DPSS Annual Report 24_25 FLIP v16_compressed

Children’s Services Division

Holiday Celebration Brings Connection to Young Adults in Extended Foster Care

Young adults in Extended Foster Care celebrated the December holiday sea son at New Beginnings Community Church in Norco. Extended Foster Care allows youth to remain in foster care af ter turning 18 and continue receiving support until age 21. These young adults, known as Non-minor Dependents, of ten feel the weight of the holidays more deeply than their peers, which made the evening’s warmth especially meaningful. Nearly 100 young adults stepped into a full Polar Express experience. A ticket booth greeted them at the door, des serts matched the magic of the journey and a life-size locomotive stretched across the stage, turning the room into a festive trip to the North Pole. The celebration buzzed with Santa pho tos, a holiday selfie booth, hot coffee, rich cocoa, charcuterie boards and fluffy

Every young adult received a gift card donated by the community. Many at tended with their own children, whose faces lit up as Santa and his workshop crew handed them wrapped presents. Faith partners added handmade quilts, toys, hygiene kits and craft stations, while local stylists offered free haircuts that boosted confidence and connec tion. The night ended with dancing, grat itude and a powerful sense of belonging. “Our non-minor dependents left know ing their community stands beside them, celebrating their resilience and believing in their future,” said Deputy Director Michelle Wohl, with Children’s Services Division. “This was more than a holiday event. It was a reminder of hope, connection and the power of coming to gether.”

mini pancakes. After a welcome from Children’s Services, Probation, Faith in Motion and Oak Grove Center, guests shared dinner and listened to an inspir ing keynote from a La Sierra University Church pastor whose message filled the room with hope and encouragement. celebrating their resilience and believing in their future. — Deputy Director Michelle Wohl, Children’s Services Division Our non-minor dependents left knowing their community stands beside them,

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Riverside County Department of Public Social Services | Annual Report 2024 - 2025