Right Moves For Youth changed my life for the better, forever.
“I just felt stuck! I was raging mad because there was no way out of my situation and I didn’t know what to do to change things.” – RMFY alumni, Amza describing himself as a teenager. Have you ever felt this way? Well, this is exactly what Amza was feeling during his 9th grade …
A lifelong battle with a rare disease: Caleb’s story
At Caleb’s 3-year wellness-check-up, his mom mentioned that he’d begun to walk oddly, and his doctor noticed the bones in Caleb’s chest weren’t growing as they should have been. X-rays came back normal, but his pediatrician referred him to Dr. Touran Zadeh, CHOC’s medical director of genetics services. Through a blood sample and testing, she …
Ocean Neighbors Project
The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, offers volunteer opportunities for people of all ages, from young children to seniors. In recent years it has enhanced its volunteer programs for teens, allowing middle and high school students to engage in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning and explore marine life and …
David Found Help at Western Youth Services
David came into Western Youth Services Outreach and Engagement program because he was struggling with distance learning and having trouble following directions. David shared that he felt overwhelmed with school and was a bit depressed due to his father living separate from the family. David also shared that his relationship with his mom was very …
Rachael reconnected with her Mother
Through counseling services provided by Western Youth Services, Rachael was finally able to reconnect with her Mother and tell her how she had been feeling and struggling emotionally especially with the family changes that occurred within the past year. Rachael shared with her mom that the outbursts and attitude that she showed toward her mom …
Jill’s Story
After fleeing an abusive husband, Jill found herself living in her car with her six-year-old son. Jill spent over 6 months seeking shelter opportunities until she found Families Forward. Through working with a housing specialist, Jill was able to immediately locate safe housing. Her Case Manager helped Jill set goals, providing budget training so she …
A Veteran and Father
A veteran and father of four, Max found himself in a messy custody battle with the estranged mother of his children while at the same time struggling to keep his housing amidst rising court fees. Max was at risk of losing his housing voucher when he was referred to Families Forward by the Strong Families …
Vital Link OC Virtual Events Success
Vital Link OC kicked off the 2020 – 2021 school year with all new virtual events that exceeded expectations with hands-on, educational activities! Vital Link OC launched their first Vital Link OC App that was made specifically for students to network amongst each other and industry professionals in a safe environment. In October 2020, …
Charlie Brown Christmas
On December 3rd, families were ushered into parking spots at Mariners Church and given an FM radio station to dial into. Pre-packaged snack packs were delivered, and cast members took turns singing carols on a tiny stage, applauded by car horns. As the show began, guests heard the crackle from their car stereos as the …
Geni’s Story
Life was typical for self-described “drama kid” Geni, now age 16. She went to class, hung out with friends and spent time rehearsing musical theater. But two years ago, a small lesion that had been in Geni’s brain since birth began making itself known. One night, she woke up and couldn’t move. A few days …