Foster Care Transition Worker Honored as Young Philanthropist

A local woman is being honored for her work with an organization that helps young people transition from foster care to adulthood.

A full press release follows:

VOICES Staff Member Awarded for Outstanding Work in Philanthropy

Santa Rosa, Calif. -- VOICES Sonoma founding member and Special Projects Coordinator, Tanya Escalante, has been selected by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Wine Country Chapter for the 2013 Youth in Philanthropy Award. The award recognizes an individual under the age of 25, who has exhibited extraordinary work in philanthropy. The honoree is chosen based on four criteria; the individual’s impact, commitment, inspiration of others, and creativity.

Escalante has been working with VOICES since her involvement as a founding youth member in 2007. Since then she has fulfilled multiple roles within the program, including Site Director, Operations Manager, and Program Specialist at both of VOICES’ sites in Napa and Sonoma Counties. Escalante‘s direct involvement in the fund development process for VOICES has resulted in huge impacts for the program. Tanya consistently encourages community members to give to VOICES, both through financial support and in-kind support in the form of both time and talent. She actively participates in the process of identifying and cultivating potential donors through her passionate presentations to service clubs, community groups and individuals.

“Tanya possesses a phenomenal ability to forge relationships. She is so genuine and true to herself that other people are drawn to her. It is this skill that allows her to be successful in connecting people’s passion with the needs of the VOICES Center. Tanya exudes philanthropy in every action,” said Amber Twitchell, VOICES Program Director, who nominated Escalante for the award.

Escalante works to empower and train other young people to act as ambassadors for VOICES and teach them the skills necessary for them to be able to foster relationships and continue the success of the VOICES program. In addition to her work at VOICES, Escalante is also the Database Administrator for the Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels Program for senior citizens.

“I love both my jobs. I get to help young people start off their adult lives in a positive way and then I also get to work with people who are in the second half of their lives and help them stay independent for as long as possible. I have great co-workers and amazing bosses,” said Escalante.

An award ceremony will take place to recognize Escalante and other AFP award recipients on November 6th from 11am – 2pm at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, California. Tickets are available to anyone who would like to attend for $50 ($65 after October 16th).

About VOICES

VOICES is a leader in providing youth with the resources and support they need to make the leap from foster care to successful, independent adulthood. VOICES brings together more than 40 partnering agencies to provide housing, education, employment and wellness services to transitioning youth, ages 16-24. Created and run by former foster youth, VOICES also offers unique leadership opportunities within the organization. VOICES currently operates two centers in Napa and Sonoma Counties and is launching an initiative to replicate VOICES in additional California Counties.