December 2025 Cassandra Unchained Charity of the Month
Together California
Together California is an inspiring public charity working to dramatically improve the experience and outcomes for children in the foster care system.
Christian Bale and his wife Sibi are co-founders of Together California, and it was Christian who brought this charity to my attention.
As many of you may know, traditional foster care in the United States is plagued by shortages of foster homes leading to disruption of both the education and the stable relationships critical to normal development.
As well, foster children often have a history of separation, abuse and neglect. Maltreatment within the system is not uncommon. All this often manifests in mental health needs that are not adequately addressed in the traditional foster care system.
As a result, these children suffer, and aging out of the traditional system often means PTSD, homelessness, unemployment, unplanned pregnancy, incarceration and/or other tragic outcomes.
The scope and depth of the foster care system’s shortcomings is immediately heartbreaking to anyone who takes time to look.
The Together California model of care improves on all of these aspects and differs from traditional foster care in emphasizing the following five components:
Children live together with their brothers and sisters.
Children receive care and support from a full-time, professionally trained Foster Parent.
Children thrive in a single-family home.
Children are supported through an intentional community of care.
Birth parents receive support and counseling to reunite families when possible.
This is an opportunity for private donations to make a real impact.
LA County has more kids in foster care than anywhere else in America - and therefore more needs. It is a great place to start this effort.
In September 2022, Together California purchased a 4.67 acre parcel of land in Palmdale, California. The site will yield 12 homes and a community center that will be a beacon of hope. Children will be cared for by full-time Together California foster parents who will coordinate services for each child.
This first village is already being built. In October, Christian sent me images of the progress so far.
I am convinced this is a charity worth supporting. As a result, 5% of Cassandra Unchained’s Substack revenues during this month of December will be donated to Together California.
https://togethercalifornia.org/
DR. Burry, thanks for posting this and giving us a glimpse into your head overall!
Thank you Dr Burry for this donation. Due to difficult circumstances within my own family , foster care became an important part of one of my loved ones’ mental health journey. Foster care pooy executed compounds these issues and “aging out” of the system can be problematic for those children seeking integration into society. Being thrust into very adult situations when their peers may be otherwise college bound , and still under the protection of parents or family is unfortunately the norm for these foster graduates. College assistance or vocational training can be useful here. I’m hoping that the Bales family is forward thinking in their approach to this process.
As a side note, is there a separate link Cassandra unchained subscribers can give to this charity outside of your generous donation if we wish to do so independently as a part of this community?