Lowcountry community leaders provide “Comfort Cases” to vulnerable youth transitioning out of Youth Foster Care Program.
Charleston, SC — A group of lowcountry leaders is providing items of comfort and support for youth experiencing the transition from foster care to independent living. Participants of the Lowcountry’s 2024 Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) program developed the “Comfort Case” initiative as part of their Community Action Projects, which brings together small groups of DLI participants to respond to challenges in their communities.
According to data from the National Foster Care Youth Institute, as of FY22, more than 368,000 children were in foster care in the United States, including over 3,500 in South Carolina. Each year, over 23,000 children age out of the foster care system, with a staggering 20% of them becoming instantly homeless upon reaching adulthood. A quarter of those who age out of the system continue to struggle with the lasting effects of PTSD. The DLI Group is launching this initiative in partnership with Landmarks for Families, a trusted service provider for children without stable families. At any given time, Landmarks for Families serves a population of 13- to 21-year-olds who have experienced significant instability, often having lived in multiple foster homes or group facilities. The organization’s programs focus on counseling, life skills development, and educational support to prepare these young people for independent living. Each year, approximately five young adults age out of Landmarks for Families’ residential program.
In response to the unique challenges these youth face, a group of professionals from the DLI program have collaborated with Landmarks for Families to create “Comfort Cases.” These personalized kits are designed to provide both practical items and emotional comfort as young adults transition into the independent world. The 15 suitcases, donated by Palmetto Goodwill, are loaded with essential household items and symbolic gifts that convey care and support. These cases will be distributed to the youth who transition out of the organization’s housing.
The Comfort Cases include:
- A suitcase, donated by Palmetto Goodwill
- A personalized card from the DLI project participants
- A recipe box with family favorites from local participants, along with space to add new recipes
- Gift cards, donated by TJ Maxx
- A decorative pillow for comfort
- Soaps and other hygiene products
- Throw blankets, donated by Five Below
- A gift card to Palmetto Goodwill
- Books and bookmarks donated by Charleston County Public Library and Charleston Library Society
- Journal, donated by Palmetto Goodwill
- Refurbished laptop computers, donated by Reading Partners of South Carolina, the Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition, and Palmetto Goodwill
- Bento box, donated by MUSC Health & Wellness Institute
Beverly Hardin, Chief Executive Officer of Landmarks for Families, expressed her gratitude for the initiative: “These youth just need a chance in life. By providing these Comfort Cases, we’re not just giving them essentials—we’re showing them that there are caring adults in their lives who believe in their potential and are cheering them on as they take their next steps toward independence.”
Recipients of the Comfort Cases will also receive access to a pipeline of job opportunities through Reading Partners of South Carolina’s AmeriCorp program, a federal agency that engages Americans in community service to address national challenges.
While the first 15 donations of the Comfort Cases Program are part of the Riley Institute’s Diversity Leadership Initiative project, the group developed a toolkit to provide future DLI classes and other service-oriented groups a blueprint for continuing the program.
Diversity Leadership participants include Dyrell Clark, Executive Director of Reading Partners, Lissa Frenkel, President and CEO of Charleston Gaillard Center, Cokeitha Gaddist, HealthCare Administrator for MUSC Health, Wellness and Human Performance ICCE for the MUSC Health & Wellness Institute, Natalie Hauff, Deputy Director of Innovation for Charleston County Public Library, Brian Itzkowitz, CEO and President of Palmetto Goodwill, John LaVerne, Owner of Bulldog Tours, and Laura Pelzer, Executive Director of the Charleston Library Society.
For more information on Landmarks for Families and how you can support these young adults, visit www.landmarksforfamilies.org.
About Landmark For Families Founded as an orphanage in the late 18th century, Landmarks for Families has evolved to focus on modern best practices in child welfare. Today, the organization emphasizes family preservation and reunification, prioritizing keeping children in their own homes whenever possible or placing them in foster care when necessary.
In addition to being a safe haven for vulnerable children, Landmarks for Families is a comprehensive support center that works with families to reunite them with their children whenever possible.
About the Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Institute The Riley Institute empowers emerging and established leaders—across sectors and throughout society—with the knowledge and tools to advance equity and drive social and economic progress in South Carolina and beyond. We work to strengthen public education; promote the power of diversity to help teams, organizations, and communities thrive; and elevate informed, evidence-based approaches to critical public issues. In all it does, the institute is committed to nonpartisanship and a bias-free path to change.
Landmarks for Families Is Here for You
With more than 230 years of experience supporting our nation’s children and families, Landmarks for Families is equipped to lead your child or family through life’s challenges. Whether on-site or in-home, our compassionate team is ready to meet you where you are with the services you need. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and speak with a member of our team.
