego with their four young children, they were determined to build a better life. But after months of moving between motels and transitional housing, stability still felt out of reach.
Turning Community into Opportunity: Jamon’s Story
Jamon found a new kind of support in Just in Time for Foster Youth. “When I started attending Empower Parties, I was nervous,” he recalls. “I didn’t know anyone, but being around people who wanted to see me succeed changed everything.”
Connecting to Professional Success: Katelyn’s Story
Released in 2022 after spending five years in California Youth Authority, Marcos faced the daunting task of starting over. “When I went in, I was a teenager who never had a job, never had a car. I had to figure out how to be an adult,” he says. For two years, he navigated that transition mostly alone until discovering JIT.
Health, Healing and New Beginnings: Marcos’ Story
Released in 2022 after spending five years in California Youth Authority, Marcos faced the daunting task of starting over. “When I went in, I was a teenager who never had a job, never had a car. I had to figure out how to be an adult,” he says. For two years, he navigated that transition mostly alone until discovering JIT.
Finding Financial Stability: Ysabel’s Story
Ysabel joined Just in Time for Foster Youth in 2017 when she learned about it through a research project at SDSU. Although she had a good relationship with money early on, a series of financial...