PVF’s Social Worker/CASA Resource Grant program provides $250 grants to social workers and CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to support the critical needs of foster youth and children in court dependency. From the “thank you’s” we have received, we have seen these small grants make a big impact in the lives of our communities’ children and youth.

“The $250… enabled [the foster youth] to join the gym (and pay the monthly dues) that her foster family already attends.  [She] has many emotional issues and suffers from a lot of anxiety and has trouble sleeping. She has found that one secret to feeling better is regular exercise. Joining the gym also helped [her] to feel like part of the new foster family. She is doing so much better in the past 6 months than she was for the past 5 years. She is definitely on the right track these days and finally thinking about her future…. She graduates in June and wants to attend college and become a nurse…. We both so appreciate your help in all of this. Thank you!” – Karen, CASA volunteer working with 17-year-old foster youth

“I am very happy with all of this. Thank you very much. With the money I was able to buy a backpack and a pair of shoes and a pair of trousers and two t-shits and a shirt that I really needed. Thank you very much for everything, really. I am very grateful for the money and for what you have done for me. I am sorry that I need such help, but I’m also very happy.” – E., foster youth and undocumented minor from Guatemala (note translated from Spanish)

“Thank you for the money you gave to me for my retainers. I really appreciate it because I wouldn’t have been able to finish my process of keeping my teeth straight. I promise not to lose them again.” – M., foster youth

“I really appreciate the funds that my CASA was able to get me through you. It has helped me pay for aspects of the college process that I wouldn’t otherwise have the means to pay. I graduated high school and I am going to SF State in the fall.” – Q., foster youth

“I tell myself to ‘dream big, because dreams really do come true.’ This has certainly proved that. After all, when there is a will, there is a way. All I had was a will to get a computer so I could take Honors chemistry (as it only runs its lesson videos on PCs). Through the help of many people, there was a will. This experience has demonstrated to me that anything you put your mind to, you can achieve. Even if the circumstances seem impossible or hard…. My dream is to go to Harvard University for my undergrad and medical degree. I will use this computer to apply to Harvard! Again, thank you so very much. I am so grateful to the people who have helped me through this influential journey.” – 12-year-old in dependency ward

Each of these grants was awarded within 48 hours of us receiving a one-page request from a social worker or CASA. We strive to support high-need disadvantaged youth by removing traditional philanthropic obstacles in order to get funds directly to where they are needed the most. For more information about the Social Worker/CASA Resource Grant program, and our other “Immediate Response Grants”, click here.