Program:
Judy St. John introduced our guest speaker, Lynda Bowman.
Lynda was an executive with GTE Horizon for 30 years and a trailblazer who has carried her passion for leadership and service into numerous charitable endeavors. A former foster youth herself, Lynda was once a ward of the state of North Dakota. Her personal experiences have shaped her lifelong commitment to supporting foster youth through the TEACh program.
She began by thanking the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks (TORC) for its longtime support of TEACh and Ventura County foster youth. She recalled TEACh events at CSUCI and specifically thanked Maria Prescott, who helped the organization obtain Chromebooks for foster youth. Lynda said she sees the many ways TORC supports local nonprofits and expressed her appreciation on behalf of TEACh and the young people they serve.
Lynda’s Story
Lynda was born into a family of six in North Dakota. When her immediate family was unable to care for her, she was sent to live with relatives in other states, resulting in many moves over the years.
At age 11, she had the opportunity to live with her father, but her siblings were already gone and the transition was difficult. Lynda explained that, as a foster youth, some things never change: “We all want to get back to our families.”
At age 13, her father passed away, and she became a ward of the state and was subsequently sent to another state to complete her final years of high school.
At 17, Lynda came to California and found work as a typist. She was eventually hired into the telecommunications industry, where she spent the next 30 years. She recalled that she could type 120 words per minute.
She developed strong leadership skills throughout her career. After retiring at a relatively young age, she initially planned to return to work. Instead, she began serving on boards—eventually serving on 17 boards—and discovered how much she loved community service.
One relative once told Lynda that her life was a gift. She shared that the first part of her life was about surviving, but eventually she had the opportunity to pay it forward. That has been her mission for many years, with a particular focus on helping foster youth.
Lessons for Young People
Lynda shared three important lessons:
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Work hard to prepare for the future.
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Be selective about the company you keep.
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Seek out community support.
Foster Youth in California and Ventura County
Lynda shared statistics illustrating the challenges faced by foster youth:
Approximately 400,000 foster youth in the United States, Approximately 40,000 in California, Approximately 80,000 foster placements in California, 604 foster youth in Ventura County, 83 youth in Extended Foster Care
She also discussed legislation providing special support for foster youth and noted the significant challenges many young people face, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Among the outcomes she highlighted were:20% becoming homeless, 70% of females experiencing pregnancy, Only 5–8% completing college
Lynda presented a breakdown of 381 foster youth in Ventura County by grade level: K–3: 100, Grades 4–6: 45, Grades 7–8: 45, High school: 191
She explained that foster youth face some of the lowest success rates in college and highlighted additional challenges, including economic hardship, working more than 35 hours per week, and becoming parents of young children.
TEACh: Supporting Foster Youth Beyond Age 21
Lynda explained that the TEACh program provides ongoing support, particularly through scholarships. While many programs end when foster youth reach age 21, TEACh continues to support young people regardless of age, as long as they are continuing to move toward personal and educational advancement.
She emphasized that in Ventura County, TEACh provides assistance to foster youth regardless of their age.
Foster Youth Success Stories
Lynda spotlighted several “rockstar” success stories:
Jessie became an associate deputy state public defender in the California public defender system after attending San Francisco State. She also helped her sister, who had shared the same foster-care experience. Lynda noted that Jessie later administered the oath of office to the new mayor of San Francisco.
Raquel became a behavioral health clinic manager in Ventura County. She had been surrounded by a gang environment before moving into group homes. Despite those challenges, she earned her master’s degree. Her daughter attends CSUN, and her son is also preparing to attend college.
Agustina is a graduate student at Cal State Los Angeles. She experienced a difficult childhood and ran away from her placement in eighth grade, remaining away for four years before resurfacing. It took another two years for her to earn her high school diploma. With support from TEACh, she went on to earn her undergraduate degree and is now pursuing graduate studies while raising a young child.
Lynda also highlighted Cristina Acosta who was attending the luncheon with her. Lynda has known Cristina since she was 15. Cristina attended community college, earned a master’s degree in public policy from CLU, and a doctorate from Pepperdine University. She has worked with the Ventura County Community Foundation and now works at VCOE, supporting special populations.
Lynda said she is looking forward to passing leadership on to the next generation.
TEACh Scholarships
Lynda shared that TEACh has provided approximately $130,000 in scholarships to 60 students.
She also mentioned a young man named Pablo, who hopes to become a welder. He is learning the trade while also learning the business skills needed to eventually run his own business. Lynda noted that Pablo's name was missing from their current list and expressed hope that he will return to the program.
TEACh Partnership
Lynda explained that TEACh brings together a broad network of partners, including:
- 9 nonprofit organizations
- 4 government agencies
- 5 higher-education representatives
- Business and private organizations
- Community volunteers
- Former TEACh scholars
Lynda closed by inviting Rotary members to attend the TEACh Scholars Night, held each year. The next event is scheduled for May 28, 2027.
Closing
Michelle continued the club's customary closing by presenting books donated by TORC to a Title I school for Lynda to sign.
Michelle thanked the Rotarians who helped with the meeting:
- Gary Seigle – Guest table
- Regina and Marc – Greeters
- Felix – Room setup
- Louis – Inspirational Moment
- Nancy – Song
- Sue Engler – Guest introductions
- Gary – Happy Dollars
Michelle welcomed Rich Folsom back and also recognized Steve Stanley and Ean Kleiger. She thanked the board members and committee chairs for their continued work.
She also thanked all of the guests for attending.
Before closing the meeting, Michelle reminded everyone that newspapers were available in the back of the room and encouraged members to take copies to share with friends and others who would like to learn more about the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks.
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