A Year Filled with New Beginnings

Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative Recipient Celebrates One Year Housing Anniversary

March 24, 2025 – Jamie Jacobs-Booker recently celebrated a significant milestone - one year of having her own place to call home, made possible through the County’s FYI Initiative, a Federally-funded program that offers housing assistance and supportive services to young people with a child welfare history who are at-risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Jamie’s journey of housing uncertainty began at the young age of two weeks old, when she was left to be raised by her next-door neighbor, before ultimately being placed into the foster care system. Growing up in an environment filled with abuse and lack of self-identity, Jamie longed for the day of living independently and having a safe space to call her own. As Jamie transitioned into adulthood, she searched for ways to find permanent housing that would allow her to confidently continue her education and have a stable environment.

While seeking housing resources through the Sycamores agency, who provide homeless and housing services for young adults, Jamie was informed about the FYI Initiative and began the application process. During the course of applying, Jamie focused on taking better inventory of her finances and understanding the importance of paying bills and managing a household. Once housed, with assistance from the County’s Homeless Incentive Program, her new home was also furnished with a refrigerator, stove, and a bed which saved her money necessary to move in.

This year, as Jamie celebrated her birthday, she reflected on the past year in which she lived peacefully in her home. Through the stability of having her own space, Jamie is able to focus on furthering her education and is looking forward to graduating college this year. She gives back to multiple nonprofits and mentors youth with the hopes of paying forward the knowledge and experience she gained through her journey through the foster care system and challenges in finding housing.

“I would like to thank the LACDA for my one year [anniversary]; thanks a lot for the help and support you all have given me. I’m really grateful and thankful for the people that have supported me along the way. For my future, I see bigger and brighter things and I will always continue to give back to those in my community,” said Jamie.

“The FYI Initiative provides a great support for young people such as Jamie that are either transitioning out of foster care, or for young people who have already aged out and become homeless,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “It is the agency’s goal to help prevent and end youth homelessness. Resources such as the FYI, will help keep youth housed while also providing necessary resources to assist their transition into adulthood.” 

Watch the news coverage highlighting Jamie’s story and the impact of the FYI Initiative here.