Yes, school is back in session and ILYA (Independent Living for Young Adults) is kicking off the Student Care Package project for the 2019/2020 academic year. This project offers support to youth who have aged out of foster care and are continuing their post-high school education. Many of these youth are the first generation in their families to further their education. They face the challenge of unstable housing, as well as lack of encouragement from family and friends in addition to the usual stress experienced by young adults pursuing post-secondary education.
As we do every year, we are looking for volunteers to give these students the emotional boost of knowing that someone cares. That means preparing a small package four times during the school year, and perhaps a fifth for the student’s birthday. Packages often contain baked goods, snacks, movie passes, gift cards, personal care items or school supplies. Typically, packages are mailed directly to the student, but sometimes arrangements can be made to deliver packages to church for distribution to the recipient.
This year we are going to attempt to match volunteers who would like to build a relationship with students who would also like that type of connection. We’ll also do our best to honor the wishes of volunteers and students who prefer to just send/receive packages. We want this to be a satisfying experience for everyone.
Cathy Butler and her team will be in the parish hall during coffee hour on September 15, 22 and 29 to answer questions and sign up volunteers. Won’t you consider helping to make this a successful year for a student who may have no one else cheering for them?