Ever had freshman jitters when you were starting school or know someone who did… maybe your child perhaps? It’s not uncommon to be nervous about starting at a new school even while looking forward to the opportunity.

For young people aging out of foster care, this can be a very challenging time. With no family support, it can be totally overwhelming or they may even face family pressure to “just get a job” particularly if they are the first person to go on for further education. It takes a lot of drive, fortitude and determination which is easy to lose without someone there to encourage those efforts.

ILYA volunteers give these young people a boost by sending Student Care Packages 5 times during the “school” year. The packages contain small inexpensive items that tell the student someone cares and is in their corner. Each year we have more students going on to further education. Please consider becoming a volunteer to help one become a success story. See Sue Wilson at coffee hour in the parish hall on Sunday or email her at wilsonsue8@yahoo.com

You can really make a difference in a young person’s life which strengthens the world for us all.