Lincoln County DHS office holds special celebration

​The Lincoln County Department of Human Services (DHS) office held a special celebration for a little girl in foster care. Since coming into custody, the girl frequently talked about her kindergarten graduation. She desperately wanted her friends and family to come to the graduation. Unfortunately, she was unable to experience this. Child welfare staff knew the graduation celebration meant a lot to the girl and wanted her to have that experience.

 With a lot of community effort and planning, child welfare staff were able to create a kindergarten graduation for this little girl. There were multiple people who were willing to lend a hand and help make the graduation happen. Community members, DHS staff, and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office provided gifts, decorations, food and attended the celebration.

  “It was humbling to see the community come together as one, for one of our own,” said child welfare specialist Kasey Dervin.

 Staff surprised the girl by gathering family and friends to watch her walk down the aisle in her custom purple cap and gown.

 “My hope is that this little girl will use this experience in life as something good and that all of our Lincoln County children know they have people here in their community rooting for them to succeed,” said Dervin.