Resource center for foster youth opens in Pasadena

Former foster youth who’ve beaten tough odds to find success as young adults are extending a helping hand to current foster kids through a special peer resource center that opened Thursday in Pasadena.

Teens leaving foster care are at high risk of poverty and homelessness.

At the center, operated by the Pasadena-based child welfare nonprofit Hillsides from an office suite on North Orange Grove Boulevard, foster kids can get help finding jobs and housing, learn independent-living skills and receive free clothing and school supplies.

They’ll also find encouragement from former foster youth such as Myles Williams, who became homeless after leaving state care but with help from Hillsides, found work as a cook at Pasadena’s upscale Villa Sorriso restaurant.

“Sometimes [foster youth] just need to be told we’re good enough to do something with our lives,” said Williams, 23.

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