2010 Scholarship Recipients

Regina is a former resident of Five Acres’ residential treatment center and Solita group home.  She graduated from Blair High School in 2002 and received her associate of arts degree from Moorpark College in 2007.  She plans to attend Video Symphony to pursue certifications in television/film editing. She currently works part-time at an emergency veterinary clinic as an unregistered assistant and plans to pursue her license within the next two years. As Five Acres’ lead teen trainer, Regina is a strong advocate for the rights of current and emancipated foster youth. She also serves on the Los Angeles chapter of Foster Care Alumni of America board.  Regina meets the responsibilities of her life, however, she needs assistance with rent and groceries so that she can continue to focus on school.

Cynthia left Solita Group Home to live in a Five Acres foster home she recruited herself and was recently adopted by her foster mother. She graduated from high school in 2007 and is in second year at Cal State University, Los Angeles. Cynthia is studying for her bachelor of arts in social work with a minor in child development. Cynthia interned at a child day care center where she gained experience in working with children of varying ages and learn how to run a day care center effectively.  She hopes to select a career path that will allow her to work with children. Cynthia still needs assistance with her dorm costs, educational supplies, groceries, and transportation.

Sally was a long-time resident of Five Acres’ residential treatment center and the Solita group home. She was previously in Five Acres’ transitional housing program and is currently living with her younger sister who was also a former resident at Solita group home. Sally was an intern at PMHC through the transitional age youth (TAY) internship program and gained skills as an office assistant. Sally also completed a certificate course in phlebotomy and continues to work while studying for her state exam. She is a kin-caregiver for her younger sister and is doing a great job ensuring her sister attends school and meets her responsibilities. Sally continues to need assistance with rent, groceries, and transportation.

Zabrina was a resident of Solita group home in 2004 and lived in a Five Acres foster home. She resided with family before entering into Five Acres TAY program. Zabrina worked as an intern at Perry's Joint (sandwich shop) where she received valuable experience in customer service. She recently completed a vocational program for nursing which has assisted her in securing a part-time job at a nursing home. Zabrina is the proud mother of a two-year-old boy and one-year-old girl.  She has been able to balance the responsibilities of being a parent and her work responsibilities. She needs assistance with rent, transportation, and groceries.

Maria left the Solita group home in 2005 to live in a Five Acres foster home. She is currently working on obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology and working part-time. Her career goal is to become a therapist and to work with foster youths.   She is a proud mother of a baby boy. She has shown motivation and dedication to seek personal development so that she can better provide for her son. Maria continues to need assistance with rent, groceries, educational supplies, and transportation.

Arcelica lived in a Five Acres foster home in Pasadena and graduated from high school in 2009.  Arcelica currently attends Pasadena City College and works part-time on campus through the work/ study program. She continues to manage and meet her responsibilities as she strives to finish college. She continues to need assistance with rent, groceries, educational supplies and transportation.

Larry lived in a Five Acres foster home in Pasadena and graduated from high school in July of 2008. Larry started at Perry's Joint a few years ago as an intern and has been working directly for Perry for about two years. When Perry expanded his business with a new location in 2010, he promoted Larry to manager in recognition of his commitment and excellent work ethic.  Larry continues to need assistance with rent, groceries, and transportation.

Venise lived in the residential treatment center and graduated from high school in 2007. She currently lives in Pasadena, attends Pasadena City College part-time and works part-time at Starbucks. With Five Acres’ guidance Venise is developing a plan and direction for her future. She needs assistance with rent, groceries, educational supplies and transportation.

Michael lived in Five Acres’ East Mountain group home but left to live with a foster family he recruited himself. Michael graduated from high school in 2008 and currently attends Pasadena City College pursuing a degree in deaf studies and sign language with the goal to become a professional sign-language interpreter. Michael works full time and is also a teen trainer for Five Acres which he has represented at several awareness and advocacy programs in Los Angeles County. Michael needs assistance with rent, groceries, educational supplies, and transportation.

Ashley B. is a former foster youth who told her Five Acres rehabilitation specialist she wanted to become a nurse. The rehabilitation specialist referred her to the TAY coordinator who consulted with Ashley and provided educational assistance to help her find and apply to the nursing program at the Homestead Vocational School in Torrance, CA. Ashley completed the program and passed the state nurse assistant certification exam in September. She is eager to begin working and continue her education to become a licensed vocational nurse.

Ashley H. is 19 years old and was a homeless youth referred to Five Acres by a friend of Five Acres in July 2010. She was placed in the transitional housing program and is receiving life-skills training and case management. Ashley recently enrolled in school and is planning to get her GED. She also enrolled in the Medical Insurance Billing Specialist Certificate Program at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA.  Ashley needs assistance with rent, groceries, educational supplies, and transportation.

Tallicia is 23 years old and is part of Five Acres Transitional Housing Program. She interned at Perry's Joint, was a teen trainer and took TAY training sessions. These experiences provided her with excellent work and customer service skills that benefited her in her recently acquired full-time job as a teller for Bank of America. Tallicia needs assistance with rent, groceries, and transportation.

Caprianna is 18 years old and part of Five Acres’ foster care program. She recently graduated from high school and is currently attending Pasadena City College.  She is a teen trainer and has proved to be a strong, assertive advocate for foster youth.

Travette is a long-time resident of Five Acres’ residential programs and foster care. She became a teen trainer last year and has seen her skills and self-confidence increase. Travette is considering attending college to become a veterinary technician.

Courtney is 17 years old, currently in Five Acres’ foster care program and a senior in high school. She is a teen trainer and hopes to attend New York University and to study to become a physical therapist.

Jatona is 18 years old and is part of Five Acres’ foster care program. She is currently a freshman at CSU-Northridge. She also works part time as a teen trainer.


Summer is 20 years old and was previously in Five Acres’ foster care program. She is a full time student at Pasadena City College. Summer needs assistance with rent, groceries, educational supplies, and transportation.

Eduardo is 22 years old and was living in a homeless shelter before being accepted into Five Acres’ transitional housing program. Eduardo is enrolled in Pasadena City College and is exploring his career interests. Eduardo needs assistance with rent, groceries, educational supplies, and transportation.

Ebony is 21 year old and was homeless before being accepted into Five Acres’ transitional housing program. Ebony is currently a full-time student at Pasadena City College. She is interested in being a nurse and working with the elderly. Ebony needs assistance with rent, groceries, educational supplies, and transportation.

Cavanoff is 22 years old and was homeless living in her car before being accepted into Five Acres’ transitional housing program. She was part of the internship program and was a intern at Perry’s Joint. She is currently exploring enrolling in a vocational program for medical billing. Cavanoff needs assistance with rent, groceries, educational supplies, and transportation.

James is 18 years old and was previously in Five Acres’ foster care program. He graduated from high school in 2010 and is currently a student at Pasadena City College. He is also part of Five Acres’ teen trainers program and Pasadena Police Department’s Explorer Program. James wants be a police officer after he obtains his college degree. James needs assistance with rent, groceries, educational supplies, and transportation