Our Mission

Fostering Imagination is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that mentors at-risk, displaced foster youth in Los Angeles through free, structured one-on-one creative arts and social development programs. FI programs impart stability, responsibility and self-esteem building to unlock personal potential and empower youth to become positive peers, future mentors and community role models.

Dear Friends and Supporters of Fostering Imagination;

It is with a heavy heart that I write you today to let you know that after 6 years of making a difference in the lives of foster youth throughout Los Angeles, Fostering Imagination (FI) will be closing its doors. Unfortunately, the economic downturn the past two years has affected Fostering Imagination's ability to continue providing its programs. However, I am excited to announce that the Southern California Foster Family and Adoption Agency has agreed to continue FI's work with foster youth through their Youth in Transition Program.

I founded Fostering Imagination in 2005 to address the unmet needs of former and current foster youth throughout Los Angeles by providing them a stable, safe, and nurturing environment while fostering their imagination, creation and talent and teaching them the skills they need for a successful and healthy transition into adulthood. "Fostering Imagination has inspired [my son] to not take up drugs, to stay away from gangs and to choose fellowship with his peers ... he has gained friendship and has grown self-confident. Thank you...for helping my son look forward to Saturdays [and] learning to be sociable, outgoing and free from inappropriate choices." - Christina McKay, foster parent. With the help of our dedicated volunteers, supporters and partnership with the Ruskin Group Theatre, over 50 youth have participated in our programs throughout the past 6 years. Together we formed a family which we refer to as the "FI Family", where youth learned important life lessons and created strong bonds with mentors through classes and experiences in theatre, filmmaking, adventure, life skills and so much more. "FI is the family I never had. They have been there for me in good times and bad." Gabe 20 yr old mentee says about his 5 years with FI. "They have been a great influence on my life ... for a long time I lost hope and Fostering Imagination has brought it back for me." Throughout the years youth and their mentors celebrated holidays and birthdays, spent valuable hours talking and playing games and participated in some amazing experiences including learning how to fly an airplane, traveling to Sacramento and speaking at the State Capital, publishing articles in newspapers, recording and performing in their own music video and documentary, sailing on a yacht, being interviewed on various radio stations and the list goes on. "Fostering Imagination relieves stress on the outside and restores happiness on the inside." Henry 18 yr old mentee says about his 4 years with FI.  The relationships and experiences our youth and mentors have shared will continue to live in our hearts and minds while we look forward to continuing the bonds that have been created.

The Southern California Foster Family and Adoption Agency (SCFFAA) is the perfect organization to be continuing FI's work with foster youth. SCFFAA a private, non-profit corporation, was started in 1994, and is dedicated to helping abused, abandoned and neglected children find secure, stable and nurturing homes.  The agency provides for the well-being of children in its care and helps them become independent and successful adults. SCFFAA's Youth in Transition Program was started in 2007 and is designed to assist foster youth in improving their sense of self, create lasting and healthy interpersonal relationships and prepare for the future. The youth participate in educational workshops, cultural events and other character building activities. Led by Lianne Goldsmith, SCFFAA Youth Program Coordinator, the program's ultimate goal is to prepare the youth for a successful transition to independence. You can find out more about them at http://scffaa.org/.

Through SCFFAA's Youth in Transition Program, Fostering Imagination's mentoring and enrichment programs will be able to continue to change the lives of foster youth throughout Los Angeles and will also increase the number of foster youth being served in the programs. SCFFAA will continue using Fostering Imagination's name and have invited our youth to continue participating in the programs they have grown to love and rely on in their lives.

Thank you very much for your generous support of Fostering Imagination throughout the years. It has been greatly appreciated and touched the lives of youth who desperately needed it. "I've made great friends and I've learned so much here, and I want to keep coming back because it is a place where I can fit in perfectly." - Ben 17 yr old mentee says about his experience. Please consider continuing your support for Ben and the other FI youth and foster youth through Southern California Foster Family and Adoption Agency, your support is critical to their successful futures.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (310) 733-8443 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or SCFFAA's President and CEO Sylvia Fogelman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Lianne Goldsmith SCFFAA's Youth Program Coordinator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Yours Sincerely,

Ilia Jauregui

Executive Director and Founder of Fostering Imagination

Listen here by clicking on the "Green Arrow"

Fostering Imagination Executive Director/Founder Ilia Jauregui, Advisory Board Member and Psychotherapist Jeanette Yoffe, and two of FI's fabulous youth Loretta Jordan and Martha Guzman join DJ Boy Toy Jesse on KIIS FM for an interview, bringing awareness to foster care issues and the programs Fostering Imagination offers to foster youth and emancipated youth throughout Los Angeles.
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