Napolitano Welcomes West Covina Former Foster Youth for 6th Annual “Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day”

(WASHINGTON, DC) —Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte) welcomed Andrew Garcia, a former foster youth from West Covina, to spend the day on Capitol Hill with her for the 6th Annual "Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day.”

“It was our great pleasure to welcome Andrew and show him some of our daily work on behalf of San Gabriel Valley residents,” Napolitano said. “I admire Andrew’s courage and openness to share his story, and I am grateful for the time we spent together. As a member of the Congressional Foster Youth Caucus, I remain committed to ensuring our nation’s child welfare system provides young people like Andrew with a stable and loving home. Every child deserves a safe, supportive and permanent family.”

Garcia joined more than 100 other foster youth alumni from across the country who traveled to Washington to shadow members of Congress, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the House of Representatives and sharing their experiences in the child welfare system as a way to influence policy around foster care. He sat in on constituent meetings, witnessed a committee markup hearing, and was shown around the U.S. Capitol and House Office buildings by his Congresswoman.  

“I am participating in the Shadow Program because advocacy and commitment to my community is very much what I'm about,” said Garcia. “I would like to thank Congresswoman Napolitano for allowing me to shadow her today and giving me a glimpse into the life of a public servant. I want to support all communities and individuals but also model for future generations, courage and service we should extend to our communities.”

Garcia is currently a senior at Cal Poly Pomona University majoring in sociology. Upon completion of his degree, he aspires to continue his education by obtaining a master’s degree in public policy and/or public administration.
 

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