The Challenge
For many children, the path to adulthood is rough. Right now, more than 435,000 children are growing up in foster homes; 120,000 have been permanently separated from their parents and are waiting for adoption; 20,000 will turn 18 and “age out” without family support. We have a responsibility to do better. Preserving and strengthening families can allow children to grow up safely in their own homes without the trauma of family separation, and effective services can be the bridge to adulthood for young people who leave foster care alone.
Our Approach
Decades of experience and research have taught us this: a family does a better job of raising a child than the state. We provide and advocate for innovative, evidence-based, family-focused services designed to bring help and hope to children and their families, as well as proven services for young adults turning 18 in foster care.
1 in 20
children and youth in the U.S. are in state foster care systems
120,000+
are waiting for a new family through adoption
Our Impact
We’re changing the lives of thousands of children, families and young people every year through our direct services and partnerships with organizations and agencies around the country. Our work is to transform children’s systems, deepen our impact and deliver better results one child and one family at a time.
States
Locations
%
success rate


- Youth Villages States
- Partnering States
Lasting Change
Former LifeSetTM participant, Mariah, shares her story of how this Youth Villages program impacted her life.
Stories of Hope
Helping children and families live successfully
Sneaks and gowns: West Tennessee group homes host annual prom
Primed and prepped, the West Tennessee Youth Villages group homes step into the prom season with style. The Sneaker Ball gave youth the opportunity to show up in their best ‘kicks’ and glamorous outfits.
Teens in Crisis
The CDC recently released a disturbing study showing that 3 in 5 teen girls have felt deeply sad or hopeless in 2021, a 60% increase since 2013
Oregon kids in crisis are not getting the help they need
The pandemic turned up the volume on children’s mental health needs. In this story, Oregon Public Broadcasting explores the crisis in Oregon.
Dropout rates have ticked up in some states. How big is the problem?
The pandemic affected students on all levels. In this piece for Chalkbeat, writer Julian Shen-Berro explores how the pandemic influenced school completion.
Amid teen mental health crisis, north Charlotte nonprofit is making a difference
Two years ago, Tiphanie Martin felt helpless. Her daughter Kiana was struggling with anxiety, depression and an eating disorder. Martin had taken her to an inpatient facility and an outpatient facility, with little success.
Soup’s On! Youth Villages fundraiser benefits mentoring program
For many kids who have lived in challenging circumstances, having a supportive mentor can be a life-changing experience. The connection was on display Sunday, Feb. 19 as Youth Villages hosted its 34th annual Soup Sunday event.
LifeSet Program helps Katrina reach her goals
At just 20 years old, Katrina had walked a rocky road for most of her life. Due to domestic violence and verbal abuse, she was removed from her biological home.
New program in Arkansas helping young adults aging out of foster care
Turning 18 years old can be hard, but it can be even more challenging for people aging out of foster care who may not have a person to turn to for help. A new program that launched in Northwest Arkansas and the river valley is looking to change that.
Memphis Tigers football team learns to play African drums in team-building exercise
The University of Memphis Tigers football team marched to the beat of a different kind of drum Wednesday evening. Youth Villages partnered with the Tigers to teach them how to play an African drum.
Meet Memphis Allies: Life Coach Silvia Leads with Passion and Purpose
At 19, Silvia was the one who found her brother-in-law lifeless, shot to death, lying on the pavement of a gas station lot. A few years later, she was the victim when a man snuck up behind her and held a knife to her chest.
MAKE A CAREER OUT OF CHANGING LIVES
Do you share our passion for helping children and families live successfully? We’ve got a place for you.