2012 Scholars
Scholarship Recipients
James was previously in Five Acres Foster Care Program. He graduated from high school in 2010 and is currently a student at Pasadena City College. He is currently majoring in criminal justice and minoring in music. James is an active member of the Five Acres Teen Trainers program and just graduated from Pasadena Police Department’s Explorer Program. James wants be a police officer after he obtains his college degree. James needs assistance with rent, groceries, educational supplies, and transportation.
Cynthia left Solita Group Home to live in a Five Acres’ foster home she recruited herself and was adopted by her foster mother. She graduated from high school in 2007 and just started her 2nd year at Cal State University, Los Angeles. Cynthia is studying for her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and minoring in child development. Cynthia has been part of the Internship program and interned at a child day care center. She was able to gain experience in working with children of varying ages and learn how to effectively run a day care center. She hopes to select a career path that will allow her to work with children. Cynthia still needs assistance with her dorm costs, educational supplies, groceries, and transportation.
Zabrina was a resident of Solita group home in 2004 and lived in a Five Acres foster home. She resided with family before entering into Five Acres ILP program. Zabrina worked as an intern at Perry's Joint and was able to gain valuable experience in customer service. She completed a vocational program for nursing and just started her new full time job working with developmentally disabled adults. Zabrina is the proud mother of a three year old boy and two year old girl. She has been able to balance the responsibilities of being a parent and her work responsibilities. She needs assistance with rent, transportation, and groceries.
Maria left the Solita group home in 2005 to live in a Five Acres foster home. She is currently working on obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology and working part-time. Her career goal is to become a therapist and to work with foster youths. She is a proud mother of a one year old boy. She has shown motivation and dedication to seek personal development so that she can better provide for her son. She recently moved into her own apartment and is learning to balance all of her responsibilities. Maria continues to need assistance with rent, groceries, educational supplies, and transportation.
Larry lived in a Five Acres foster home in Pasadena and graduated from high school in July of 2008. Larry started at Perry's Joint a few years ago as an intern and has been working directly for Perry for about two years. When Perry expanded his business with a new location in 2010, he promoted Larry to manager in recognition of his commitment and excellent work ethic. Larry continues to need assistance with rent, groceries, and transportation.
Roberta was a previous resident of Five Acres’ residential treatment center, Solita group home, and a Five Acres foster home. Roberta emancipated from the system at age 18 and attempted to live on her own with two young children. It became increasingly difficult for her to balance her efforts to obtain her GED, work full time, and her responsibilities as a single parent. Roberta applied to be in our ILP program to receive the supportive services she needs to become more fully independent. Roberta has flourished in the program and have since secured a full time job and obtain permanent housing on her own. Roberta still need assistance with groceries and transportation.
Summer was a previous resident of Five Acres foster home. Summer started as an intern at Big City’s Hot Dogs and quickly excelled in her role. She was able to take the skills she learned as an intern and obtained a part time job at Togo’s. Summer is also a full time student at Pasadena City College. She is working toward obtaining a certificate as a dental hygienist. Summer continues to need assistance with rent, groceries, and transportation.
Ana was a previous resident of Five Acres foster home. She currently attends Pasadena City College and hopes to obtain a career that will allow her to work with children. Anan continues to need assistance with rent, groceries, and transportation.
Dennys was on the verge of becoming homeless before being accepted into Five Acres Transitional Housing Program. He was previously in a gang as a minor and became involved in the Probation system. Dennys expressed that he wanted to do something more with his life and has shown great dedication in learning the skills he needs to become self sufficient and independent. Dennys is currently an intern at Lutheran Social Services of Southern California/Avanti in Pasadena. He works directly with adults with developmental disabilities and truly appreciates the opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience. Dennys continues to need assistance with rent, groceries, and transportation.
Chris has been in Five Acres Transitional Housing Program for over a year and is always eager to gain more skills and experience to better prepare him for self sufficiency. He just started his internship at Perry’s Joint and is looking forward to learning some valuable customer service skills. Chris loves animals and is currently exploring returning back to school to earn a certificate in animal science. Chris continues to need assistance with rent, groceries, and transportation.
Arcelica lived in a Five Acres foster home in Pasadena and graduated from high school in 2009. Arcelica currently attends Pasadena City College and works part-time on campus through the work study program. She continues to be able to manage and meet her responsibilities and strives toward finishing college.
Sally was a long-time resident of Five Acres’ residential treatment center and the Solita group home. She was previously in Five Acres’ transitional housing program and is currently living with her younger sister who was also a former resident at Solita group home. Sally was an intern at PMHC through the transitional age youth (TAY) internship program and gained skills as an office assistant. Sally also completed a certificate course in phlebotomy and continues to work while studying for her state exam. She is a kin-caregiver for her younger sister and is doing a great job ensuring her sister attends school and meets her responsibilities.
Ebony was homeless before being accepted into Five Acres Transitional Housing Program. Ebony is currently a full time student at Pasadena City College. She is interested in being a nurse and working with the elderly.
Cavanoff was homeless living in her car before being accepted into Five Acres Transitional Housing Program. She was part of the Internship Program and was an intern at Perry’s Joint. She was attending vocational program for medical billing.
Caprianna is currently in Five Acres Foster Care Program. She recently graduated from high school and is currently attending Pasadena City College. She loves animals and is looking to become a veterinarian or veterinary technician. She is currently part of Five Acres Teen Trainers program and has proved to be a strong, assertive advocate for foster youth.
Courtney is currently in Five Acres Foster Care Program. She just started her freshman year at UC Riverside and is studying to become a physical therapist. She is a member of Five Acres Teen Trainers program.
Regina is a former resident of Five Acres’ residential treatment center and Solita group home. She graduated from Blair High School in 2002 and received her associate of arts degree from Moorpark College in 2007. She plans to attend Video Symphony starting January 2011 to pursue certifications in television/film editing. She currently works part-time at an emergency veterinary clinic as an unregistered assistant and plans to pursue her license within the next two years. As Five Acres’ lead Teen Trainer, Regina is a strong advocate for the rights of current and emancipated foster youth.
Brenda is currently in Five Acres Foster Care Program. She is a new member to the Five Acres Teen Trainers team. She is a strong advocate for foster youths and works part-time teaching ILP classes for foster youth at Pasadena City College. Brenda also volunteers through the Day One organization and is a full time student at Pasadena City College. She is interested in law enforcement and wants to join the FBI.