Girls in foster care delight in quinceañera tradition

Contact:
DCFS Office of Public Affairs
Juana Aguilera, (213) 760-5883

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 10^th annual Quinceañera 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 quinceañera. This year's honorees reside in Gardena, Hawaiian Gardens, Lancaster, Pomona and South Gate. The celebration was held in Downey on Sept. 8.

"Remember your journey is uniquely yours," Director Nichols said. "With 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."

With generous financial support from Latino small business owners - including Luna's Dresses in Huntington Park, Marissa's Cake in Downey and Tacos Mexico in Commerce - 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, a high school sophomore who lives in Pomona, said she was grateful to her grandparents and others who helped her "manifest" the day.

"Not everyone gets the chance to have [a quinceañera] and I get to have one given to me," she said. "It's a gift."

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 quinceañera elements, including an elegant multilayer cake, a choreographed waltz and a mariachi band. The girls also were presented with their last doll, dressed in identical miniature dresses, symbolizing their transition into young adulthood.

A few days before the Quinceañera, the honorees were surprised with a performance by Latin Grammy nominated and award winning American regional Mexican band Eslabon Armado during a waltz rehearsal. Known for their hit song Ella Baila Sola 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 event's 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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