The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware in Lewes sponsored a party May 19 to celebrate graduating high school seniors in foster care.

UUSD is a member of Independent Living for Young Adults, an organization that supports young people aging out of foster care in Delaware. These youths often do not have people in their lives who celebrate their accomplishment of graduating from high school in spite of significant challenges. 

Despite the 99-degree heat that day, everyone had a wonderful time at the Rail Haus in Dover. First UU in Wilmington provided the venue and food, while Duffle Bags & More provided the fantastic DJ and gift cards, and the Delaware Bar Association provided backpacks filled with needed items as well as a gift card for each graduate. UUSD’s beautiful raffle baskets were a big hit, and definitely were the highlight of the party! Every graduate was able to choose multiple themed baskets based on their living circumstances and hobbies.

Joseph Balinski, a foster care research specialist with the state Division of Family Services, served as emcee for the graduation party.

Several people spoke from the heart as they congratulated these young people who have overcome many obstacles in order to become high school graduates. They included Steven E. Yeatman, who serves as secretary of the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families; and Trenee Parker, director of the Division of Family Services.

Barbara Crowell, the founder of ILYA and a retired Delaware Family Court judge, added her insights, and Karl Randall, executive director of the Delaware Bar Association, also addressed the graduates and guests. Mayda Berrios discussed her background as an ILYA alum whose own experiences in foster care in Delaware have shaped her career and youth advocacy; she now works as a foster care licensing specialist.