Eighteen-year-old Isaiah Holliday is set to embark on a promising future as a graduate of Durango High School and an incoming student at UNLV, aspiring to become a lawyer and judge.
On Wednesday, Holliday, along with his foster father, joined fellow foster high school graduates at the Clark County Family Services building for a celebration of their achievements.
The event aimed to provide support and encouragement to foster children as they transition into adulthood.
Holliday’s journey took a positive turn three years ago when he and his two younger siblings entered the care of their foster father, James Renfro. With a supportive family structure, Holliday expressed gratitude for the stability he now has, allowing him to navigate the significant life change that comes with entering college.
“Even though I graduated, I get to still live with my parents, and they’ll be able to help me transition to college and all the challenges I come across,” he shared. “I know that I can completely lay back on my parents, and they’ll be able to help me out.”
Renfro, who moved to Las Vegas from Texas, felt compelled to become a foster parent and assist children in crisis. He emphasized the importance of foster parenting in shaping children’s lives, urging others to consider the role they can play in supporting foster youth.
“You can help shape a kid’s life,” Renfro stated. “But more importantly, I love my kids.”
Lisa Martinez, deputy director of Clark County Family Services, reported a total of 99 high school graduates this year from the foster care system, a noticeable increase from previous years. She attributed this rise in graduation rates to the dedication and support of foster families.
However, there remains a pressing need for more foster parents, particularly those willing to care for sibling groups and teenagers. Martinez urged individuals interested in fostering to reach out to Family Services.
“Take that first step. It really makes a difference in a youth’s life,” she said.
In conjunction with this celebration, the Children’s Advocacy Alliance of Nevada sponsored a Future Success Fair designed to help foster children transition smoothly into adulthood.
Tara Raines, the alliance’s deputy director, highlighted the significance of having a supportive family. She stated, “When people have families to fall back on, they’re less likely to end up in the justice system or unhoused.”
The Children’s Advocacy Alliance works tirelessly to provide vital resources and policy recommendations to assist former foster children as they step into young adulthood. The fair offered numerous booths with resources aimed at supporting these young individuals.
The venue was filled with representatives from organizations like Nevada State University and EmployNV, who were present to help foster youth find pathways to success in higher education and employment.
In addition to informational resources, the fair also featured areas dedicated to gifting essential items. One room was brimming with carry-on sized suitcases and home essentials where graduates could select a bag and fill it with items such as pots, laundry hampers, and backpacks.
A highlight of the event was a special surprise from the Las Vegas Raiders, who presented graduates with a cardboard music box containing a hat. The Raiders have been long-time supporters of Clark County Family Services, returning for their second year of involvement in this initiative.
County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick played a pivotal role in sponsoring the event and worked alongside her team to prepare a wholesome lunch for graduates and their families. A buffet-style spread featured dishes such as Alfredo pasta, spaghetti, pizza, fresh fruit, and deli trays, all prepared on-site.
Kirkpatrick, drawing from her experiences as both a commissioner and a mother, expressed her belief in the potential of each young person.
“We have watched so many kids be successful, and that inspires you to do the next big thing,” she remarked.
The collaborative effort of the community underscores the ongoing commitment to support foster children as they embark on their journeys into adulthood and strive for their dreams.
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