Contact: Robin Godfrey, Public Affairs Strategist, (805) 798-7008, Robin.Godfrey@ventura.org
VENTURA, Calif.—Today, the Ventura County Human Services Agency (HSA), in partnership with Ventura County-based nonprofit James Storehouse, opened the application period for VC Thrive, a supplemental income pilot program serving former foster youth between the ages of 21 and 26 with low incomes. The 18-month program provides monthly stipends of $1,000 to 150 eligible individuals.
Many young adults aging out of foster care with limited resources and support networks face challenges that make it difficult to achieve their goals for education, employment, housing and overall well-being. By providing a supplemental monthly income to help cover necessities such as food, housing and utilities, VC Thrive aims to enable participants to focus on pursuing educational and career opportunities that will put them on a path toward self-sufficiency and a greater quality of life.
“This is an amazing opportunity to break the cycle of poverty experienced by many young adults transitioning out of foster care,” said HSA Director Melissa Livingston. “Investing in them is not only an investment in their future but in that of the broader community. We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply.”
To be eligible for the VC Thrive income pilot program, participants must:
- Be a former foster youth between the ages of 21 and 26 who aged out of care in Ventura County (eligible youth can apply up to 90 days before their 21st birthday or 30 days after their 26th birthday);
- Currently reside in California; and
- Have an annual household income that falls at or below the HUD low-income limit for Ventura County (i.e. $74,400 for single-person household, $85,500 for two-person household, etc.).
Visit the VC Thrive website for more details and a link to the application. The application will close on Feb. 29, 2024, or as soon as 150 eligible applicants have been enrolled in the program.
The VC Thrive supplemental income pilot program is made possible by an over $1.5 million grant from the State Department of Social Services, $1.5 million in County funding, and $2,700 in private funds. After a competitive bidding process, HSA selected James Storehouse—a Newbury Park nonprofit with extensive experience supporting current and former foster youth—to administer the program.
“I am so proud that James Storehouse is part of VC Thrive. These young people need our support as they pursue their education and employment goals. This program won’t just help them survive; it will help them to actually thrive,” said James Storehouse Executive Director Stacy DeWitt.
James Storehouse is helping HSA conduct outreach about VC Thrive to young adults exiting the foster care system and is responsible for reviewing applicants’ eligibility for the program, enrolling the selected participants, and managing the onboarding process.
Anyone needing assistance with their VC Thrive application can call James Storehouse at (805) 499-7161 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
About the Ventura County Human Services Agency (HSA)
HSA provides high-quality public services that offer support, hope and opportunity for improved well-being. Visit us online to learn more about our services; and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
About James Storehouse
James Storehouse is a 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofit established in 2012. Located in Newbury Park, Calif., James Storehouse partners with local public and private child welfare agencies. From cribs to college, James Storehouse supports children in foster care, youth aging out of foster care, children who have been commercially sexually exploited, children “at-risk” of removal, and all of their caregiving families.
