Now that we can come up for air a bit, we're cleaning out the inbox. Had to share this missive from the Quality of Life Center, after the jump:
L.A. County Supervisor Mike Antonovich was present and was the first to address the group of youth assembled on a beautiful and sunny morning at the center, this being the first of such events to occur encouraging open dialogue between the two parties. After his brief greeting, Antonovich introduced Schiff , who spoke for a few minutes regarding some of his experiences as a congressman within the Los Angeles area. He was friendly and open, which created an atmosphere of familiarity and ease, allowing the youth to feel relaxed and comfortable, ready and responsive.
The young people, who ranged in ages from 12 to 20, were questioned by Schiff as to their personal experiences within the Foster Youth program.
Topics covered included difficulties relevant and related to growing up as a foster child in the Los Angeles area, as well as special concerns within the public school system and outreach communities. This was a “no holds barred” approach which encouraged the young people to feel free to query their elected officials without fear of judgment or reproach.
Schiff was direct and forthright as he answered each question thoroughly, making sure to address each person with a personal and thoughtful approach to their particular concerns.
At the close of the dialogue, door prizes ranging from gift cards and sporting equipment to beauty products and sundries were given away while everyone enjoyed a wide variety of delicious refreshments provided by the county catering staff.
The grand finale was the raffle of a nineteen inch LCD/DVD digial television donated by the Quality of Life Center Inc., which provided the most vocal of responses of the morning from the lucky recipient.
After the event, Congressman Schiff spoke with candor and optimism: “This was a truly delightful experience for me and I believe for these fine youth as well. I was delighted and overjoyed by their intelligence and astute observations. I am hoping that this will be just the first of many such encounters with the current and former foster youth of Los Angeles.”
