Fort Mill and York Seventh Day Adventist Church members help young adults who aged out of foster car

Remember what it was like to turn 18? Those of us who have been there can most likely remember the excitement and also the uncertainty that came with realizing the time had come to start adulting. We had many questions and honestly, if it wasn’t for the love and patience of our parents or other caring adults, who knows where we would be. Imagine experiencing that transition without a parent or caregiver to provide guidance, assistance, or moral support.

Every year across the US, thousands of children in foster care reach the age of 18 and age out of foster care. Aging out of foster care means a child reaches the legal age of adulthood while in foster care, without ever achieving a permanent plan to reunify with parents or be legally placed with a caregiver. “In federal fiscal year (FY) 2018, nearly 18,000 young people aged out of foster care. As these young people leave care, they often do so without a stable network of people and resources upon whom they can rely for support.” (Child Trends, 2020)

During the months of December and January, FMSDA church held a donation drive to collect items to help 65 young adults who aged out of foster care in Mecklenburg County, NC. Many of these young adults lack the natural supports and resources that many of us take for granted. They were in need of household items such as bedding, cleaning supplies, kitchen tools, and personal toiletries. When the call for help was made, members of Fort Mill SDA and York SDA came through! Over the course of four weeks, members from both churches donated various home and personal items such as pots, glassware, kitchen appliances, cleaning supplies, comforters, towels, toiletries, and even some beautifully knitted hats, scarves, and slippers. Over 500 items were collected! On January 19th, 2021, the donations were delivered to the social work staff who oversee case management services for the young adults. The donations will be distributed by the social workers along with reading material that will help the young adults learn about Christ. What a wonderful opportunity this was to serve and share God’s love!!!

Thank you to all the Fort Mill and York Seventh-Day Adventist Church families and individuals who donated items, funds, and time to make this possible!!

—by Kathy Souare