Born in Syria, Laith was determined to begin a new chapter of his life in America when he turned 17, even though it meant leaving his family. Within weeks of his arrival, his living arrangement fell through and Laith became homeless.
Committed to finishing high school, Laith traveled every day 6 to 7 hours by bus from the shelter in San Diego to his school in San Marcos. He watched as other students were dropped off by parents or drove their own cars to school.
Despite these challenges, Laith maintained a positive attitude, learned English, and never missed a day of school. He was even voted “Top 25 Students to Become Successful” by his peers. He shares, “I could have given up and gone back to Syria at any time but I had faith in myself and I knew this would only be temporary.”
Laith spent some time at Polinsky Children’s Center where he met Nina, a JIT participant. Nina spoke of her positive experience with our community and helped him get connected.
Shortly after joining JIT, he gained essential education supplies like a laptop and printer from College Bound, as well as a community to believe in him.
Laith says, “Just in time is special to me because of the connections I’ve made. I talk with (JIT Staffer) Sanam just once a month, she remembers what we talked about last time and asks about my progress with my goals. She encourages me to keep striving and always keeps me in mind for opportunities that align with my passions, helping me feel supported and valuable.”
Laith is currently studying International Business at Palomar College and he explores career options, he’d like to connect with people in our community who he can learn from. Please reach us at sanam@jitfosteryouth.org if you’re interested in speaking with Laith.
“I can move rocks by myself but with a community, I can move mountains.”
Laith & Nina
College Bound Kick Off
Laith & Dave
College Bound Kick Off
Laith & Terry
Pathways to Financial Power Conference
Laith & Sanam
Pathways to Financial Power Conference
(Scroll right for more pictures, if on mobile.)
LASTING IMPACT
NEWLY PUBLISHED BOOK
100K COMMUNITY
STAFF
ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
INVESTORS & SPONSORS
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS
FINANCIALS
FAQS
LASTING IMPACT
NEWLY PUBLISHED BOOK
100K COMMUNITY
STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
INVESTORS & SPONSORS
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS
FINANCIALS
ANNUAL REPORT
FAQS
LASTING IMPACT
NEWLY PUBLISHED BOOK
100K COMMUNITY
STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
INVESTORS & SPONSORS
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS
FINANCIALS
ANNUAL REPORT
FAQS
Block Party 3/30/2024
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Rise to Resilience Retreat 3/9/2024
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I Love Community Week 2/22-23/2024
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EMERGENCY NEEDS & STABLE HOUSING
RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION
ESSENTIAL EDUCATION
MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT
FINANCIAL LITERACY
HEALTHY PRACTICES & WELLBEING
Welcome to JIT!
We're excited to meet you! More than half our staff are former foster youth, many of us have participated in JIT’s services. We understand first-hand the challenges that each of us face on our path to self-sufficiency. And we are proof that having essential resources and consistent relationships with caring adults can have a lasting positive impact. Reliable, Responsive Real– JIT peers, coaches and staff share a common commitment to empowering you. Welcome to YOUR new community.
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