What’s more wholesome than a good ol’ fashioned lemonade stand?

If you thought the days of paper routes and lemonade stands were gone, think again. The entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit are alive and well in 7-year-old Nyah who recently dedicated her Saturday afternoon to peddling refreshing cold beverages beachside in Encinitas with 50% of proceeds donated to Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT)!  

“I wanted to help kids who don’t have homes,” Nyah told Just in Time staff when she dropped by the office to deliver half of her proceeds. She raised $240 total and donated $121 to Just in Time! 

Foster Youth nationwide struggle with housing instability as they transition out of the foster care system. In San Diego, where housing costs are some of the most expensive in the country, the struggle to find stable housing can be even more difficult. 

When Nyah’s grandma Sharon and Mom Angie researched local nonprofits, they realized Just in Time would be a perfect fit. Not only does JIT offer housing support in the form of rent assistance and home furnishings for youth 18-26 as they transition from the foster care system, they offer resources related to financial literacy, employment and mental wellness, ensuring that when youth find housing, they have a better chance of maintaining it.  

Nyah and her grandmother Sharon were welcomed to the JIT office by participants and  lived-experience staff who expressed their gratitude for her support.  

Nyah Visits the JIT Office!

When Niyah visited the office to drop off her donation, she was greeted by JIT staff, including our Housing and Basic Needs coordinator Edward Reyes who gifted Niyah a plushie from his personal stash. Niyah and her grandma Sharon got a tour of our offices and a photo opp in front of the “Connected” sign.

Thanks so much Nyah! We are so happy to call you a Just in Time Community Member!