V.O.I.C.E.S.
Centralized youth-run youth-focused support programs for young people transitioning from foster care--a strategic project for JLNS

Kids in the Kitchen
The statistics* surrounding overweight children are staggering! More than 9 million children between the ages of 6-19 are considered overweight. In the past 20 years the incidence has doubled and even tripled among adolescents. IT IS AN EPIDEMIC. As part of the international efforts of Junior Leagues across four countries, the Junior League of Napa-Sonoma is doing its part locally to help tackle the epidemic of childhood obesity and poor nutrition. Now in its third year, this initiative, "Kids in the Kitchen," is aimed at educating children and their caregivers on how to make healthy food choices by providing real time cooking demonstrations, nutritional information, healthy snacks, exercise tips and other resources.

Valley of the Moon Childrens Home
The Valley of the Moon Children's Home (VOMCH) is a division of the Sonoma County Department of Human Services. It provides temporary care for children ages newborn through 18 who are victims of abuse, abandonment, neglect, or whose parents/guardians are unable to care for them.

Sonoma Kinship Family Center
The Sonoma Kinship Family Center currently serves Sonoma County and is expanding to Napa, Marin and some of the less heavily populated counties in the north. JLNS was instrumental in bringing a vision to fruition to open a center and provided funding and professional program services to relative caregivers and the children that they have agreed to raise as an alternative to out-of-home placements. The Sonoma Kinship Family Center is managed by a community-based non-profit and provides services such as guardianship assistance, legal recreation and enrichment activities, household supplies, food, staples, clothing, educational advocacy for the children, peer support, and emergency services. This is a fine endeavor and is one that JLNS has enthusiastically spearheaded. It is partially funded by JLNS, the managing agency, and a state kinship grant.