September 9, 2024
Contact:
Juana Aguilera
(213) 760-5883
aguiljc@dcfs.lacounty.gov
Girls in foster care delight in quinceaƱera tradition
For 10 years, the event has spotlighted the need for foster and adoptive families in Latino communities
Five teenagers from across the county were honored Sunday before family, friends, social workers and other special guests at the 10thĀ annual QuinceaƱera celebration hosted by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
DCFS Director Brandon T. Nichols kicked off the event with an inspiring message, underscoring the potential of each quinceaƱera. This yearās honorees reside in Gardena, Hawaiian Gardens, Lancaster, Pomona and South Gate. The celebration was held in Downey on Sept. 8.
āRemember your journey is uniquely yours,ā Director Nichols said. āWith every challenge you overcome and triumph you achieve you grow stronger. Your courage shines brightly and we can all see that you are capable of greatness.ā
With generous financial support from Latino small business owners ā including Lunaās Dresses in Huntington Park, Marissaās Cake in Downey and Tacos Mexico in Commerce ā DCFS has hosted the event for 10 years.
The purpose of the celebration is to keep youth in foster care connected to their cultural roots and to inspire families in Latino communities to become foster and adoptive parents. Research shows that children fare better when placed within communities that align with their cultural backgrounds.
Honoree Rosemary T., who lives in Pomona, said she was grateful to her grandparents and others who helped her āmanifestā the day.
āNot everyone gets the chance to have [a quinceaƱera] and I get to have one given to me,ā she said. āItās a gift.ā
The tradition plays an important role in preserving Latino heritage, giving youth a sense of pride in their culture while reinforcing family connections. This is particularly significant for older youth in foster care as they prepare to transition out of the child welfare system.
The celebration featured traditional quinceaƱera elements, including an elegant multilayer cake, a choreographed waltz and a mariachi band. The girls also were presented with theirĀ last doll, dressed in identical miniature dresses, symbolizing their transition into young adulthood.
A few days before the QuinceaƱera, the honorees were surprised with a performance by Latin Grammy nominated and award winning American regional Mexican bandĀ Eslabon ArmadoĀ during a waltz rehearsal. Known for their hit songĀ Ella Baila SolaĀ with Peso Pluma, the musicians serenaded the elated young women. Adorned in their quince petticoats that would accentuate their beautifully crafted dresses, three of them danced together, twirling each other in delight, the other two beamed while recording the magical moment on their phones.
Since the eventās inception, more than 70 young people have participated in the tradition. Social workers nominate potential honorees who are then selected by sponsors based on their personal narratives.
To learn more about becoming a foster parent, call (888) 811-1121 or visit juntosconlosninos.org.
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You may credit photos to the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.
Caption for Image 1: This yearās honorees revel at the 10thĀ annual QuinceaƱeraĀ hosted by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. Pictured clockwise from top left: Daniela M., Rosemary T., Victoria L., Luz Z . and Evelyn R.
Caption for Image 2:Ā DCFS Director Brandon T. Nichols celebrates this yearās honorees at the 10thĀ annual QuinceaƱeraĀ hosted by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. Pictured from left: Victoria L., Evelyn R., Rosemary T., Director Nichols, Daniela M. and Luz Z.
Caption for Image 3: Famed American regional Mexican band Eslabon Armado (pictured) surprised the QuinceaƱera honorees with a performance at their final waltz rehearsal.
About the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services
The Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) promotes child safety and well- being by partnering with communities to strengthen families, keeping children at home whenever possible, and connecting them with stable, loving homes in times of need. As the largest child protective services agency in the nation, DCFS is responsible for ensuring the safety of more than two million children across 88 diverse cities in Los Angeles County. Established in 1984 to keep children safe and support families in crisis, it is one of the 35 Los Angeles County Departments governed by the five- member Board of Supervisors with nearly 9,000 staff across 20 regional offices, specialized bureaus, and administration that cover a broad array of services and programs. DCFS is led by Director Brandon T. Nichols, an attorney with more than 20 years of expertise in child welfare, foster care, adoptions, and mental health. For more information, visitĀ https://dcfs.lacounty.gov/.