Representative Mike Garcia (CA-27) secured $270,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education for Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services to expand their educational advocacy program for children in the Antelope Valley foster care system.

“I’m so proud to have secured this funding for our community,” said Congressman Mike Garcia. “Foster youth are one of the most vulnerable and academically at-risk student groups in our community, and the Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services has been making an impact in that very community for years. There’s still much work to be done, but I’m confident this investment will work to give these children, young adults, and families the educational support they need to succeed.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the increased funding, at the recommendation of Rep. Garcia, allowing us to expand the critical services we provide to at-risk youth in the Antelope Valley,” said Todd Sosna, Ph.D., CEO of Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services. “This will accelerate our ongoing efforts to serve more foster youth through educational advocacy, coordination with teachers, support to caregivers, and tutoring of children in order to promote long-term educational success.”