May 21, 2013

Rep. Vargas Shadowed by San Diego Foster Youth in Honor of Foster Care Month

Washington, DC (May 21, 2013) –Today, in honor of National Foster Care Month, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) participated in the Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day which is held annually to help youths explore career paths that interest them.  Rep. Vargas, a member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, is spending the day with a San Diego foster youth who would like to learn about Congress. 

“It is an honor to provide our foster youth with the opportunity to experience the inner workings of Congress,” said Rep. Vargas.  “I am certain that the experience will be both rewarding and educational.  I hope that the time these foster youths spend in Washington will inspire them to follow their career goals.”

Rodney Wilson, the foster youth shadowing Rep. Vargas has been in the foster care system his entire life, moving from one foster home to another.   Despite the challenges and hardships he faced, he is on track to finish high school on time.  In addition, he is involved in the Junior Guardian Scholars program.  Most notably, Rodney is applying to NYU and UC Santa Barbara, with the long-term goal of going to law school and becoming a San Diego prosecutor.

“I look forward to the day when Rodney becomes a great San Diego prosecutor. His determination and desire to succeed will drive him to achieve great things,” said Rep. Vargas.  “It is our duty to give our foster youth, many of whom have endured a great deal, the tools they need to be successful in life.”

Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border.  Vargas was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2012.  He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.