Catalyst Center

Champion. Partner. Advocate.
The California Alliance: The collective voice for organizations that serve children, youth and families

For those dedicated to improving the lives of these at-risk populations, the California Alliance stands apart as the champion and leading voice for organizations that advocate for children, youth and families, and for advancing policy and services on their behalf.

https://www.catalyst-center.org/

Contact us

Kristen Montgomery

kmontgomery@cacfs.org

Event Details

Welcoming all who are impacted by or are serving youth who have exited foster care or the juvenile justice system to collaborate on effective solutions to help transition aged youth with housing and supports to thrive into adulthood.


This is a collaborative project led by those with lived expertise and a cross section of professionals and providers who together seek to share and improve resources and available services.

Agenda

May 31, 2024

Main Schedule

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
Registration, networking and food, exploration of the Foster Youth Flea Market, Art from Penny Lane and Photography from Journey House
9:30 AM - 9:35 AM
Welcome Remarks + Opening Poetry Reading
Welcome Remarks by Selena Liu Raphael and Celeste Walley. Also, a reading from Jacqueline Robles.
Jacqueline Robles
Jacqueline Robles
9:40 AM - 9:50 AM
Keynote
Jo Williams will share her reflections on life after foster care and what foster youth need to thrive into adulthood
Jo Williams
Jo Williams
9:50 AM - 10:05 AM
Morning Grounding Activity: First Step in Mindfulness
Grounding is an initial step in mindfulness. We'll do a mindful listening and breathing exercise. Participants will intentionally "listen" and be "heard" without judgment.
10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
Fire-side Chat: From Recommendation to Legislation (AB2802)
Levi will share a personal impact statement about the importance of gender flexibility in THP services. Levi will share the journey of traveling to Sacramento to testify on behalf of AB2802. CACFS policy staff will share next steps and how you can support AB2082!
Levi Nuñez
Levi Nuñez
Purva Bhattacharjee
Purva Bhattacharjee
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Morning Presentations: Highlighting Rio Hondo College
Dr. Angela Medina Rhodes
Dr. Angela Medina Rhodes
Deborah V. Lopez
Deborah V. Lopez
Savannah Williams
Savannah Williams
Maybelline Mejia Paz
Maybelline Mejia Paz
Neli Cervantes Lopez
Neli Cervantes Lopez
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch and Exhibit Time
Networking and food, exploration of the Foster Youth Flea Market, art from Penny Lane and Didi Hirsch, pottery from Optimist Youth Homes, photography from Journey House and a community art demo with Joel Swazo!
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Grounding Activity #2: Afternoon Grounding
Grounding is an initial step in mindfulness. We'll do a mindful listening and breathing exercise. Participants will intentionally "listen" and be "heard" without judgment.
Eric Warren Jr.
Eric Warren Jr.
Andres J. Ruiz
Andres J. Ruiz
1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Afternoon Presentations: Underground GRIT
Underground GRIT advocates for and provides a full scope of transformative re-entry services and holistic mental health support to men, women, and youth who have been system impacted and who are breaking cycles perpetuated by trauma.
Sharon Tang, MPH
Sharon Tang, MPH
Josue
Josue "Swey" Pineda
2:45 PM - 3:05 PM
Closing Remarks: Twinspire - Together We Inspire
Demontea Thompson, a native of Compton, is the Executive Director of Together We Inspire, a Los Angeles nonprofit focused on enhancing educational and career outcomes for foster youth.

Angelo serves as Program Director for Twinspire. He is dedicated to uplifting Black and Brown youth and is passionate about combatting structural racism and creating spaces of radical healing
Demontea Thompson
Demontea Thompson
Angelo Agunae
Angelo Agunae
3:05 PM - 4:00 PM
Exhibits and Art Gallery
More networking and food, exploration of the Foster Youth Flea Market, Art from Penny Lane and Didi Hirsch, Pottery from Optimist Youth Homes and Photography from Journey House as we close our convening.

Presenters

Jacqueline Robles

Jacqueline Robles

Jo Williams

Jo Williams

Eric Warren Jr.

Eric Warren Jr.

Andres J. Ruiz

Andres J. Ruiz

Sharon Tang, MPH

Sharon Tang, MPH

Josue

Josue "Swey" Pineda

Levi Nuñez

Levi Nuñez

Purva Bhattacharjee

Purva Bhattacharjee

Dr. Angela Medina Rhodes

Dr. Angela Medina Rhodes

Deborah V. Lopez

Deborah V. Lopez

Savannah Williams

Savannah Williams

Maybelline Mejia Paz

Maybelline Mejia Paz

Neli Cervantes Lopez

Neli Cervantes Lopez

Angelo Agunae

Angelo Agunae

Demontea Thompson

Demontea Thompson

Tay Artists

Pay What You Can Sponsored Tickets

As organizers of Thriving into Adulthood Conference, we've adopted a "pay what you can" ticket model to underscore our commitment to inclusivity, community building, and alignment with our mission. By offering a graduated ticket model, we want to prioritize accessibility, ensuring that individuals passionate about our mission can participate regardless of financial constraints. This approach fosters a diverse and collaborative community, embodying our belief that positive change arises from inclusivity and shared dedication to our common cause. Additionally, any sponsored tickets contribute to providing sponsorships for our ongoing outreach, ensuring the continuity of impactful programs that align with our mission. 

Complimentary Conference Ticket

We extend a warm welcome to everyone who shares a passion for our mission. This complimentary ticket guarantees your registration for the Thriving into Adulthood Conference. Should you feel inclined to provide additional support to our youth programs, we invite you to explore our sponsor tickets during the checkout process. Your attendance not only enhances your experience but also plays a crucial role in fueling the growth and impact of our initiatives. Thank you for considering the opportunity to contribute to our cause through your participation.

Standard PriceComplimentary

Aligned Sponsor

This sponsored ticket solidifies Catalysts' dedication to fostering Community, Innovation, Equity, and Interconnectedness. By supporting the Catalyst mission, you contribute to the sustainability of our programs and the progression of the movement. Your support enables us to make a meaningful impact and uphold our commitment to these core values.

Standard Price$25

Bloom Sponsor

This sponsored ticket plays a direct role in covering expenses for our Foster Flea and Tay panelists' travel to and from the conference. These programs specifically cater to disenfranchised youth who have encountered the hurdles of the foster care system. We firmly believe that their participation and voices constitute an essential and integral aspect of the Thriving Into Adulthood Program. Your support ensures their meaningful involvement in shaping this transformative initiative.

Standard Price$50

Empower Sponsor

This sponsored ticket provides crucial backing for the emerging artists from both Penny Lane and Journey House. These programs are dedicated to supporting at-risk and underserved youth in nurturing their creative pursuits. By securing this support, we not only ensure the continued encouragement of the healing power of art but also contribute to the sustainability of our gallery. Additionally, your sponsorship aids in the production of the second edition of the Journey House poetry book, further amplifying the voices and talents of our young artists.

Standard Price$100

Sponsors and Partners

Venue

Venue

Kellogg West Conference Center and Hotel
West Temple Avenue 3801
Pomona, California

Contact us

For additional event or venue information, please send an email to kmontgomery@cacfs.org

See route

FAQ

Q: Is parking available for the conference? 

A: Yes, complimentary parking is provided for all conference attendees. If you intend to drive, kindly complete the following form to register your vehicle with the Kellogg West Conference Center for complimentary parking.

KW Conference Guest Parking Guest Link


*Please refer to the parking map image located at the bottom of the page, which is linked to a Google Map showcasing nearby hotels, restaurants, parking lot location, and more.

For more questions around parking please reach out to Kristen Montgomery at kmontgomery@cacfs.org


Q: Do I need a hotel room? 

A: Because this is a single day convening, we have not arranged a hotel block for our attendees. If you feel you may need a hotel room on Thursday, May 30th please see these nearby options within 15 minutes of the Kellogg West Event Center.


La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Pomona

3200 W Temple Ave, Pomona, CA, 91768

Hotel Booking Link


Best Western Diamond Bar Hotel & Suites

259 Gentle Springs Ln, Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Hotel Booking Link 


Q: Can I buy a ticket on-site? 

A: We are dedicated to providing a graduated ticketing system to ensure that everyone who desires to attend can do so, regardless of their financial circumstances. While complimentary tickets are offered for this event, we warmly welcome any voluntary donations you may wish to contribute while on-site.



Q: What is the refund policy?  

A: We are providing complimentary tickets for this event. Any ticket options that require payment, regardless of attendance, are considered donation tickets, and refunds will not be issued.

 

Q: Can I transfer my confirmed ticket to someone else if I'm unable to attend? 

A: Absolutely! We allow substitutions and transfers. Please contact Kmontgomery@cacfs.org if you need to transfer a confirmed ticket to another individual. 


Q: Who can I contact for more conference information? 

A: Please see staff contact list for more information. 


Sponsorship Inquiries: If you're interested in sponsoring this event, please reach out to Corina Dubon -cdubon@cacfs.org


Tay Involvement: If you are one of our Tay or exhibitors for this event, please each out to Celeste Walley - cwalley@catalyst-center.org 


Event Logisitics- If you have questions regarding event logistics, please reach out to Kristen Montgomery - Kmontgomery@cacfs.org