Care Packages for College Students from Foster Care: Northeast Region
During the Northeast Region Young Adult (YA) retreat held on 23 and 24 October 2021, YA attendees prepared care packages for college students formerly in the foster care system. The service project was organized in partnership with Rise Above, a non-profit that works with youth in foster care. College students who graduate from the foster care system do not have the loving care and support of a family, and sadly, don’t have a home to go to during the holidays. The care packages are meant to serve as a source of comfort, with each package consisting of non-perishable food items, hygiene kits, stationery and a positive message handwritten by a YA for the recipient.
All supplies for the care packages were procured prior to the retreat. On the day of the service, retreat participants viewed a short presentation on the needs of youth in foster care. The YAs then divided into teams and assembled 150 care packages.
The packages were picked up by Rise Above from the retreat venue and delivered to college students in early November, just in time for Thanksgiving, often a challenging time for these students who are homeless. Below are some messages sent to Rise Above by the students who received the care packages:
"I just want to thank Rise Above for every care package that was sent out. You truly are a blessing. These care packages are amazing and I am beyond thankful for your support. It has been a rough semester for me. I really needed this." ~ A nursing student, UMass, Dartmouth.
"I have just received my package and it put a HUGE smile on my face! Thank you all so much. I appreciate it so much." ~ A student in Health Services Management, UNC, Charlotte.