It's the beginning of a new school year and for ILYA (Independent Living for Young Adults) that means matching up young people who have aged out of foster care and are now furthering their education with volunteers who want to help them along the way. Our “Student Care Package” project (formerly called College Care Package) matches volunteers up with a student to whom they send “care packages” of snacks, maybe holiday items, basic personal need items sometimes… those things you'd send your own children who are away at school. The packages help boost morale when studying gets tough, they help calm nerves at exam time… just knowing someone cares and is cheering for you.
A number of our volunteers have formed such satisfying relationships with their students that they continue on during all the school years and even after graduation. For one student, her volunteer family was the only guests who attended her graduation which meant the world to her. We need 4 more volunteers this year for students who are starting school. Packages are sent 5 times a year from October through May. Communication with the student is done via email or text but can also increase to phone calls and face-to-face meetings as the relationship develops. Please contact Sue Wilson or call (509) 690-0598 or see her in the parish hall after service to learn more or sign up.