Community Connections

March 14, 2022

Meet Guardian Scholar, Diega

Diega is a part of Guardian Scholars and is on course to becoming the first generation in her family to graduate college, one of many students in the program. She has risen beyond obstacles to become an exceptional student and person.

Never really in touch with her birth parents, she and her two sisters were raised by her grandmother until age six, when her grandmother became unable to care for them. She and her sisters were initially placed together, before being separated. This instability meant that there was little chance to feel settled and rooted.

Now that she is older, aged 21, she takes pride in forming a family of her own, filled with loving and supportive people. Her maturity and independence have served her well as she has overcome many challenges in her young life. She loves school and is avidly pursuing her degree and a career in social work.

Diega is proud of who she has become, and in addition to pursuing her educational goals, Diega is building a sense of purpose, self-worth, and accomplishment.

Because of supporters like you, Diega is able to live her life on her terms and follow her dreams.

We’re proud of you, Diega!

Meet Diega

Guardian Scholar Brittney Featured in The San Diego Union Tribune

Current Promises2Kids Guardian Scholar, Brittney, was featured this week in the San Diego Union-Tribune. In it, she opened up about the impact Promises2Kids has had on her life, and how our programs have helped her find her voice. 

The article also featured former foster youth and current Promises2Kids Board Member, Mark Wills, who describes his story as well as what inspires his leadership.

We are thankful to Brittney and Mark for representing Promises2Kids’ mission so well!

Photo Credit: Charlie Newman/The San Diego Union Tribune

Reuniting Siblings in Foster Care, Thanks To People Like You

Siblings Maya (13), James (12), Mallory (10), Joseph (8), and Melanie (6) entered foster care in 2020 and are living apart across 3 homes.

Each year, there are over 3,000 current and former foster youth in San Diego County who enter foster care due to abuse and neglect, through no fault of their own.

Click below to read the story of this recent Camp Connect sibling visit to see how programs like Camp Connect help create brighter futures for our foster youth.

Promises2Kids CEO Hosts Lunch for Guardian Scholars

Promises2Kids recently hosted a lunch event with our CEO, Tonya Torosian. 

Several Guardian Scholars shared opinions and engaged in a multifaceted discussion covering topics including new Promises2Kids programming, emerging employment trends, as well as current and potential collaborations with leaders in San Diego County. 

At the forefront of the afternoon was the theme of peer outreach and Youth2Youth mentoring growing within the larger foster youth community. Those in attendance were excited to hear about our progressive plans for our programs, the important role of our volunteers and mentors, and how we continue to honor and promote diversity and inclusion for positive change. 

At Promises2Kids we value the unique input and opinions of our youth as a fundamental element of our mission to serve the current and former foster youth of San Diego.

Promises2Kids Annual Reception

Last week Promises2Kids held its Annual Reception at The Lot in La Jolla. Nearly 100 board members, advisory council members, donors, and employees were in attendance to enjoy refreshments, celebrate Promises2Kids’ successes, and look forward to what we plan to accomplish in 2022.

Agency leadership including Board Chair Merrilee Neal, CEO Tonya Torosian, & COO Stephanie Ortega spoke, followed by an inspiring speech by Guardian Scholar, Monique. She shared her journey through foster care, her successes, as well as her plans for the future, which capped off a wonderful evening.

Promises2Kids is looking forward to achieving our goals this year as we continue to create brighter futures for San Diego’s foster youth!

Annual Reception