Inspiration

I am Co-Chair of San Francisco Court Appointed Special Advocates (www.sfcasa.org) and recently had the honor of presenting Dr. Milton A. Gordon with the "Award for Outstanding Service to Children and the Community" for his diligence and determination in supporting the Guardian Scholars program. The comprehensive program offers aid to former foster children striving to continue their education in college.

Dr. Gordon is the President of California State University, Fullerton, where he has been successful building a broad variety of important academic programs. Most pertinent to SF CASA, Dr. Gordon began a program called The Guardian Scholars in 1998 with a total of 3 students. Today, the program has expanded to 20 colleges in California, Washington, Colorado, Indiana, and Massachusetts and has served hundreds of former foster care youth in quest for higher education and a better future.

The Guardian Scholars is a comprehensive program that supports former foster youth in their efforts to gain a college education. As wards of the court, foster youth emancipate at age 18 and are forced to make difficult transitions to adulthood--often without traditional family support. By awarding full scholarships, the Guardian Scholars program provides the opportunity to change individual lives and make dreams come true.

Meeting Dr. Gordon and spending time with him was a wonderful reminder of how much difference one person with passion can make even in the most intractable situations. As a long time board member of SF CASA (and Dallas CASA before that) I know how tough it is to marshal resources for children in foster care.

Oh, and if you are inspired, you can donate to SF CASA at https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=1000211