(Posted 2022 September)
Each year the Fairfax County Department of Family Services recognizes youth in foster care who earn their GED or graduate from high school, college, or vocational certificate programs. This year, the celebration hosted by DFS Foster Care and Adoption was held virtually to honor the proud graduates.
Overcoming the Odds
The event opened with a graduation-related icebreaker activity led by Diana Cottrill with the DFS Professional and Organization Development Team. Staff and resource parents were also invited to cheer on the happy graduates. Select staff shared a brief word about each youth and their accomplishments.
Graduation takes on greater significance for many youth in foster care who have experienced instability and unpredictability that makes it challenging to succeed in school. As a result nationally, only about 50% of the children in foster care graduate from high school by age 19. Sadly, this impacts other national outcomes for former foster youth with 25% becoming incarcerated and 50% unemployed at 24.
“Graduation is truly a game-changer for youth in foster care. This ceremony gives our staff a chance to let each youth know just how proud we are of them and all they have accomplished,” said Kendra Smith, the Foster Care and Adoption supervisor, who coordinates the event.
Guest Speaker Shares Words of Encouragement
Attendees heard words of wisdom from La Tika Jeffrey, who has been a member of the AdoptUSKids speakers bureau and the Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption Youth Advocate program for several years. Jeffrey was in foster care as a teenager and was adopted at age 21. She has a knack for sharing her inspirational story in a way that impacts each of her audiences and mentees.
During the event, Jeffrey invited each graduate to “brag” and share their accomplishments with the group. She celebrated their strengths and encouraged them to utilize all the support provided by the department as they continue their education and begin their careers.
Graduation Gifts Help Ease The Transition
In addition, the graduates received a variety of gifts due to contributions from generous donors including Hearts and Hands Reaching Out (HHRO), and the Bernie L. Bates Foundation, (BLB), Inc. partnering with Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter (PsiAA) of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Bernie L. Bates Foundation board member Brad Caldwell attended virtually and took the opportunity to congratulate and encourage the students as well.
Each graduate received gift cards, a personally embroidered towel, a “yeti” like mug, wireless earbuds, first-aid kit and other essentials, certificate, caricature drawing of themselves, and the opportunity to participate in a graduation photo shoot with photographer, Melanie Reed.
“It’s important to celebrate the hard work and commitment of each graduate. We are so grateful to the sponsors for everything they have done to make this event so special for them,” said Smith.
This article posting is part of the Foster Family News monthly newsletter designed to keep foster parents informed about all the new and notable happenings in Fairfax County.
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