Rancho Damacitas Raises $30,000 for Scholarships

DeLuz, CA, June 29, 2018 – A small group of friends and former foster youth raised $30,000 to fund scholarships for Riverside County former foster youth for the upcoming academic year. The BBQ dinner also highlighted the accomplishments of last year’s scholarship the recipients, including recent college graduate Alex Kerhli, a former Rancho Damacitas foster youth and New Heights Scholarship recipient since 2014. Alex graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego with a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and was soon hired by the City of Moreno Valley. Alex was also honored with an award from Supervisor Chuck Washington, presented here by representative Sundae Sayles.

“Alex’s education was a great investment and we look forward to seeing how he continues to support his community through his career. We are also extremely grateful to those who are helping us make education possible for more former foster youth from Riverside County this next year through their financial support,” states Marty Shea, Rancho Damacitas Board of Directors and Scholarship Chair.

The New Heights Scholarship program was started in 2012 to make attending college a reality for Riverside County former foster youth. Foster youth are usually able to attend any accredited college or university tuition free, but yet only 10% of former foster youth attempt to attend college and of those, less than 3% graduate. The New Heights Scholarships are award a student between $3,000 - $5,000 per academic year to help them overcome barriers to attending school such as purchasing supplies and books, transportation, or meal plans.

The BBQ celebration took place at Todd and Christene Close’s home in De Luz where 40 individuals, friends, and former foster youth attended. Christene serves on the Board of Directors for Rancho Damacitas. The evening featured food provided by Chef Steve Bearse with New Life Culinary Creations and complimentary wine provided by Ponte Family Estate Winery. A highlight of the night was hearing from past scholarship students and learning about their future goals. As for the students, hearing from Alex was inspiring.

“There were many times I wanted to quit. It was hard. But I didn’t quit and I accomplished my goal. I challenge all the foster youth here tonight to not give up.” Alex stated during his speech.

Rancho Damacitas Children & Family Services is a local nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to breaking the cycle of child abuse through programs offering care, compassion, and support helping young adults and victims of abuse grow to become self-sufficient, thriving members in our community. For more information on the scholarship program or the organization, please visit our website at www.4KidsFirst.org or call (951)302-2317.