Plans are underway for the annual initiative to recognize area students who have beaten the odds to succeed by graduating from high school while living in foster care, living on their own, or facing homelessness. Many of these students would not be able to celebrate their accomplishments without assistance. It is anticipated that Benton-Iowa Community Partnership for Protecting Children (CPPC) will help as many as fifteen graduates this year in Benton and Iowa counties with referrals coming from school counselors as well as staff from the Iowa Department of Human Services and Juvenile Court Services.

The goal is to help students receive things typically associated with a high school graduation such as senior pictures, invitations, cakes, and refreshments for their celebration, as well as items needed as they transition out of high school and head off to college or their first apartment. Businesses, churches, organizations, and members of the community can help celebrate an outstanding achievement by these students by giving a gift, providing a service, or by making a monetary donation. Monetary donations may be sent to Wesley United Methodist Church, 516 2nd Ave., Vinton, IA 52349. Please include a notation that the donation is for the graduation celebration program.

According to Casey Family Programs, it is estimated that 30 to 50 percent of youth exit the foster care system without a high school diploma or high school equivalent. Meanwhile, only 30. 7 percent of children who grow up in foster care graduate from high school. Of those, less than two percent will go on to college. Most of these students have not only suffered the loss of their biological family but many have also experienced the loss of extended family, have experienced multiple foster homes and moves, as well as changes in case workers, friends, communities, and schools. On average, foster kids will move six times between kindergarten and 12th grade.

In Iowa, about 360 youth exit foster care or juvenile justice placements annually through emancipation, with approximately 63% reporting no monthly income. Youth aging out of foster care usually lack natural supports that other youth receive from family.

This is the eighth year for this initiative in Benton and Iowa counties. Past volunteers have shared that one of the most surprising discoveries has been the high number of students living on their own while in high school.

Barb Rego, long-time CPPC volunteer, shared how she reconnected with one of the grads-a teen parent. After graduation, the young mother enrolled in college and was excited to share her success making the Dean's List. She also shared how the gift of the laptop allowed her to do homework at home rather than at the school library and, as a result, she was able to spend more time with her child. For more information about this initiative, contact Lisa Staude at lstaude@dhs.state.ia.us or 319/ 521-4935 or by calling Barbara Rego at 319/472-3034.


Flyer Content:

Celebrate Our Youth -

Help recognize an outstanding achievement for area youth who have had to beat the odds to succeed. "I graduated from high school and never had a party or cake to celebrate my achievement." -comment shared by a former Iowa foster youth

Flourishing Families (CPPC) is working with high school counselors in Benton and Iowa Counties to recognize graduating youth who may not otherwise be able to celebrate their accomplishments & could use post-graduation assistance since the "normal" support systems are not available to them. Please consider donating any of the items listed below.

Cash donations will be used to purchase laptop computers as well as items listed below: Monetary donations may be sent to Wesley United Methodist Church, 516 2nd Ave., Vinton, IA 52349.Please include a notation: donation is for graduation celebration.

Full Size Comforter

Sheet Set (all sizes)

Twin Size Pillow

Alarm Clock

Dinner & Table Ware

Kitchen Utensils

Back Pack

School Supplies

Bath Essentials

Toiletries

Large Duffel Bag

Laundry Basket

Small First Aid Kit

Basic Tool Kit

Cleaning Supplies

Memory Stick/Flash Drive

Haircuts voucher

Senior Pictures Services

Food/Drink/paper products for a graduation celebration

For further information, contact: Lisa Staude at (319)521-4935 or Barb Rego at (319)472-3034

Comments

Submit a Comment

Please refresh the page to leave Comment.

Still seeing this message? Press Ctrl + F5 to do a "Hard Refresh".