Celebrating 19 Years of Covenant Community Services at Building Blocks

Nineteen years.

In some ways, 2007 feels like a lifetime ago. In other ways, it feels like just yesterday.

As we celebrate 19 years of Covenant Community Services operating Building Blocks Transitional Housing, we reflect on a remarkable journey that began when Covenant assumed management of the program in 2007. Building Blocks is a unique partnership between the Kern County Department of Human Services and the Housing Authority of the County of Kern, with Covenant Community Services entrusted to manage and operate the program.

Since 2007, hundreds of foster youth have passed through the gates of Building Blocks. Each young person arrived with a unique story, carrying hopes, dreams, challenges, and often the effects of trauma, loss, and uncertainty. While every journey has been different, the overwhelming majority have experienced opportunities for growth, stability, independence, and success.

For those of us who have walked alongside these young people, we can still remember many of their faces, stories, struggles, and victories. Watching youth transition from foster care to adulthood is not always easy, but it remains one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable.

One young man who exemplifies the impact of Building Blocks is Kenny Pearson.

Kenny’s journey with Covenant began in 2007, the same year Covenant Community Services assumed operation of Building Blocks. As one of the program’s early residents, Kenny experienced firsthand the support, guidance, and encouragement that would help shape his future.

Like many young people, Kenny faced challenges and obstacles. Through determination, personal growth, and the support of Covenant’s staff and mentors, he began building a foundation for a brighter future.

Over the years, Kenny explored opportunities in several states and pursued different life experiences. Yet his heart continually led him back to Bakersfield and back to serving foster youth.

His story has truly come full circle.

Rather than allowing the challenges of foster care and childhood trauma to define his future, Kenny chose perseverance, growth, and service. Today, he helps young people navigate many of the same challenges he once faced. His life is a powerful reminder that healing, growth, and purpose are possible.

As we reflect on the early years of Building Blocks, we would be remiss if we did not recognize Mark and Stephanie Williams, the brave young family who served as Covenant’s first house parents. At a time when the program was just beginning, they helped create far more than transitional housing—they helped create a home. Through their compassion, mentorship, and willingness to share their lives with young people emerging from foster care, they established a culture of care, encouragement, accountability, and love that continues to shape Building Blocks today.

Behind every success story at Building Blocks is a dedicated team committed to helping young people thrive. We are grateful for the leadership of Program Manager Samantha Imhoof-Tran, whose passion and commitment help ensure youth receive the support and guidance they need to move toward independence. We are equally thankful for onsite staff member Jeff Kasinger, who serves on the front lines building relationships, offering encouragement, and helping create a safe and stable environment where young adults can grow. Their efforts, along with those of countless current and former staff members, reflect the heart of Covenant’s mission.

Building Blocks is also strengthened by outstanding community partnerships. Our collaboration with the Kern County Department of Human Services Independent Living Program (ILP) helps ensure foster youth have access to critical resources, life-skills development, and opportunities that prepare them for successful adulthood. We are also grateful for our partnership with the Dream Center, whose commitment to serving vulnerable young people strengthens our collective impact. Together, these partnerships help create a network of support that no single organization could provide alone.

As we celebrate this milestone, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Bakersfield and the entire Kern County community for supporting Building Blocks and the young adults who have called it home.

Thank you to the churches, businesses, service clubs, volunteers, donors, community partners, and individuals who have invested their time, talent, and resources into the lives of foster youth over the past 19 years.

This work cannot be done alone. The success of Building Blocks has always depended on a caring community willing to invest in young people. Our partners provide more than resources—they provide relationships. They celebrate successes, offer guidance during challenges, and remind foster youth that they are valued and not forgotten. Together, they create a community where healing, growth, and hope are possible.

As we look toward the future, we are filled with optimism. The need remains great, but so does the opportunity to make a difference.

Here’s to 20 more years of serving foster youth through Building Blocks.

Here’s to more stories of hope, restoration, and transformation.

If you would like to get involved, we invite you to reach out. There are projects to complete, needs to meet, and young lives waiting to be impacted.

Thank you, Bakersfield, for standing with foster youth for the past 19 years. Your support, generosity, and compassion have helped change lives and strengthen our community.

Happy 19th Anniversary, Building Blocks.