Foster youth given holiday party

More than 80 foster youth will ring in the holidays at a celebration hosted by the Human Services Agency of Ventura County and Work Training Programs, Inc. at 6 p.m. today, Dec. 21.

This holiday celebration is largely made possible through the holiday spirit of Michael Koutnik, owner of Oxnard’s Whale’s Tail Restaurant, who has donated the space, food and drinks for the festivities.

In addition to the celebration, the youths will receive gifts gathered through a gift drive from members of the community and local businesses.

Special guests include Ventura County supervisors Linda Parks and Steve Bennett, along with other community leaders that support foster youth.

Many of these foster youth are participants in the county’s Independent Living Program, a program that is part of the Foster Care Program which Work Training Programs manages. These agencies provide services to all foster youth in Ventura County between the ages of 16 to 21, including all youth in out-of-home care.

The Independent Living Program offers a variety of services, including career development, assistance and referral to promote health (including mental health) and safety skills, referral to mentor and mentoring programs, daily living skills, financial resource and housing information, and assistance with continuing educational opportunities.

Work Training Programs was established in Santa Barbara in 1964 to provide independent living and employment support services that enable individuals with disabilities or disadvantages to live and work as productive members of their community.

For information about Work Training Programs and services for foster youth, call Mo Mosely, (805) 498-8068, ext. 222, or visit www. wtpinc.org.