Celebrating 20 Years of
Inspiring Independence
SAVE THE DATE
Inspire’s 20th Annual
Make a Difference Gala
For two decades, Inspire Life Skills Training, Inc. has helped youth emerging from foster care or homelessness break the cycle of abuse and poverty—providing safe housing, mentoring, counseling, life skills training, and educational support. Your support makes this possible.
WHEN: Saturday, September 13, 2025 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
WHERE: Victoria Club, 2521 Arroyo Dr, Riverside, CA 92506
Join us for an inspiring evening featuring:
A celebration of 20 years of INSPIRE
Stories from Inspire students and alumni
Live auctions, raffles, and ways to give
Together, we can create brighter futures for the youth in our community. We look forward to celebrating with you!
— The Inspire Team
Interested in Sponsoring The Gala? Click here.
Your support helps fund housing, educational opportunities, life skills training, and mentorship for over 300 at-risk youth annually. Come together with business leaders, community members, and friends to celebrate the faces of generosity that make our mission possible.
Inspire’s 20 Year Timeline
2003
Kristi Perez founded Inspire after realizing the lack of support for motivated foster youth aiming to attend college. Only 6% attempted college, and 2% graduated. The initial focus was mentoring and fundraising for schoolbooks, shifting to safe housing.
October 2005
First home opened in Riverside for five girls exiting foster care.
2006
Launched the inaugural “Make a Difference” dinner and auction.
February 2007
Opened a second home near RCC Riverside, accommodating five more girls. Total participants: 11.
June 2007
Hosted the first Inspire Golf Invitational, raising funds for a boys’ program.
August 2007
Welcomed the first two young men, providing monthly housing stipends.
July 2008
Opened the first boys' home in Riverside for four boys and a resident advisor.
February 2010
Acquired a second boys’ home in Eastvale, funded by a Riverside County grant.
October 2014
Established office space at the Historic Civic Center in Corona.
June 2015
Opened a new girls' home in Corona for five additional girls.
August 2019
Introduced the Inspired Scholars program, offering stipends and coaching to students at 4-year universities.
October 2024
Purchased a Corona home with $1 million in ARPA funds from Riverside County.
September 2025
The 20th annual “Make a Difference” Gala at Victoria Club in Riverside.
