In this episode of Growing on The Vine, host Chris Ryan sits down with Julie Noe, the Executive Director of the Rose Again Foundation, to discuss the unique and vital role the organization plays in Southwest Riverside County. While foster care agencies manage the legal and placement aspects of a child’s journey, Rose Again focuses on "filling the gaps" providing the emotional and material support that the state system often overlooks.

Julie highlights the foundation’s "A Book of Their Own" initiative, emphasizing the psychological importance of foster children owning something brand-new rather than a hand-me-down. She shares heartbreaking yet inspiring stories of children who arrive at new homes with nothing but a trash bag, and how the foundation steps in with "comfort stuff" new clothes, weighted blankets, and even birthday cakes. Beyond immediate needs, Julie explains their commitment to long-term success through tutoring programs and the "Thrive" program, which supports youth aging out of the system. The episode also features a powerful success story of a former foster child turned foundation employee, illustrating how the community’s investment creates a cycle of giving back. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the foster care landscape and actionable ways to support these resilient children.