Community
A New Vision for Stockton’s Foster Youth
This organization is made up of experienced care providers, childcare directors and business owners who are dedicated to providing housing, vocational and life skills training, and supportive services for youth aging out of the foster care system.
Unfortunately, too many youth in America are subjected to the foster care system, which also often results in inadequate access to tools that would equip them in becoming adults who can lead successful and healthy lives.
According to Foster Care 2.0, there are over 500,000 children in the foster care system, and all are at extremely high risk. About 40-50% of former foster youth become homeless within 18 months after leaving care and 25% of foster youth will be in prison within two years of emancipation. These numbers are severe but, in Stockton, a new vision has been created to make an impact.
“Vision Vocations Inc. is a newly founded state and federally recognized non-profit organization that was established by Monica Graves and Anthony Johnson to address foster youth homelessness,” the website says.
This organization is made up of experienced care providers, childcare directors and business owners who are dedicated to providing housing, vocational and life skills training, and supportive services for youth aging out of the foster care system.
As stated in their website; “Through this project, we seek to ultimately alleviate suffering amongst the youths who are struggling as a result of coming from low-income families, being neglected, abused, abandoned, and unsupported.”
By offering these services, Vision Vocations are addressing the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of disadvantaged youth.
There are a multitude of programs and services offered that begin at the age of 16 through 21 years of age as well as childcare to supplement the needs of the youth being supported.
Their programs include a transitional living placement program on site for youth ages 16-18, an independent living placement program for ages 18-21, a case management/life skills training program, a culinary arts institute and cafe program, a cosmetology institute and salon program, & a security guard training and security station program.
Besides these programs, they also have services provided that include office and administration training and support services, a general store for residents, and an on-campus childcare center.
Located at 1610 N. El Dorado St., Stockton, CA, 95204, their hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information on programs and services, ways to donate, or how to get involved, you can contact them by phone at (916) 923-8891 or by e-mail at monica@visonvocation.org.
