JUNE 11, 2009 NO. 06 009 096

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact: Sophia Kouidou-Giles , Adolescent Unit Supervisor, (360) 902-8262 Deborah Schow , DSHS Communications, (360) 902-7891

Media are invited to schedule interviews with foster youth and foster parents: contact Deborah Schow

Foster youth graduation and GED ceremonies to
take place across Washington state

OLYMPIA – High School Graduation is a special day for any student, but it is particularly special for foster youth, whose path to success can be unusually challenging.

This month, Department of Social and Health Services staff, foster parents, community partners and others across Washington are holding special events to honor the accomplishments of foster youth who are graduating or receiving GED (General Educational Development) certification.

“The transition to independent living has its challenges for all young people and it can be particularly tough when you’re in foster care,” said Children’s Administration Interim Assistant Secretary Randy Hart. “We want these kids to know that we are proud of them and we are privileged to be able to recognize their achievements and accomplishments.”

Community support comes in various forms. This year, 44 foster youth graduating from high school received Governor’s Scholarship Program awards. Others are taking part in the DSHS Foster Care to 21 program that allows youth to remain in foster care until they turn 21 if enrolled in a qualifying vocational program or college and received their high school diploma or GED.

The celebrations vary by area and sponsors, but all have the common goal of celebrating youth in foster care as they reach a milestone to becoming an adult.

Some foster youth will hurdle the challenges even further and graduate with honors, strong grade point averages and acceptance from prestigious universities, colleges and vocational schools. Amid the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” are stories of triumph over adversity: one foster youth survived a childhood of Rwandan genocide attacks and refugee camps, another developed athletic skills that led to a full scholarship at a Spokane college. One foster youth in the Everett area is the recipient of a $64,000 Gates Foundation Scholarship; another with learning disabilities forged a path in technology that earned him a scholarship in computer studies.

Among the ceremonies and events taking place later this month: ·

June 11, 5:30 p.m. Tri-Cities St Patrick’s Catholic Church Reception Hall, 1320 W. Henry St., Pasco Sponsors: DSHS Richland Division of Child and Family Services Adolescent Unit Staff Committee, Catholic Family & Child Services, IL Providers Speaker: Sean McGrath Governor’s Scholarship recipients: Genaro Contreras, Ashton Ruble ·

June 12, 5 p.m. Colville Colville Pizza Factory, 662 S. Main Street Sponsors: Service Alternatives Governors’ Scholarship Recipient: Lavena Whitehead · June 18 Yakima, Toppenish, Sunnyside National Guard Armory, 2105 Airport Lane, Yakima Sponsors: DSHS Children’s Administration, Casey Family Programs

June 18, 5 – 7 p.m. Thurston County Tumwater Radio Ranch, 3102 8th Ave. NE., Olympia Sponsors: DSHS Division of Child and Family Services, Washington State Employees Credit Union, Capitol Kids Connection, Target, Barnes and Noble, Coca-Cola, Olympia Quilters ·

June 23, 6 p.m. Everett Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant, 1620 W Marine View Dr, Everett Sponsors: Kids Dream of Snohomish County; Yen Lui; First Presbyterian Church, Everett; Project Linus; Starbucks at Thrashers Corner; Smokey Point Costco; Marysville Fred Meyer’s; Radia; Youth Net Governors’ Scholarship Recipients: Renee Hemingway, Garrett Nadeau, Supriya Patel, Reginald Reese, Dion Webb Gates Foundation Recipient: Kyle Faltin $64,000

June 23, 6 – 9 p.m. Ferndale WECU, 5659 Barrett Rd, Ferndale

Foster parents can play a major role in helping youth to achieve their educational goals, but more foster parents are needed. Some areas of the state are especially in need of foster parents who can step up to change a lifetime for a young person. To apply to be a foster-parent, respite care foster parent or for more information about becoming a foster parent call 1-888-KIDS-414 (1-888-543-7414) or click DSHS, Foster Parenting, You can too.

# # # DSHS does not discriminate, and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, veteran’s status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability. Jennifer M. Gau ~ Communications Office ~ (360) 902-7829 ~ gaujena@dshs.wa.gov