Best-selling author Vanessa Diffenbaugh visits Cedar Rapids

Not every birthday is happy, especially for children who “age out” of the U.S. foster care system.

Each year, an estimated 30,000 young people are emancipated from the system. Many are only 18 - an adult on paper, but in reality someone who still needs support and services. According to the Foster Care Alumni of America, studies have shown that without a lifelong connection to a caring adult, these older youth are often left vulnerable to a host of adverse situations.

Victoria Jones, the main character in Vanessa Diffenbaugh's debut novel, “The Language of Flowers,” is one of these youth.

Abandoned as a baby, Victoria grew up bouncing from foster homes to group homes. Angry and distrustful, she's unable to open her heart and her mind to people who could care about her, choosing to rely only on herself, even if it means living on the street. Her only source of happiness, her only way of connecting with others, is through flowers; a secret language few people know, but one that gives Victoria a safety net as she tries to find her place in the world.

“It's a great way for this character, who is so detached from people, to communicate,” Diffenbaugh says during a recent phone interview.

The idea for using the Victorian language of flowers stemmed from Diffenbaugh's own affection of the language. Focusing on the foster care system also made sense, as Diffenbaugh has been a foster care parent for years.

While Victoria isn't based on any of the children Diffenbaugh and her husband have cared for, her life isn't that different from the thousands of kids who go through the system each year.

Not every child reunites with their family, nor is every child adopted.

“I've had people all over the country read Victoria's story and say to me ‘We didn't know this about the foster care system. How can we help?'” Diffenbaugh says.

That's the question members of the Junior League of Cedar Rapids asked when searching for a way to help area teens. Two years ago, the league refocused its efforts to focus on teens, eventually concentrating on foster teens.

“They are definitely an underserved population,” says Maria Sanchez-Masi, president-elect of the Junior League of Cedar Rapids. “Teens in the system are more likely to stay in the system. They are much more likely not to graduate high school. They are much more likely not to go to college. They are much more likely to be homeless.”

Partnering with community groups already working with foster youth, Junior League of Cedar Rapids' Bridging the G.A.P. (Guide, Advocate, Provide) project focuses on filling unmet needs for the area's foster teens. This includes providing supplies to teens “aging out” of the system.

“For youth moving from place to place in the foster care system, we found that they were often carrying what they had in garbage bags,” says Kristie VanGorkom, the league's project provide chair. “So we provide them with a small suitcase containing the basics - shampoo, toothbrush, etc. - to help them move through the system with more dignity.”

The mission of G.A.P. is similar to Camellia Network founded by Diffenbaugh and Isis Dallis Keigwin in 2010.

The network uses technology to connect foster teens with a support system. Teens create an online profile, noting what they need, such as clothes for a job interview, bedding for a dorm room or housing. Benefactors connect online, purchasing items they need or adding words of encouragement.

“It's a great way to lend support and establish connections,” Diffenbaugh says.

The network had a successful pilot program in 2011 and is now active in nine states, including Missouri and Illinois. While Diffenbaugh is pleased with the success the program has had in a short time, she admits the Camellia Network is far from where she wants it to be.

“These kids need a lot more than our communities and our system has in place,” she says.

Diffenbaugh will be in Cedar Rapids on Thursday as an advocate for the needs of Linn County foster care children. Her appearance is sponsored by the league as part of its spring fundraiser: Fostering Strength.

“There are more than 900 children in foster care in Linn County, many of whom will live in multiple homes during their childhood,” says Sally Sandberg, chair of the league's spring fundraiser. “We want to make our community aware that there is a need right here in our own community and we are hoping the Vanessa inspires our community to take action and help the kids in the system be successful, especially those aging out and going out on their own.”

Comments: (319) 398-8434, meredith.hines-dochterman@sourcemedia.net

MEET THE AUTHOR

What: Junior League of Cedar Rapids Fostering Strength fundraiser featuring Vanessa Diffenbaugh

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Sinclair Auditorium, Coe College, 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids

Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for students, and $30 for those who wish to attend a reception before the program. At the door: $20 for adults and students, youth ages 12 and under are free.

More information: Juniorleaguecr.org/fostering-strength/purchase-tickets