Graduation marks a turning point for any young person.
For youth in foster care, it often comes with an added challenge: preparing for adulthood without the support system many of their peers rely on.
Children’s Aid Society of Alabama’s Independent Living Program helps young people ages 14 to 21 build the skills and confidence needed to successfully transition into adulthood.
Recently, the program celebrated 110 graduates during its Annual Graduation Celebration, honoring foster youth from across Alabama who earned their high school diploma or GED.
Filling Gaps During a Critical Transition
Many young adults leaving foster care enter college or their first home without the support system many of their peers rely on, often lacking basic household items and everyday essentials.
The Independent Living Program’s Annual Grad Bag Campaign helps address those needs. With support from donors and community partners, each graduate receives a suitcase filled with bedding, towels, kitchen supplies and personal care products.
“Some of the biggest challenges our youth face as they age out of care involve a lack of support,” said Jay Tunagur-Williams, Independent Living Program Director. “Our grad bags help fill some of those gaps. Whether a young person is heading to college or moving into their own place, these supplies help them prepare for what’s ahead.”
The luggage itself is intentional. Many young people in foster care move between homes carrying their belongings in trash bags. A durable suitcase provides something practical they can use as they move into a dorm, apartment or other housing while also offering a sense of dignity.
“It lets them know their community, Children’s Aid Society and the Independent Living Program are walking alongside them as they move into adulthood,” said Samantha Whitley, Independent Living Team Lead.
Building Confidence Through Life Skills
Preparation for adulthood begins long before graduation. The Independent Living Program helps participants develop practical life skills, including budgeting, job readiness and meal preparation, to help them build a stable foundation for the future.
“Success looks different for every young person,” said Tunagur-Williams. “For some, it may be earning a college degree. For others, it may be finding stable employment or living independently. What matters is being able to use the skills they have learned and apply them in their daily lives.”
The Independent Living Program also encourages young people to help shape the services designed to support them.
Through the Dream Ambassadors program, foster youth from across Alabama represent their peers and share feedback that helps strengthen the program.
“When our youth have a seat at the table, they feel like their voices matter,” said Whitley. “Our Dream Ambassadors represent foster youth in a phenomenal way and help ensure those perspectives are heard.”
Community Support Creates Opportunity
The Annual Graduation Celebration recognizes an important milestone, but it is only one part of the support offered through Children’s Aid Society’s Independent Living Program.
From life-skills training and mentorship to initiatives such as the Grad Bag Campaign, Children’s Aid Society helps young people prepare for the responsibilities and opportunities that come with adulthood. For the 110 graduates recognized this year, that support included practical resources, encouragement and a community committed to helping them build a strong foundation for the future.