Rudolfo Duenes was in Atlanta when he got the phone call that changed his family’s life. His ex-wife, living in Birmingham, Alabama, had been found unconscious in her home. Drugs were involved. Their children, Gavin, 3, and McKenzie, just 2, had been alone in the...
Year: 2017 Articles
Partnerships, new approaches highlight forum on scaling effective practices to help former foster youth
Every year about 23,000 young people in the United States turn 18 and age out of foster care without ever being united with their biological families or finding a new one through adoption. They are one of the country’s most vulnerable populations, more likely to be...
After college, Youth Villages grad goes on to help other children
Former YVLifeSet participant Hannah Harrison graduated from East Tennessee State University. We're excited to say she's joined Youth Villages to continue helping others who experienced similar circumstances. Read the full story here.
Youth Villages Announces Bill’s Place
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (May 1, 2017) – Youth Villages announced Bill’s Place, a $22 million investment to expand intensive residential treatment on the Bartlett, Tennessee, campus, at a ground breaking ceremony this morning. The 100,000 square-foot addition will create...
Love instantly: Foster to adoption and now the best Mother’s Day for family
Wes and Keely Jennings don’t know their birth mother and have not yet gotten the chance to shower a mom with love on Mother’s Day with handmade crafts or homemade breakfast.At ages 5 and 4 respectively, the siblings have spent much of their lives in foster care....
Nearly homeless at 18, a young woman finds help from a Youth Villages mentor
After more than 30 foster homes, Terrenika ages out of care with support from her Youth Villages mentor and YVLifeSet. By Shayne Dotson Terrenika Maxwell spent most of her life in and out of foster care homes, then she turned 18 and was nearly homeless. Two months...
Steven Tyler and Janie’s Fund distribute radio PSA to bring help to abused girls
Steven Tyler and Janie’s Fund distribute radio PSA to bring help to abused girls MEMPHIS, Tenn. (April 28, 2017) – Steven Tyler is working with media companies across the United States including iHeartMedia radio stations to help abused girls find effective help...
Time In with Dr. Tim: Helping girls overcome the emotional scars of trauma
By Dr. Tim Goldsmith Chief Clincial Officer Youth VillagesThe breakthrough came through crochet. Like many girls who have suffered abuse or neglect, Kacy didn’t want to talk to a counselor. At just 10 years old, she had come to our Youth Villages Girls Center for...
Time in with Dr. Tim: Prince Harry’s example can help children cope with grief
By Tim Goldsmith, Ph.DBritain’s Prince Harry recently shared a revealing fact about grief. During an interview on a national podcast, the 32-year-old royal admitted that, for more than 20 years, he never spoke about the loss of his mother, Princess Diana. The princess...
Study of YVLifeSet program continues with release of third MDRC report
Research findings are used to enhance program, increase effectiveness YVLifeSet is part of the largest rigorous random assignment controlled study of a program to help former foster youth every conducted. MDRC has found that YVLifeSet is one of the only programs that...