Today was the first of the commitments that I will fulfill for those teens leaving shelter care after turning 18 years of age. You see once a teen reaches the age of 18 they are capped out meaning that the state no longer pays for them to live at the shelter and therefore they must leave to start their journey in life. There is just one problem....where do they go? With nothing to their name, and no one to help it seems like a dead end. There has been attempts in the past to transition these teens into society but it has really never worked due to funding. So this is where the shelter where I use to live at,
Casa Pacifica, has stepped up to the plate for these teens and is going far beyond their call of duty. They just implemented a transitional housing program and the first two recipients moved out this weekend into an apartment.
When I caught wind of this I knew that
"Luggage of Love" had to play a part in this program and I quickly went out and purchased items for their new place and loaded them in the luggage that I would give to them. I was able to purchase a dinnerware, flatware, and glass set, a toaster, 8 pieces pot & pan set, cooking utensils, bath items, and two blankets. Just a little something to get them started and to let them know that I know that they will succeed and I believe in them...it was the least I or anyone could do!
I think it is amazing how people are unaware that there are so many children in our own back yards that are waiting for someone to just give them a chance. Children who just need love and guidance for not a few hours or weeks...but for a lifetime. Please keep these things in mind when you go to sleep tonight in your comfortable bed.....with a refrigerator full of food....there is some child out there wishing they had those things many of us take for granted each and every day.
This evening I was honored to be the guest speaker at the 21st Annual Angels Ball held at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks California. The Angels Ball is an annual black-tie gala to benefit the children and families of Casa Pacifica (the shelter I use to live at). Being an alumni I was able to share my story with everyone so that the attendees had a deeper understanding of how their contributions truly help the shelter youth. I expressed to the group how important Casa Pacifica is in my life still to this day. And because of the shelter I was able to learn boundaries, obtain my first possessions, and more importantly find a family and a place to call home. At the end of my speech I received a standing ovation, which I can honestly say brought tears to my eyes and will forever be a symbol of why I have chosen the right path. 
The Casa Pacifica Angels are a special group of over 300 volunteers that collectively raise millions of dollars each year for Casa Pacifica through fundraising events. The Angels also host four exciting parties each year for the shelter children, assist in various programs, and serve as real-life role models. While speaking with many of the Angel Volunteers that evening, I was able to share my story and the amazing things that the Angels Cloud Nine Program had done for me personally. 
During the evening there was a live auction where the attendees bid on many different prize packages. One amazing portion of this live auction was when the attendees had the opportunity to bid on sponsoring a group of Casa Pacifica children to attend the San Diego Sea World Kid's Camp. This particular auction went for $25,000!! I was touched to see people donating so generously to such an important place. A million thanks to all of those individuals who help make Casa Pacifica the place it is... you are the reason I am who I have become today. I thank you with all my heart!
