How did you get started in your career? Did you switch majors, fields, or lines of work? Did you have professional mentors along the way? When did you know that you found the right path? Ever dealt with imposter syndrome? What do you wish you had learned earlier?

Many of us can remember transitioning into adult and professional life, when it seemed all we had was question after question and no answers. Some of us could have used a mentor! Luckily for Guardian Scholar members Leadership Network members, they had the chance recently to ask a whole array of coaches just those types of questions at our biannual Networking Mixer

Guardian Scholars practiced introducing themselves, speaking about their interests and ambitions, and learning about different professions. It was also a chance to pick the brains of established and professionally successful community members, gathering grains of hard-earned wisdom along the way.

It’s always inspiring to witness Guardian Scholars grow into themselves as they confront their anxieties, hone their skills, and see their own future come into focus. We are grateful for our Leadership Network coaches for taking their time to give back and help life up others. This wouldn’t be possible without you!

Camp Connect recently set out for its Annual Roar and Snore Overnight at the @sdzsafaripark. This event is one of the highlights of the year because overnights are a chance for siblings to not only spend some extra hours together, but to be one of the last people they see before going to bed, and one of the first when they wake up.

After spending the day encountering rhinos, antelope, condors, cheetahs, and more exotic and rare creatures in native habitats and private guided tours, campers headed for the exclusive Roar and Snore event space, tents, and campground. Groups of siblings then split to join tour guides on hosted after-hours walking tours, witnessing rare behind-the-scenes sites of animals in their nightly rituals. All settled in at a big campfire complimented by s’mores and hot chocolate. When it was time to sleep, each child was provided a sleeping bag, blanket, and their choice of a @squishmallows plush toy.

A big breakfast greeted them in the morning before they enjoyed a private tram ride of the park before it was open to the public. After the tram ride, the group walked over to a private wildlife ambassador presentation, where zookeepers brought out small animals, like hedgehogs and birds, up close to campers.

As the morning wore on, it was time for hugs and goodbyes until next time. Thanks to Promises2Kids supporters like you, that won’t be long.

CEO, Tonya Torosian, was featured on the Spotlight on the Community podcast to talk about our wrap-around services for current and former foster children, from the moment they enter care through adulthood. President and CEO of National University, and Special Guest Host, Dr. Mark Milliron’s insightful and engaging questions get tho the core of each of our programs and the issues they are designed to address. 

One topic covered was our groundbreaking pilot program Foster Futures. With financial support from the Lucky Duck Foundation and the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, our groundbreaking program will provide foster youth with the resources and opportunities necessary to prevent homelessness.