A statewide birthday party for girls aging out of the foster care system is scheduled for next month.<\/p>\n
Celebrate 18!, hosted by Kent-based nonprofit Eileen & Callie’s Place, is a celebration and resource event to be held at the Auburn Community and Event Center Saturday, July 17.<\/p>\n
This year, girls who turned 18 in 2020 during the pandemic are invited to attend as well.<\/p>\n
At Celebrate 18!, each girl receives a new outfit, a makeover by professional beauticians, a rolling duffle bag, a swag bag filled with everyday necessities and individually wrapped birthday gifts.<\/p>\n
Service providers, employers and social service organizations are also on-hand at the event to answer questions and provide needed guidance and information.<\/p>\n
The evening concludes with a catered dinner and foster alumni sharing a message to “their 18 year- old self.” Girls can register to attend by visiting the Eileen & Callie’s’s Place website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Historically, too many girls aging out of foster care, turning 18 has not been a time to celebrate but rather a time of anxiety as many are without clear direction or support as they transition into adulthood, said Natalie Ellington, founder of Eileen & Callie’s Place.<\/p>\n At the 2019 <\/a>event<\/a>, a then-17-year-old attendee said Celebrate 18! was the first birthday in her lifetime that she enjoyed.<\/p>\n “I feel like I was actually loved and supported by others,” Kathie Nguyen said after the event. “It’s kind of overwhelming because I’ve never had this kind of care and love in my life … I love today.”<\/p>\n Celebrate 18! is hosted by Eileen & Callie’s Place, a nonprofit organization established to support girls aging out of foster care.<\/p>\n The organization focuses on building relationships with these girls through one-on-one mentoring. Plans are in the works to open a transitional home to provide safe and secure housing for girls as they age out of the system.<\/p>\n