With so many new members in our congregation who may not know about ILYA (Independent Living for Young Adults) here’s a little overview. For 13 years this social justice program has provided support to young people who age out of foster care in New Castle County. They have often experienced significant trauma (physical, emotional, sexual abuse and/or neglect) and once removed from their family often experience instability in the foster care system also – moved from one home to another usually also involving multiple school changes.

These are smart, goal-oriented young people who have had the odds stacked against them and that’s where ILYA comes in. We work with the Independent Living Coordinators provided by the state to fill in some of the gaps they face in establishing themselves in the adult world. Our webpage details all the projects within the program so check it out.

First U has always been very generous in supporting ILYA but maybe you wonder where some of your donations go. The Holiday Giving, Graduation Backpack & Pizza Party Projects make that pretty obvious but how about the New Apartment Kits (NAK). Well, this Sunday the Easter Bunny has arranged to have a display of a NAK in the parish hall during coffee hour. We’re not asking for donations; just want to show you what the youth receive when they move into their first apartment. We think you’ll be pleased to see what you’re providing them. Stop by and say hello to Sue Hodges, Stephanie Cloud and Cathy Cambridge who run this project. Thank you for your continued support!