As this school year kicks off, ILYA (Independent Living for Young Adults) has six students that have graduated high school, aged out of foster care and are now off to college. This is more than we’ve had in years past and is a glowing testament to the resiliency of these young people. To achieve what they have already under such unstable and challenging situations is fantastic. To be going on to further their education is taking them a huge step toward a brighter future.
But this is a crucial time. College doesn’t have much structure for young people and it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of new faces. The self-discipline required to be successful is sometimes hard to develop when you don’t have family encouragement and support. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged.
But we at First U can help ease the way of these students. By sending Student Care Packages just 5 times over the school year, you can bring the support and encouragement these young people need to get through the tough times. Sue Wilson is leading this project and will be in the Parish Hall this Sunday after the service. Please stop by and find out more about how you might be able to help the effort or email her at wilsonsue8@yahoo.com.