A powerful Las Vegas celebration honors 99 foster youth graduates at a foster care graduation fair—and calls on the public to help close the foster care gap
Just Now News attended the Foster Care Graduation Celebration Fair in Las Vegas, and the energy was unforgettable. Hosted by Clark County Family Services alongside Children’s Advocacy Alliance and Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, this uplifting event recognized 99 high school graduates who overcame the challenges of foster care.
Lisa Martinez, Deputy Director of Clark County Family Services emphasized the importance of recognizing these young adults as they step into the next phase of life. Seeing them walk the stage with purpose, pride, and support proves exactly why events like this matter. For youth in foster care, every achievement comes with added hurdles—but also deeper meaning. This foster care graduation fair offered more than applause. It delivered real tools and resources to help them take the next step forward.
Community leaders unite to celebrate resilience and future goals
The event took place on June 18th and brought together youth, families, and over 25 local organizations offering critical services. These groups provided support in housing, job training, higher education, and financial literacy. Attendees had access to career guidance, college applications, budgeting resources, and even resume help.
A live DJ set the tone, while professional photographers captured graduation portraits. Nearby, a full lunch buffet and dessert table rounded out the celebration. Yet every detail had one purpose—to prepare these graduates for life after foster care.
Personal stories reveal the true impact of fostering
During the event, Just Now News spoke with foster parent James Renfro who had adopted his son three years ago, along with the boy’s twin sisters. The young man turned 18 last Christmas and proudly graduated today. Their journey as a family was both emotional and inspiring. It underscored the life-changing impact that a stable, loving home can have on youth in the foster care system.
Clark County urgently needs more foster parents. There aren’t enough homes for the number of children entering care. Many teens age out without the adult support they need to thrive. Events like this graduation fair show what’s possible when someone steps up.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick and key partners take action
Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick played a visible and active role throughout the celebration. She emphasized the need to invest in foster care reform and youth development programs. Her long-standing commitment to children’s services continues to shape policy, funding, and family engagement across Nevada.
She wasn’t alone. Groups like Children’s Advocacy Alliance helped coordinate essential resources and services. Their efforts turned a graduation fair into a collaborative platform—not just for celebration, but for real change. These organizations provide ongoing help well beyond graduation day.
Graduates receive more than a diploma—real-life tools
While the highlight was the ceremony itself, the Graduate Resource Fair transformed the space into a hands-on launch zone. Youth met with colleges, community housing teams, and local employers ready to hire.
Meanwhile, nonprofit counselors explained budgeting basics. Banks taught credit skills. Mentors offered personal advice. Everything was designed to help these graduates navigate life without falling through the cracks. That’s what makes this foster care graduation fair more than a photo op—it’s a roadmap to stability.
The gap in foster homes is still growing—and urgent
Even with strong partnerships and public support, Clark County faces a worsening crisis: not enough foster homes. This is especially true for teenagers and youth close to aging out. Many remain in temporary housing or move from one placement to another.
The need is critical. Becoming a foster parent means giving someone a real chance. It means offering more than a roof—it means mentorship, safety, and consistency. And as this foster care graduation fair showed, those things can change a life forever.
Now is the time to step up
The Foster Care Graduation Celebration Fair was emotional, inspiring, and deeply necessary. These 99 youth didn’t just finish school—they broke cycles. They fought for a future. And now, they need more of us to walk beside them.
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a foster parent, don’t wait. Clark County offers training, support, and guidance every step of the way. There is no “perfect time” to act—but there is a right time. That time is now.
Help fill the gap. Be the connection. Transform a young life forever.
Foster Care Services
Phone: (702) 455-0181
Email: clarkcountyfostercare@ClarkCountyNV.gov
Discover more from JUSTNOWNEWS®
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.