Ventura County is introducing VC Thrive, a new pilot program that provides 150 former Ventura County foster youth monthly stipends of $1,000 for 18 months.
Application Closes April 10th, 2024
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Application Closes April 10th, 2024 ~
The VC Thrive application period will be open October 16, 2023 - April 10, 2024 OR until 150 eligible applicants have been enrolled. You will not have access to the application outside of the application period.
How to Apply:
STEP 1: Find out if you are eligible by reading the requirements below.
If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, go to Step 2. Only applicants who meet all of the requirements will be enrolled in VC Thrive.
STEP 2: After confirming you meet all of the eligibility requirements, complete the online application.
Am I Eligible?
Must be a former Ventura County CFS foster youth who was in extended foster care up until your 21st birthday (aka receiving AB-12).
Must be between 21 years old and under 26 (must have a birthdate between 08/23/1997 and 07/09/2003) when applying.
Eligible youth can apply 90 days prior to their 21st birthday, or 30 days after their 26th birthday.
Must be a current resident of California.
Must have an annual household income that falls at or below the HUD Low-Income Limits.
Single-person household: less than or equal to $74,400
Two-person household: less than or equal to $85,500
Frequently Asked Questions about VC THRIVE:
Will I have to verify my information?
Yes, those selected to participate will need to show proof of meeting the eligibility requirements stated above before being enrolled in the program.
How will I know if I’ve been selected as a participant?
James Storehouse will contact selected participants directly using the contact information provided with the application.
Will this affect my other benefits?
Some programs like Medi-Cal, CalWorks, CalFresh and other state programs will remain unaffected by this income. Others may be determined on an individual basis. During your application, we will assist you in determining whether or not any other benefits may be affected and how. We offer one-on-one benefits counseling to anyone who applies, and can help you navigate through any potential impacts.
If selected, how will I receive my monthly Guaranteed Income distribution? Do I need to have a bank account?
You may have funds directly deposited into your bank account. You may also choose to receive a debit card, which will be re-loaded each month. You may change your payment method at any time during the program.
What should I do if my contact information changes?
If your contact information changes, please email us at support@vcthrive.aidkit.org and include your full name and the contact information you used to apply (phone number, email address, street address), along with your updated contact information.
Do I need to be a current resident of Ventura County?
No, not necessarily. Anyone who was part of the Ventura County system prior to exiting care may be eligible for this program, as long as you are currently a resident of California.
what if i need assistance completing my APPLICATION?
If you would like additional assistance, you can call James Storehouse at (805) 499-7161 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday / 9am –4pm. You can also choose to set up a virtual appointment for live assistance with James Storehouse.
If you have a disability that makes it difficult for you to complete the application, you can use accessibility software on your device (the application is compatible with this), visit James Storehouse if possible, or call James Storehouse to get help completing the application over the phone.
More About VC Thrive: Ventura County’s Foster Youth Supplemental Income Program
What is VC Thrive?
We have the pleasure of introducing VC Thrive, a new pilot program that will provide 150 former Ventura County foster youth (ages 21-26) monthly stipends of $1,000 for 18 months. With the support provided by VC Thrive, recipients will experience improved financial and physical health to not just survive, but “thrive” in their communities.
How VC Thrive Operates:
Ventura County is one of seven counties statewide selected to operate this guaranteed income pilot for foster youth. Ventura County Human Services Agency (HSA) selected James Storehouse to be the organization to administer VC Thrive. Funding for this project comes from a California Department of Social Services (CDSS) grant of $1.5 million. An additional $1.5 million comes from VC State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (VC SLFRF), and $2,700 from private funds.
Why VC Thrive Is Important:
National data shows us that young adults who are aging out of the foster care system face significant disparities in education, employment and well-being. Similar programs across the country have shown that recipients are more likely to experience greater financial stability and less stress, allowing them to focus on advancing their education and job skills.
The studies of similar programs in the City of Stockton and New York City reveal:
Stipends were spent on necessities including food, utilities and transportation.
Recipients pursued education and employment opportunities.
The influx of additional resources measurably improved participants’ ability to work full time, as well as their financial stability and overall well-being.
By providing a supplemental monthly income to help cover necessities such as food, housing and utilities, VC Thrive aims to enable participants to focus on pursuing educational and career opportunities that will put them on a path toward self-sufficiency and a greater quality of life.
“This is an amazing opportunity to break the cycle of poverty experienced by many young adults transitioning out of foster care. Investing in them is not only an investment in their future but in that of the broader community. We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply.”