DOCUMENTARY HELPS FOSTER YOUTH IN VENTURA COUNTY

CAMARILLO, CALIF -- Big Brothers Big Sisters Ventura County, in conjunction with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Ventura County and CYC (California Youth Connection), will present a free screening of Ally Walker's documentary film "For Norman…Wherever You Are" on Sunday, October 9^th  at 6:30 pm at the Roxy Theater, 5001 Verdugo Way, Camarillo.  The screening is open to the public.  Seating is limited

Actress Ally Walker is renowned for her portrayal of "Samantha Waters," a forensic psychologist with a dark past, in the NBC drama series Profiler.  Walker produced, and co-directed with Adam Davidson, the documentary For Norman...Wherever You Are.  It chronicles her experience through the Los Angeles Foster Care System, a journey that she was compelled to take after helping a mother and her one-year-old boy get off the streets.  This raw and powerful film won Best Documentary Feature at the San Fernando Valley International Film Festival, as well as the Champion of Conscience Award at the Wine Country Film Festival

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County is entering its 41^st year serving Ventura County and surrounding areas. The organization helps children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships with proven results.  The Ventura County chapter is one of the few in the nation that has a special program specifically for foster youth.  Lynne West, CEO of the organization, says: "We are proud to bring 'Norman' to our community.  This film really communicates the unique struggles that foster youth face."

After the film there with be a discussion followed by an audience Q and A with Ally Walker, Lynne West, and representatives from both CASA and CYC.  The intent is to show the many opportunities available for community members to participate in and contribute to positive change for youth in the foster system. More information about the documentary is available at www.normanfilm.com .

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBSVC) has been helping youth in Ventura County and neighboring communities realize their potential for over 40 years.  Facilitating more than 1,000 one-to-one mentoring relationships annually between adult or school-based volunteers and youth ages 6-21, BBSVC is committed to bringing their life-changing program to every child who needs and wants it.  BBSVC is an independent 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that depends on private donors for 75% of its funding.  To donate, become a mentor, or learn more about BBSVC please call (805) 484-2282 or go to www.bbsvc.org.

About Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

CASA of Ventura County is serving 139 of our most "at risk" court dependent children.  It supports and provides in-depth training to 137 volunteer advocates. CASA of Ventura County is a volunteer-driven program that provides a powerful voice in court for children who were removed from their homes by child protective services due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.  www.caseofventuracounty.org

About California Youth Connection (CYC)

California Youth Connection (CYC) is guided, focused and driven by current and former foster youth with the assistance of other committed community members.  CYC promotes the participation of foster youth in policy development and legislative change to improve the foster care system, and strives to improve social work practice and child welfare policy. www.calyouthconn.org