Community News and Updates

Since our beginnings, A Home Within has maintained a foundational commitment to research. Over two decades ago, we partnered with the Foster Care Research Group at the University of San Francisco to seek learning opportunities from our unique model.

As we approach the holiday season, we look ahead to 2025 and prepare to significantly increase our corps of trained volunteers. This year alone, we have grown our programs at three times the rate of previous years! But there is much more work to do. When you support A Home Within, you are supporting the best in human kindness!

As you know, 2024 is proving to be a pivotal and very exciting time for A Home Within. We’re celebrating our 30th Anniversary by honoring our founders, our traditions, and the tremendous wisdom we’ve gained from three decades of helping foster youth heal and thrive. And with your support, we are building the future.

This year, A Home Within received an award from the American Psychological Association Foundation for our Building Practice in Community Program. Read on to learn more!

Executive Director Reed Connell speaks on A Home Within’s 30th year. Read more to get all of the updates half way through 2024!

Chrissy Arlen, Volunteer Engagement Manager, announces plans to launch A Home Within’s first San Luis Obispo Chapter.

With the public mental health care system strained by the pandemic, a new Northern California program aims to serve children least likely to get the help they need — foster youth who are struggling emotionally but not in an apparent crisis.

“There isn’t a parent out there who doesn’t see the impact of isolation and social disruption on their children. All of us now recognize that every young person needs and deserves support for their mental health,” says Executive Director, Reed Connell.

Although it’s been more than 15 years since Mitchell Findley, 34, has been in the foster care system, he is continuing to work through the trauma and emotional struggles that came from facing homelessness and having parents who suffered mental health and substance abuse issues.

“My husband has been a therapist with A Home Within for over 10 years and is now working with his third client. Working with AHW has enriched his life and the lives of his clients. When the former clinical director asked me to take the position because she was retiring, I wanted to be of assistance to this incredible organization,” says Kathy Adorney, former AHW volunteer.

Anthony Pico speaks to Reed Connell from A Home Within, a national organization that connects current and former foster youth to therapy services.