Episode 12 | Transforming Lives While Making and Keeping Promises 2 Kids

In this very touching episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a wonderful and important conversation between Charles Parisi (the guest host filling in for Dave Mason), co-host Hannah Jaime, the Executive Director of Helping PAWS and a Steering Committee member of San Diego Gives, Stephanie Ortega, the COO of Promises 2 Kids, and Juliana Lopez, an entrepreneur, mother of two and a former foster youth with a deep connection to Promises 2 Kids. Listeners are also joined by the beautiful sounds of Juliana's son, in many respects the shining example of the importance of Promises 2 Kids. Through Juliana's story - taken into foster care at age 3 - we learn the incredible array of services provided by Stephanie and the team at Promises 2 Kids. From safety, healthcare, and wellness to academic achievement, mentoring and college scholarships, Promises 2 Kids is there in every way possible for their kids. Juliana and Stephanie, who enjoy a very special relationship, share with listeners the importance of supporting foster youth through many programs such as Camp Connect, Something Special and the Guardian's Scholars. In fact, we learn that Juliana was one of the first Guardian Scholars at San Francisco State, which provided her with the financial support she needed just as an error happened with her financial aid. Without Promises 2 Kids, how would the story of Juliana have been different? We'll never know, which is the power of Promises 2 Kids. We also learn that Juliana has started a business and has quite the baker's touch with her French macarons! In fact, Juliana and her baby were working during the episode on her very first Farmer's Market - the classic multi-tasking mompreneur! San Diego Gives is proud of Stephanie Ortega, Promises 2 Kids, and Juliana Lopez for being a shining example of how humans turn adversity into ascent, reflected in the mother she has become, driven to provide for her children all that she did not have. Well done, very well done. Thank you for listening and your support! Don't miss an episode, so be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite listening app! For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.