Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services

Over the years, the youth in our care have brought many talents through our doors, including a creative eye that they’ve channeled into the art of painting. Their creativity and expression through art deserve to be celebrated, and we are always amazed by their talent. It’s hard for us to pick a favorite, so we’d love to hear from you – which painting speaks to you the most? 🎨✨

We were honored to host Senator María Elena Durazo at our Highland Park headquarters. The Senator's visit highlights our shared dedication to empowering youth across our community. Thank you for supporting our mission to build brighter futures for at-risk youth. 🌟 Learn more about our mission at www.OYHFS.org!

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services! 🎆 Today, we celebrate the spirit of community and the positive impact we strive to make every day.

We believe that every child deserves a loving and permanent home. Since 1999, our Foster Families & Adoptions (FFA) program has been making this possible. Little Josh found his forever family with the Wrights through our FFA program. With unwavering support and guidance from our Adoption Specialists, the Wright Family welcomed Josh into their hearts and home. They shared, “We’ve received really good support from Optimist, and it’s great to know that we can always get a hold of somebody if we need help.” Josh now enjoys the love, safety, and care he deserves with the Wrights. And the good news continues—the Wright Family has since adopted another child through OYHFS, bringing even more love into their home! Join us in celebrating families like the Wrights who open their hearts and homes. Visit www.oyhfs.org/fostering to read more success stories or to learn more about the fostering process. 🌟

🌟 Big news alert! Let's come together to applaud Frances and Jose, our outstanding Employees of the Month at Optimist! Frances is an incredibly dedicated and talented social worker who develops strong, positive, and helpful relationships with the resource families and youth she supports. Her optimistic and caring attitude makes a big difference every day, bringing warmth and hope to those around her. Jose is exceptionally patient and effective in his role supporting youth in our shelter care program. His proactive, engaging, and trauma-informed approach is greatly appreciated by all. His dedication and optimism truly stand out, making a lasting impact on the lives he touches. Congratulations to Frances and Jose for this incredible achievement, and we thank you both for your unwavering commitment to building bright futures. 🌟🥳

At Optimist, our commitment to empowering youth is driven by our WERC initiative. By focusing on Wellness, Education, Relationships, and Career pathways, we empower youth and families to build emotional resilience and strong support systems. Through our dedicated support across various settings and over time, we ensure that every young person we serve has the tools to thrive. 🌟 Learn more about our mission and impact by visiting www.oyhfs.org today!

We are thrilled to congratulate one of our incredible STRTP residents on her high school graduation! 🎓🎉 To celebrate this incredible milestone, we enjoyed a spectacular performance of Mrs. Doubtfire at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. A huge thank you to the Bella Arts Foundation for generously providing the funding for this unforgettable experience. Your support means the world to us and makes a significant impact on the lives of the youth we serve! 💖

At Optimist, our volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission. We are incredibly grateful for their unwavering dedication and the diverse talents they bring to our community. From gardening to cooking classes, yoga to pottery, and even makeup tutorials, our volunteers enrich the lives of our youth in countless ways. Their passion and generosity help create a nurturing environment where every young person can thrive and discover new interests. Thank you to all our amazing volunteers for your tireless efforts and for making such a profound impact. Together, we are building brighter futures! Want to join our incredible team of volunteers? Your unique skills and interests can make a real difference. Visit www.oyhfs.org/volunteer to learn how you can get involved today. 💙

🌈 Happy Pride Month from Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services! 🌈 At Optimist, we proudly celebrate diversity and stand with the LGBTQ+ community. This Pride Month, we reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Let's come together in love and unity, embracing our differences and spreading kindness. 🏳️🌈 Happy Pride! 🏳️🌈

We're still buzzing with excitement from our Crys Matthews concert and resource fair! 🌟 Today, let's take a moment to recognize the incredible organizations that not only participated in the event but also contribute positively to our community every single day: the YWCA, Dignity Health, Environmental Science High School, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Better Together Forever, and the YMCA of Glendale. Their missions of empowerment, kindness, education, and support are truly making a difference. Thank you all for your unwavering support and for helping us build brighter future for today's youth! ❤️ It's never too late to get involved! Whether it's through mentoring, volunteering, fostering, or donating, every contribution makes a meaningful difference. Visit www.oyhfs.org today to learn more about how you can make a positive impact in the lives of our youth and community.