Overcoming the Odds
Hear the inspirational story of one of our former foster youth, Adianna, and how she overcame the odds to be the successful woman that she is today. For so many of our youth, interactions with the system feel impersonal, transactional and mandated; in CII’s LAUNCH program, relationships are key and serve as a reliable source of support, validation and empowerment.
WHAT MAKES CII DIFFERENT &
HOW WE HELP
We care about your educational success AND your health & well-being.
We serve a broader range of transition-aged youth than other programs, from ages 14 to 27. CII’s LAUNCH program supports multiple transitions from high school to college, from college to career, as well as everything in between and beyond. Link up with mentors that can get you connected to resources like stable housing. Connect with peers at workshops & events that support physical and emotional health.
We believe you’re the expert in your own life, and we want to hear from you.
Foster youth have been told what to do for most of their lives. Our program puts the power back into their hands, by creating a youth-led commission that speaks into every program decision from which services to provide to how we market them. Join the Youth Commission to partner with CII staff to plan activities for the program, be compensated for your time and develop leadership skills.
We’re here to support system-involved youth create the life they choose.
At CII, we don’t just provide services, we’re creating opportunities for connection and joy. Youth build relationships with trusted adults in their community as well as their peers in order to create long-term, sustainable networks of support and camaraderie.
How will you know if this is the right program for you?
Eligible youth are 14-27 years old and have current or previous involvement in the child welfare or probation systems. Currently we serve youth residing in Long Beach or the surrounding areas (SPA 8 - South Bay), but are working to expand this service area in future years.