Resource fair brought foster youth awareness to Valley

Speaker and author David Ambroz discussed growing up in the foster system during “Spring Connect.”

By Kenya Harris, Staff Writer

Keynote speaker and author David Ambrose spoke about the trauma of the foster care system during the event A Place Called Home: Spring Connect at Valley College. (Savannah Greenly | Valley Star)

Students and staff joined together on the warm spring day of May 3 for a resource fair advocating for the foster youth system and LGBTQIA+ services.

Since the event took place during National Foster Care Month, the event was titled “A Place Called Home: Spring Connect” and contained a book signing and speech given by author and national poverty and child welfare advocate David Ambrose.

“Every foster kid is a miracle and will change the world,” said Ambroz last Wednesday at the May 3, Spring Resource Fair.

Ambrose gave a summary of his journey from a homeless youth living in New York City, to his experiences in and out of the foster care system. He spoke to the inherent value of all people, including those who have been in the foster and unhoused communities.

Ambroz spoke about the difficulties facing the large number of LGBTQIA+ people in foster care. “All of us have the ability to open our house and homes to these youth,” said the author.

The speaker’s presentation was especially aimed at the homeless and foster youth. In his presentation he made sure to say that his foster care experience made him the capable person he is today. Despite his difficult journey, Ambroz later became a graduate of Vassar College and UCLA.

Another point of pride for Ambroz was the success of his brother Alex Ambroz and sis- ter Jessica Ambroz, who also went on to greater success in their careers and enjoy a good quality of life. Alex served in the military and Jessica works as a social worker.

Ambroz’s advocacy for foster students didn’t stop when he received his Juris Doctor from UCLA. He also served as the president of the city planning commission for Los Angeles and reminded the decision makers that those with his back- ground have just as much right to a good life as anyone else.

“It’s the society and the systems that are the problem,” said Ambroz.

The solution as put by Ambroz was for more individuals to make foster youth and homeless youth their business.

The fair and speaker were the result of the Rainbow Pride Center, Guardian Scholars, and the Basic Needs Resource Center joining forces. Present at the fair was Alex Ojeda from the Guardian Scholars Program, who assists former foster youths with the diffi- cult expenses that come with college. The San Fernando Valley LGBTQ+ Center, North Los Angeles County Regional Center, and LA Family Housing advised students on how to get support for unhoused families, individuals and youths.