My Nonprofit Reviews

I was a youth residing at the Whittier facility and am so grateful that I landed at a Heritage home! I was 16 when I was placed and a very depressed, confused, angry girl. My one saving grace was that I had always been a good student but being placed in foster care destroyed my will and I no longer cared about school.
I felt cared for in a gentle and kind way by all the staff, especially the leadership team. They were so interested in my potential, future and helping me adjust, heal, become healthy emotionally and psychologically. Through their eyes and effort, I could see myself as someone better, stronger, capable and wanted the future they painted for me so I got back on track!! I finished High School and started volunteering at Heritage, then I finished college and started working at Heritage as an employee all the way through my Masters program. I am now in the doctorate program, no longer work at Heritage but I serve on the Board of Directors as the President and Chair.

When I think of my Heritage family, the words compassion, kindness, commitment and quality of service comes to mind. Our motto is "Kindness and Compassion in Action" and each person at this organization lives this motto every day. The culture has been set as being very generous in all regards; with the employees, the youth, the volunteers, community and family members of the youth. It's like they wrap their warm arms of love around everyone who walks through the doors and it is felt and appreciated.

The lessons and wisdom taught to the the youth go beyond just basic self-care, counseling, independent living skills and relationship building. While all those are important, Heritage goes further and has a holistic approach that includes things such as yoga classes, creative photography studio, meditation practices, healthy diet and cooking workshops, a community garden that the youth work on and a strong mentoring program that involves leaders and business owners who take kids under their wing.

I will always consider Heritage as family and can attest to the affect these wonderful people have had on my life and success as an adult. I was raised here and now living the life that they envisioned for me and helped me create.
Here is a picture of me when I was 16 taken at the Whittier facility and one now... yes, I have come a long way thanks to Heritage!!