The Foster Youth Peer Mentor Program was developed for the specific purpose of targeting and providing service for underserved populations, particularly foster youth. We have developed a foster youth mentor program with a student worker at its core. We have designated private office space for the youth to come together, share stories and build community.
The Foster Youth Peer Mentor is here to help you with the following:
o Assistance with the San Diego City College application process
o Assistance with Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants
- Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver (BOGW)
- FAFSA/ Pell Grant
- Chafee
- Guardian Scholars Scholarship
- Just In Time College Bound Application
o Develop and provide a peer mentor relationship so you know there is someone you can turn to for support on campus
o Academic Counseling
o Assistance with Community / Basic Needs
- Housing opportunities
- Medi-Cal and CalFresh/SNAP (formerly Food Stamps)
- Other resources available to you
o Assistance applying for EOPS & CARE
o Assistance with books
o Assistance with orienting you to campus by taking you on a campus tour
Contacts:
Helena Kelly Foster Youth Peer Mentor 619-388-3879 Office A-1-G
Alisa Rowland Counselor 619-388-3654 Office A-1- U
Meet your Foster Youth Peer Mentor:
Helena Kelly was in foster care for eight years, living in over 14 different placements. When in foster care, Helena fought to live life in a so called "Normal" way: attending public school, working, graduating with her class, and being as independent as possible. Since aging out of care Helena has gone onto college, studying law. Helena is a member of several different boards including, but not limited to, LEAP council, CAI board, and HYPE board. Helena has also done a lot of volunteer work with other organizations and has spoken several times to the Senate Committee in Sacramento to change foster care for the better. Helena recently became the guardian of her younger sister Jennifer, saving her from re-entering the system. “The choice is yours. Do you want to be a statistic of Foster Care or do you want to beat the statistics and blow them out of the water with your success?”
