Children's Fund Receives $17,500 From U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank has approved and presented $17,500 for Children’s Fund Foster Youth Educational Programs which will empower foster and former foster youth through higher education. Venus, a participant in Children’s Fund programs, is a great example of how U.S. Bank’s grant to Children’s Fund Scholarship Fund makes a difference to foster youth in local communities. Last spring Children’s Fund awarded four scholarships to foster youth at the Shine-A-Light Breakfast and Venus was one of the recipients. Her story shows the determination and resiliency that we celebrate. At the age of 13, Venus was introduced to drugs by her mother. With both parents being drug addicts, Venus ended up on the streets and became pregnant. By the age of 14, Venus, still a child herself, had two children. In February 2012, protective services was called and Venus’ children were placed into foster care. Knowing that her life would not get better if she did not make some substantial changes, Venus also entered foster care and her life began to turn around. She graduated from high school with a 3.25 GPA. She currently is attending San Bernardino Valley College, studying to become a registered nurse. She has both of her children back with her and has been drug free for 18 months. Venus recently sent an email to Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund. “I just wanted to give you an update and thank you for the scholarship," she wrote. "I am attending San Bernardino Valley College. The money helped to pay for books, class and school supplies. Again, thank you." “Less than 5 percent of foster or former foster youth graduate from college with four year degrees. It is because of generous financial supporters, like U.S. Bank, that we are able to make a real difference in the lives of these young adults,” said Phillips. Children’s Fund provides scholarship funds at Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State San Bernardino as well as the county’s four junior colleges for foster and former foster youth.