Finally Family Homes has opened its “Oasis Resource Center” in Newhall for young adults ages 18-26 who are aging out of the foster care system or facing homelessness.
Christina Dronen, founder of the nonprofit Finally Family Homes, began the mission in 2017 after realizing how many children become homeless after becoming an adult in the foster care system.
“I wanted to get involved. I started volunteering and I just felt like everybody was treating young adults like a band-aid situation that’s giving you food and clothing and then you go figure it out. And I really wanted to build more relationships. I thought so much of what they’ve experienced is relational trauma. And so, building healthy relationships is part of what can heal relational trauma,” Dronen said.
Dronen said that Finally Family Homes helps the young adults by being a hand to hold but not doing the work for them.
The Oasis Resource Center provides amenities like food, clothing, toiletries, and school supplies. They also provide life skills workshops.
“We have different ways of dealing with stress. So, we have this calming, kind of napping, calming room. We have our little fitness area. We have the arts, because part of growing up and being successful is learning how to deal with your stress,” Dronen said. “And these young people, whether they’re struggling with homelessness or aging out, they’ve dealt with a ton of stress and then they make less good choices.”
Josue Almaraz, a participant in the program, said seeing the community come out for the ribbon cutting was welcoming.
“It gives me an opportunity to understand everybody’s story and what they do, and it’s kind of not just networking, but honestly, feel more comfortable knowing that everybody here in the center is very, so helpful and very welcoming and understanding not just of your past, but who you actually are,” Almaraz said.
Almaraz said he did not want to come to Finally Family Homes when he began his journey, but the nonprofit has helped him with many opportunities like finding a job, financially helping him, and helping with housing.
When asked about how he feels seeing himself today compared to when he began the program, Almaraz said he feels like he has grown a great deal.
“I always had a mentality before just as a man, you will honestly do things on your own, and, you know, strive of not accepting help, but it’s OK to accept help. And it will honestly give you more opportunities to do so. And I just feel like I’ve grown so much of just opening it up to myself and trusting other people,” Almaraz said.
Jill Friedman, board chair of Finally Family Homes, said having these spaces is important because these young adults have not had the same chances as other people.
Friedman added that seeing the community come and join the festivities gives her hope.
“It just warms my heart. I just can’t say enough. Sometimes at a loss for words, because you can’t really put a price on something like this, except for (when) we’re hoping to give these youth hope and accomplishments and help them achieve their accomplishments,” Friedman said.
During the ceremony, local dignitaries’ representatives gave Dronen certificates to commemorate the occasion and recognize the organization’s work in the community.
Stephanie English, senior field deputy for 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, was thrilled for Dronen and her accomplishments with the organization.
“First, let me tell you about this woman. She serves with humility and quietness, which is a rare thing in Santa Clarita. She doesn’t vie for attention. She doesn’t vie for power. She serves,” English said. “She serves young people and youth, and I am so proud of the work you and your team do in this community. That’s the first thing I want to say. The second thing I want to say is, I’m also very proud to be associated with this group.”
