Rancho Damacitas is hosting an exclusive and intimate evening that will feature a progressive dining experience at two of Temecula’s finest wineries, an award-winning performance by Smokey Robinson at Pechanga Resort & Casino and VIP transportation to event locales. The benefit will be held on Friday, March 18, 2016 and is limited to 50 couples or 100 individuals.
100% of proceeds will benefit former foster youth on their path to independent living through Rancho Damacitas Children & Family Services, an organization successfully serving foster children in the Temecula Valley for over 30 years.
Riverside County is home to over 4,500 foster children. Of those, 600 teens will “age-out” of foster care at age 18 each year. The outcomes for these youth are grim with 65% of emancipated youth transitioning out of care without a plan. Less than half of all foster youth complete their high school education, compared to only 16% of the general population, leading to high rates of unemployment and homelessness. Two years following emancipation, 50% of all former foster youth remain homeless or unemployed.
Ranch Damacitas recognized the need to provide extended programs to young adults struggling to get on their feet following foster care. Transitional housing, employment readiness, scholarships and mentorships are provided to help young adults with a history of child abuse move from dependency system into independent adulthood. Rancho Damacitas’ umbrella of services provide disadvantaged youth with concrete, comprehensive support during critical times of need to nurture and empower them as they become self-sufficient, contributing community members.
About Rancho Damacitas –
Rancho Damacitas Children & Family Services works with current and former foster youth to defy the odds. Our mission is to end the cycle of child abuse by providing comprehensive care and compassion for abused and neglected children and young adults through life-enriching opportunities and strength-based, solution-focused programs and services. Founded in 1983, Rancho Damacitas consists of a residential campus housing 36 foster children within six family-style cottages combined with enrichment, educational and therapeutic programs to help foster youth move beyond their painful pasts and thrive.
Sponsors of this worthwhile event include, Wilson’s Creek Winery, Pechanga Resort & Casino, and Grapeline Wine Tours. For more information about sponsorship opportunities and tickets to Intimate Evening, please contact Nancy Harvey at 951-302-2317, ext. 239 or email at nancy@4kidsfirst.org.