Extraordinary Families

Cause Area

  • Advocacy & Human Rights
  • Children & Youth
  • Community
  • Employment
  • LGBTQ+

Location

221 N. Ardmore AvenueLos Angeles, CA 90004 United States

Website:

http://www.extraordinaryfamilies.org
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Organization Information

Mission Statement

Extraordinary Families' mission is to help children and youth in foster care to have the childhoods and futures they rightfully deserve. Our vision is that every child, youth, and family in child welfare will have the ability to achieve their hopes, fulfill their dreams, and thrive.

Description

Extraordinary Families (EF) is a leading child welfare organization whose mission is to help children and youth in foster care to have the childhoods and futures they rightfully deserve. For more than 25 years, we have been a leader in foster care and adoption in Los Angeles, joining thousands of children, youth, and families. Our work consists of four primary efforts along a continuum of care: 1) training and supporting foster parents for children entering the foster care system, 2) joining children and families through adoption, 3) supporting young adults with trauma and child welfare history as they transition to adulthood, and 4) advocacy and public policy.

We take tremendous pride in our work to reduce childhood trauma, encourage safety and stability, and empower children and youth to thrive. Indeed, 95% of the children we serve experience only one foster home while under our care, a testament to our trauma-informed care model and ongoing individualized support for foster parents. We also help youth aging out of foster care make positive life advancements. We empower them to address past trauma and build skills focused on life improvement, employment, and educational advancement, and match youth with caring mentors to support them every step of the way.

Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children and youth in foster care!

Reviews

Would you recommend Extraordinary Families?
8 reviews Write a review
by Leslie K. (2016-02-09 16:09:42.0)
Youth In Transition has been a gift to volunteer for. The director of the program is the kind of person you wished you had in every organization around the world. Beth Ryan is dedicated, educated, and doesn't stop shedding her love for the young adults, ever. It's inspiring. I have had the joy of being a part of this program since October 2015 which is not long but the impact has been fierce Beth made it very accessible to be a co-mentor by guiding me through the proper procedures they need for us to volunteer (ie: paperwork, finger prints, etc. etc.). I hung out in the office helping where I could until I was able to actually start mentoring. Since then I have greatly enjoyed meeting these fantastic young adults and getting to spend time with cool and interesting people. It's opened up some new doors and I love walking through them. Thank you Youth In Transition and Beth.
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by Kathy L. from OH (2016-02-08 08:21:12.0)
I started volunteering at Extraordinary Families in September of 2015 and within a couple of short months I have had the opportunity to meet many spectacular individuals. Among the many people I have encountered - Beth Ryan, the Youth in Transition Program Director, is truly an amazing and kindhearted person. Her vision to start a program dedicated to helping young adults, who are currently in foster care or aging out of the system, by offering them support and building strong relationships with co-mentors is remarkable. Being a volunteer at this agency is such a rewarding experience and it is fascinating to see how many other adults are willing to support the young adults. Many of the young adults that I have met at the agency are the nicest individuals that I have ever came across. So if you are someone who is looking to meet wonderful people and make new friends, I encourage you to attend an orientation to learn how to be a part of a happy, friendly, and caring community.
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by catharine d. (2015-04-10 11:45:12.0)
I've volunteered two years for two months each time (2014, 2015) in the Youth In Transition program which helps young people aging out of the foster care system with job readiness, housing, adult mentors and more. The agency is expanding its work to reach foster care youth in Long Beach and those coming out of the probation system and needs help supporting those efforts. My work ranged from research for their app and foster care data, preparation for public speaking and frankly, whatever was needed. The agency does important work and because it's small, you get a sense of their overall work. Great staff and for me, super location! If you care about kids, especially those who 'through no fault of their own' need people on their side who they can count on... the volunteer work is helpful and the payback to me was a hundred fold.
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by Desiree Z. (2015-04-09 15:06:54.0)
I have been volunteering for SCFFAA since the beginning of 2015 and have worked closely with the Youth in Transition Program Director, Beth Ryan. The Youth in Transition program is dedicated to helping young adults who were or are in foster care connect with adults/mentors who can provide them with support and most importantly help them build supportive/positive relationships. I am amazed by the diverse population of mentors that the program receives every year. Not only do the young adults make friends but so do the adults/mentors. Although the program only requires that the mentors and young adults meet once a month many find themselves connecting more often and making lifetime friendships. I highly recommend this program to those looking to make a difference in the lives of young adults.
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by Pam S. (2014-12-08 20:22:36.0)
I volunteered with the SCFFAA mentoring program for one year. It was a great pleasure meeting some really great young people who were transitioning out of the system. SCFFAA provided workshops and additional support during our volunteer time but they also gave us freedom to initiate and plan our own events. I would highly recommend anyone looking to work with young adults to volunteer with this group. I still am in touch with my group and can't imagine not having them in my life.
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by Daniel B. (2013-11-17 12:18:50.0)
Focus is on at risk youth who are exiting Foster system. Leadership seems well informed on issues and a willingness to meet volunteers at their level of interest and time availability.
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by Melinda U. from San Pedro, CA (2013-11-12 20:30:44.0)
I am a new volunteer co-mentor in SCFFAA's Youth in Transition program, which helps foster youth adjust to healthy adulthood as they learn new skills. I have volunteered at other organizations, and worked in administration for a number of other nonprofits, and can easily say that SCFFAA outshines them all in honoring and supporting volunteers' efforts. The staff members there are fantastic--intelligent, inspired, empowered, and highly motivated. The place has a marvelous mission which is reflected at different levels. I am so enthusiastic about the organization that I am encouraging others I know to consider volunteering there.
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by Peggy C. (2013-11-12 18:52:28.0)
The dedication and professionalism of the team running the Youth in Transition program has helped to create a very positive opportunity and experience for all involved.
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