‘One Simple Wish’ makes wishes come true for foster care young adults

Through a partnership between Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, and One Simple Wish, a non-profit organization based in Trenton, young adults who are often a “forgotten community” were treated to a joyous holiday evening at a Christmas party Dec. 4 in Verona Hills, an elegant event space located in Newark.

Among the guests for an evening full of gifts, food and fun, were young adults who participate in one of two Catholic Charities programs – the LifeSet program and the My First Place program.

Prior to the event, young adults from these programs shared their Christmas wishes with their specialists, listing items ranging from new clothing to musical instruments to furniture, and even electronics. Specialists then communicated those wishes to One Simple Wish, whose mission is to raise awareness about foster care and grant wishes for children and young adults in need. Thanks to many wonderful OSW donors, many wishes were fulfilled at the event.

Tova Baron-Loewenstein, Catholic Charities program director for Youth Partial Care and LifeSet, said, “This is the second event that we’ve partnered with One Simple Wish and they are amazing. They are genuine and bring joy to the youth in the programs.”

Lisa Novalany, Catholic Charities program director for My First Place, expressed appreciation for One Simple Wish, acknowledging, “I was also so happy to see two of the youth in my program present for the event.”

One Simple Wish provided the venue for the event, food, drinks and gifts. Nicole Rynone, program director, has been with the OSW organization for six years. “It’s tough not having a lot of interaction with the young adults, so having events like this are great. Seeing the joy, and smiles, and watching these young adults create memories that last a lifetime, that’s what it’s all about,” she said, noting, “For these young adults, it’s not about the gifts, it’s having a night out and not have to worry about anything.”

Additional guests for the evening included LifeSet young adults who are clients of CarePlus N.J., based in Paramus and which offers integrated primary and behavioral health services for adults and children. Jamie Germinario, clinical director, who has been with CarePlus for ten years, feels the most important part of events like these is the networking. “Young adults get to be with others who are in similar situations and go through a lot of the same things,” she said, adding, “This group of young adults is pretty much a forgotten population. Once they reach a certain age, they’re on their own.” Just like the Catholic Charities LifeSet program, the CarePlus program helps young adults who are emancipated or aging out of foster care.

Catholic Charities has changed the lives of many young adults. One of them, Sarina, who was present at the party acknowledged, “Before the LifeSet program, I was a little laid back, but I had to step it up for my son Zahmir, and the LifeSet program helped me do that.” She met with her specialists once a week and now has an apartment and is working part time. Another young adult, Seniya, was part of the LifeSet program, graduated, but then found herself coming back to the program for more support. “I got pregnant with my daughter, so I came back. I started with LifeSet and now I am part of the My First Place program. I now have an apartment in Carteret. I love the workers, especially Maria. If anyone needs help, please reach out. It changed my life.”

LifeSet is an evidence-based model that provides life skills instruction and case management to young adults ages 17-21 who are aging out of the N.J. foster care system.  The Catholic Charities LifeSet program serves Essex, Middlesex, Mercer, Somerset, and Union counties.

The My First Place program can help eligible young adults with housing using a national model developed by First Place for Youth in which Catholic Charities, DOM is master leasing apartments in Somerset and Middlesex Counties. Catholic Charities, DOM will cover rent and utilities of the apartments and youth in the program can reside in the housing for the duration of the program as they actively work towards their goals and engage in program services.

Young adults must have a history of involvement with DCP&P (Division of Child Protection and Permanency) and be in an out-of-home placement at the time of enrollment of the programs. All referrals must come through DCF and young adults are pre-screened for eligibility.

For more information about Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen or the LifeSet and My First Place programs please visit services provided.

To grant a wish for a child or young adult visit onesimplewish.org.

Workman is the Communications Specialist in the Office of Communications and Public Relations