San Diego CA— During the 18th Annual Nonprofit Governance Symposium at the University of San Diego, it was announced that Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT) was selected as the 2022 winner of the prestigious Kaleidoscope Award for Good Governance presented by The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego. JIT won in the mid-size category for organizations that have an operating budget between $500,000 and $10 million. For the past 15 years, this award has recognized, celebrated and promoted effective, engaged board leadership in the San Diego region’s nonprofit sector.   
 Just in Time for Foster Youth is a San Diego nonprofit that serves young people out of the foster care system after age 18 who leave without a safety net or a family to assist with their transition to adulthood. JIT provides a community of support to help these young adults stay on the path to self-sufficiency. Having served more than 1,500 youth in 2021, JIT is focused on stable housing, essential education, meaningful employment, financial security, reliable transportation, positive connections, confidence, and well-being. 
 As an organization, Just in Time for Foster Youth proudly embraces constructive conflict as an opportunity to elevate its work and excel in its mission. JIT’s board and executive leadership consistently navigate external challenges and difficult internal decisions from a foundation of a mutually developed shared Purpose, well-articulated and aligned Values, a conscious commitment to build and preserve Trust, continuous two-way Communication for clarity and understanding, and a Growth Mindset that honors feedback and encourages confident vulnerability. 
 “The strong partnership between the Just in Time board and executive leadership reflects the values and energy of the entire organization. We share that personal commitment not just to our mission but also to one another,” said Don Wells, Chief Empowerment Officer at Just in Time for Foster Youth. 
 In addition to the leadership of CEO Don Wells, JIT Board Chair Brad Livingston and Board Vice Chair Ted DeFrank, were instrumental during the application and interview process.  
 “Fundamentally, I believe our strength comes from trust, built on consistent communication, the courage to have difficult and necessary conversations, and the confidence that each of us comes together to make our own contribution to our mission and fulfill our promise to the youth we serve. We’re always looking for new ways to help each other, it’s like a good marriage,” added Don Wells. 
 The mission of The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego’s 2022 Kaleidoscope Award for Good Governance is to recognize, celebrate, and promote good governance in the San Diego region’s nonprofit sector. Per the award’s webpage, “Like a kaleidoscope, the work of nonprofit governance is intricate, varied and involves viewing the organization through a variety of lenses. Nonprofit governance works best when viewed through three lenses: fiduciary, strategic and generative. Good boards are dedicated volunteers who understand which lens to apply at any given time, to provide leadership that enhances an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission.”