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Walnut Creek UMW Executive Committee voted in August, 2019 to support the transition of foster youth as they move from care into independence. Currently there are 769 youth in the Contra Costa Foster Care System.
The motion agreed to stated; ‘Support efforts of ILSP for the next 3 years as they work with Foster Youth that are aging out of the system. This support could take the form of donations to their food pantry, gifts, personal communications. Examples of support we can offer: Moving assistance, Food pantry assistance, Thanksgiving Baskets, Christmas baskets, and personal communication.’ The good news is we don’t have to reinvent the wheel to do this. An organization called ILSP - Independent Living Skills Program, has designed a variety of services to support foster youth from ages 16 to 21. Representatives from the WCUMC UMW have been in contact with ILSP staff to find out their needs and where we can best provide meaningful support. Providing food baskets for Thanksgiving to those youth who are currently living independently will be among our first efforts. More details on this project are listed under the Thanksgiving 2019 title. One of the services ILSP provides is access to a drop in food panty for those qualified youth who need help with food stuff. WCUMC hosts the Contra Costa County Senior Food Bank program twice a month in our Social Hall and there are usually canned goods left over. We have arranged to donate this food as needed by ILSP for their pantry. Another way to the support the program, is through Extended Family. Those youth transitioning from Foster care into independent living will need help with household goods. At times, a youth can use clothing and equipment for a baby or toddler. And, finally, moral support in the form of cards and notes is especially needed. We are just exploring how we can be of service to this excellent program and will keep everyone apprised of where you can help as more information becomes available. |
JUNE 2020 Join the UMW Support for ILSP Youth Our Walnut Creek UMW started partnering with the County Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) last year. You may remember that we prepared Thanksgiving baskets for several of the youth, and Don Graves spoke about the program at our annual Christmas brunch. ILSP provides support to youth in Contra Costa County who have aged out of the foster care program, and provides a number of services for them, including a food pantry. Many of these youth have a very limited, or no, support system. One of the vital services provided by ILSP is a food pantry. Unfortunately, the ILSP food pantry has now been depleted, and they need our help to restock it. Please review the list to the left and see what you might be able to provide. While this mission becomes a little more difficult in these days of the Pandemic, we have a way for each of us to safely participate. · If you can provide food items or gift cards, contact Karen Jones at 925-676-3611 or e-mail karenalice1@icloud.com and let her know you would like to help. · Since the church office is only open a few hours a day, and the front door is locked, PLEASE DO NOT DELIVER ANY ITEMS TO THE CHURCH. Instead contact Karen Jones at 925-676-35611 to arrange for delivery of items to her home or to the home of Sharon Davis. Sharon Davis OR Karen Jones 146 Shadowood Dr. 4415 Sugar Maple Ct. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Concord, CA 94521 · If you need to have your items picked up, contact Karen Jones at 935-676-3611 and she will arrange that. · If you are not able to get out to shop, you can send a check and the UMW will shop for you. Checks should be made out to “WCUMC UMW” with “ILSP” on the memo line. Please send your checks to the UMW Treasurer, Flavia Muttera at 1897 Appia Court, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. This continues to be a way for us to help those in our community in need so I hope you join us! The items needed are the following non-perishables: Canned beans Canned chili Rice Pasta Tomato/spaghetti sauce Peanut butter and jelly Canned ravioli Canned fruit and corn Cereal Canned chicken Macaroni and cheese Baby Needs: Target & Walmart Gift Cards are requested to use to purchase diapers and other essential baby/toddler items. |
