Make It Happen for Yolo County Launches Fall Campaign to Sponsor Former Foster Youth Studying at UC Davis

(From press release) Local nonprofit Make It Happen for Yolo County is offering opportunities for the community to sponsor UC Davis Guardian Scholars – students who have experienced foster care – as they move into housing this fall. Sponsorship levels run from $200 to $2,500 and provide essential furniture, household goods, cleaning supplies, bicycles and more to ensure former foster youth studying at UC Davis are not burdened financially, physically or emotionally by furniture poverty as they pursue higher education. The campaign will run through mid-October. Learn more and make a donation: https://www.mihyolo.org/donate-index-impact.

“Having a fully furnished, safe and functional home is a fundamental need for these resilient students,” said Cathi Schmidt, executive director, Make It Happen for Yolo County. “Each community member can choose from a variety of levels to provide a tax-deductible gift this fall that will turn a student’s empty living space into a place of comfort, dignity and belonging as they work toward achieving their degree.”

Transportation Sponsors donate $200 to provide a student with a refurbished bicycle, helmet, lock and lights. Hope Sponsors donate $850 to provide a student with kitchen goods, bath and cleaning essentials, office supplies and a move-in kit. Home Builder Sponsors donate $1,500 to provide a student with all the furniture needed for a bedroom, dining room, living room and study area. Legacy Sponsors donate $2,500 to provide a student with all essential furniture and household goods, bicycle, move-in kit, office essentials and cleaning supplies. 

Make It Happen for Yolo County equips local transition-age youth ages 16–24 with essential furnishings and household goods to create safe, stable homes as they move into independent living, as well as bicycles for transportation. The nonprofit serves young people emerging from foster care, the juvenile justice system or homelessness. Clients are referred through county agencies and community partners and receive personalized support along with connections to partner organizations and ongoing advocacy. Since its founding in 2014, Make It Happen for Yolo County has helped nearly 400 transition-age youth and is the only organization in Yolo County offering these services. To make a financial or furniture donation, visit: www.mihyolo.org.