Each year in California, approximately 4,000 young people age out of foster care and step into adulthood overnight.

Unlike most young adults, they often move forward without family financial support, without a co-signer for housing, and without a safety net if a job falls through or a car breaks down. In a state where the cost of living continues to climb, even a small financial setback can quickly lead to housing instability, interrupted education, or homelessness.

Programs like the VC Thrive are helping change that reality.

In 2023, Ventura County was selected as one of seven counties in California to participate in this innovative stipend pilot program supporting transition-age foster youth. The Ventura County Human Services Agency selected James Storehouse, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster youth from cribs through college, to administer the program locally.

Over 18 months, VC Thrive delivered $2.7 million in direct financial support to 150 young adults in Ventura County, providing $1,000 per month to help cover essential needs such as rent, transportation, education, and basic living expenses.

The program was made possible through a $1.5 million grant from the California Department of Social Services, along with Ventura County State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and generous private donors.

The impact has been inspiring.

Participants reported reduced financial stress, greater housing stability, and increased ability to pursue education and employment opportunities. Instead of living in constant crisis, these young adults were able to focus on building stable, productive futures.

Without support like this, the outcomes can be devastating. Studies show that nearly half of young people aging out of foster care experience homelessness within 18 months.

VC Thrive provided something many of these young adults have never had before: a bridge to stability.

Now that the pilot program has concluded, Ventura County leaders face an important choice: allow this successful program to end, or build on what we know works.

Continuing VC Thrive would not only support vulnerable young adults during one of the most critical transitions of their lives, but also strengthen our entire community by helping them become stable workers, students, and future leaders.

Young people leaving foster care deserve the same opportunity most young adults receive from family: time and support to build a stable foundation for adulthood.

We urge Ventura County leaders to:
• Evaluate the success of the VC Thrive pilot program
• Identify funding to continue or expand the stipend program
• Prioritize transition-age foster youth in future county investments

By signing this petition, you send a clear message:

Ventura County must continue investing in foster youth and ensure that no young person aging out of care faces adulthood alone.

Sign today and help keep the VC Thrive bridge to independence strong for the young people who need it most.