A Greater Me (AGM), a Los Angeles County-based foster youth empowerment program, recently celebrated the graduation of its first class of young men ages 14–21. More than 20 participants completed pilot workshops on life skills, job readiness, vocational training and essential tools for adulthood.
Building on this success, AGM will launch a nine-week program beginning Jan. 3, 2026, serving at least 55 youth. Workshops will cover financial literacy, legal rights, health, and wellness, while offering career exposure in trades such as plumbing & barbering. Each cohort will receive free meals and clothing, with the program culminating in a graduation celebration.
A Greater Me aims to break the cycle of poverty, isolation, and disenfranchisement by equipping foster youth with the tools and confidence they need to thrive. Research shows that 80% of foster youth in California experience mental health issues, and one in four former foster youth report homelessness.
“Our goal is to bring awareness to youth at risk and make an impact in our communities. The correlation between foster care and crime is well-documented and is often referred to as the foster care-to-prison pipeline. Over half of foster children will have an encounter with the juvenile legal system by age 17. Insufficient access to resources and life-sustaining skills is hindering the growth and potential of this underserved community,” said Michael K. Jules, M.S.W., Children’s Social Worker III, who is spearheading the program.
To support AGM, a fundraiser will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Jimmy E’s Bar + Grill in Signal Hill. Organizers extend special thanks to Jimmy and his team for opening their space to the community for a great cause. The evening will feature music by DJ Space Jam, networking opportunities, a raffle and an auction.
AGM project manager and Signal Hill resident Aixa Moran coordinated in-kind donations from local Long Beach & South Bay partners including GritCycle, SkinSpirit, The Now Massage, Radiance Sauna & Salt Lounge, The Wine Country, Shade Hotel, Blue Flame Cigar Lounge, and Local Kitchen Tavern, along with corporate sponsors Topgolf, Brouk & Co, All World Décor, and GO3 Vodka.
“The movement has grown to include over 35 dedicated volunteers, each discovering that empowerment is a two-way street — as they support the youth, they too gain healing, purpose, and connection,” said Moran.
For more information on tickets, donations, or volunteering, contact: info@agmprogram.org
