Duffel bags for Foster Kids
SAN DIEGO (Press Release) –San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis joined County Supervisor Dave Roberts and Child Welfare Services Director, Debra Zanders-Willis to help Boy Scout Shane Uribe widen his Eagle Scout service project of providing new duffel bags to foster youth for their belongings. The bags are filled with basic necessities including a blanket, pillow, sheets and a bath towel and will be given to young adults in the Extended Foster Care Program who are transitioning into new housing, college or who have chosen to leave the system altogether.
Uribe, 13, was in the foster care system from age five to nine and carried his possessions in a trash bag when he was moved from home to home. The boy says it made him feel like his belongings had no value. His goal was to provide foster children with heavy duty duffelbags in which they could carry their belongings. He also wanted to provide items of comfort including a soft blanket, a stuffed animal and a flashlight.
“We heard about Shane’s project and it inspired us,” DA Dumanis said. “Our hope is that these small, but basic items will help young people as they progress out of the dependency court system. Those of us in the criminal justice system recognize the links between the foster care and public safety, which is why it’s important to provide help and services during this transitional period.”
The Extended Foster Care Program supports foster youth up to age 21 as they become independent adults. The program services include housing assistance, financial aid for college, medical coverage and monthly visits with a social worker to provide guidance and support.
“Having Shane’s project expanded has meant the world to him,” said Shane’s mother, Lisa Uribe, who adopted him when he was nine. “He cares deeply for those in the foster care system and knowing that there are others committed to his cause has brought Shane such joy.”
“Transitioning to the responsibilities of young adulthood is tough enough,” said County Supervisor Dave Roberts. “In many cases a young adult coming out of the system may not know what basic items they need to get started. A duffel bag with basic necessities is a little helping hand, but a very important one.”
Child Welfare Services plays an important role in safeguarding children and works with other County departments to provide care.
“This project highlights a strong partnership between the District Attorney’s Office, the County Board of Supervisors and Child Welfare Services,” said Child Welfare Services Director Debra Zanders-Willis. “Although the Extended Foster Care program provides support for our youth, the leadership of Shane Uribe will bring additional resources to help in their transition into independence.”
The District Attorney’s Office purchased 100 duffel bags and accompanying items with asset forfeiture funding, which is money seized from drug dealers and other criminals and distributed to law enforcement agencies to use on crime prevention and other programs.
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Preceding provided by the office of District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis