CASA of Imperial County is proud to announce a continued and impactful partnership with First Foundation Bank, which recently awarded funding for the Hope & Housing: Emergency Support for Emancipating Foster Youth Initiative. This critical program provides short-term, emergency housing to local foster youth as they transition out of care at age 18. The grant, awarded earlier this year, was the result of a powerful meeting between CASA Executive Director Alex Cardenas and members of First Foundation Bank's community leadership team.
"Alex's compassionate leadership, deep commitment to the children CASA serves, and support for the integrity of its programs made it clear that supporting CASA was the right decision one that will create lasting impact in the community." said Nancy Salcedo, Vice President, and Branch Manager at First Foundation Bank in El Centro.
First Foundation Bank has partnered with CASA since 2017, investing in both educational advocacy and now, emergency housing support for vulnerable foster youth. The bank's commitment to promoting economic stability and delivering essential services across the communities it serves aligns closely with CASA's work to ensure every child and young adult has stability, opportunity, and a voice.
"First Foundation Bank's support goes beyond dollars - it's a relationship," said Cardenas. "Their grant process is rooted in trust and community. It felt less like applying for funding and more like a conversation with people who genuinely care."
The Hope & Housing initiative serves young adults aging out of foster care who often lose eligibility to remain in group homes, putting them at risk of homelessness, victimization, and survival-based behaviors. CASA works with local service providers to secure emergency lodging— typically two to seven nights-while social workers arrange long-term housing solutions.
Each year, between 20 and 30 youth in Imperial County transition out of foster care. The grant from First Foundation Bank ensures that these young adults are not left behind during this vulnerable time. In addition to emergency shelter, CASA advocates and mentors continue to walk alongside each youth, supporting their access to education, employment readiness, and health services through the Non-Minor Dependency (NMD) system. A contribution of just $3,000 can provide up to 30 nights of emergency housing, directly preventing homelessness for youth who are often just one step away from falling through the cracks.
"This initiative saves lives," added Cardenas. "And First Foundation Bank has made it possible. We're deeply grateful."
About First Foundation Bank
First Foundation Inc. (NYSE: FFWM) and its subsidiaries offer personal banking, business banking, and private wealth management services, including investment, trust, insurance, and philanthropy services. This comprehensive platform of financial services is designed to help clients at any stage in their financial journey. The broad range of financial products and services offered by First Foundation are more consistent with those offered by larger financial institutions, while its high level of personalized service, accessibility, and responsiveness to clients is more aligned with community banks and boutique wealth management firms. This combination of an integrated platform of comprehensive financial products and personalized service differentiates First Foundation from many of its competitors and has contributed to the growth of its client base and business.
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