Program assists high school graduates aging out of foster care
A celebration for Delaware high school graduates who are aging out of foster care was held May 20 in Dover.
Organizing the event was Independent Living for Young Adults, a volunteer social action program that serves young adults in Delaware who have aged out of the foster care system. ILYA’s vision is to help these individuals access the resources and services needed to achieve a fulfilling, successful adulthood and to feel connected to a caring community.
The Division of Family Services provided transportation. Trenee Parker, DFS director, said, “The annual graduation party is an event that everyone looks forward to. ILYA is such an important part of the celebration that each youth deserves for the accomplishment of graduating. The partnership that we have with ILYA has been strong for 20 years. Their impact will last a lifetime for the youth whose lives they have touched.”
Founded 20 years ago by Barbara Crowell, a retired Delaware Family Court judge, ILYA has provided services for youth aging out of foster care in New Castle and Kent counties since then. Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware in Lewes is now collaborating with ILYA to help provide services statewide.
ILYA chapters from Kent and New Castle counties provided the venue and food. UUSD provided 37 gift baskets to present to the graduates. Baskets included themes such as art, sports, day at the beach and personal care.
The Delaware State Bar Association contributed backpacks filled with items the graduates will need as they begin their lives beyond high school.
Mayda Berrios, an alumna of the ILYA program, served as emcee for the event. She has come full circle and now works as a foster care advocate. Alumnus Dion Inge, who just received his master’s degree in social work, shared encouragement with the graduates.
ILYA services include providing student care packages, apartment furniture in good condition, household necessities, tutoring, emergency grants and loans, and advocacy needed before public bodies.
To learn more, email ILYA@uussd.org.
