Orgs help students in need celebrate graduation

Celia Van Meter invited 200 people to her graduation party on June 4 at Clark Alumni House at Coe College.

Before the party, she admitted she wasn't sure what everyone would be doing.

"I don't really know what you do at a graduation party," said Van Meter, 18, who graduated from Vinton-Shellsburg High School in November.

Van Meter, who spent the past seven years in foster care, was able to have the party thanks to Benton-Iowa Decat, Clickstop Cares and the Starfish Women's Group. The groups this year helped graduating seniors who may have spent time in foster care, been homeless or faced some other type of hardship.

In addition to parties, the groups paid for items such as senior pictures or invitations, as well as things students may need as they transition into college or their first apartment.

Van Meter said in addition to a party, she requested a laptop, and a queen bed for her apartment.

'It's the first bed I've had since I was 10,' said Van Meter, who is working as a nanny and attending Kirkwood Community College. 'It was really exciting.'

According to Iowa Aftercare statistics, about 420 kids 'age out' of foster care each year.

Erin Monaghan, who works with Benton-Iowa Decat and Early Childhood Iowa, said the so-called 'graduation celebration' program started six years ago in Buchanan, Delaware and Fayette counties. It expanded to Vinton-Shellsburg High School three years ago, and this was the first year it was available to all students in Benton and Iowa counties.

Monaghan said the groups rely on administrative officials — such as superintendents and school counselors — to get the word out about the program.

'On average the kids are getting between $1,000 and $1,500 worth of gifts, and on top of that we also help with food for their party, find someone willing to donate and decorate their cake, photographers willing to donate senior pictures,' Monaghan said.

Students must fill out an application and are given a checklist of items so they know what they will need for an apartment or dorm room.

'A lot of times, these kids haven't had guidance, haven't had anyone really help them plan things,' Monaghan said. 'Sometimes they're just focused on getting through day by day.'

Van Meter said she hopes her younger sister, who is 16 and still in foster care, will also take advantage of the program.

'I think it's a really great program for people who need help or anyone who is in the system,' Van Meter said. 'It's given me a lot that I didn't even know could happen or was possible.'