How did your family first become connected to Youth Villages?

Our family is always on the lookout for nonprofit partners doing meaningful, high-impact work. Several years ago, we were seeking organizations that aligned with our family foundation’s mission: a fundamental belief in the importance of hope and a desire to invest in people in ways that provide opportunity for them to reach their full potential. Our philanthropic team at Bank of America introduced us to Youth Villages, and it immediately felt like a perfect fit.

What inspired your family foundation to support our mission?

We were deeply disturbed to learn that approximately 20,000 young people turn 18 while still in foster care nationally each year. These young adults need comprehensive, consistent support as they transition from state services to independence. With limited resources, they are asked to overcome the effects of childhood adversity while navigating adulthood. Youth Villages meets this critical moment with compassion, structure and long-term commitment.

Is there a particular aspect of our work, or a program or approach, that resonates most deeply with you or your family?

Youth Villages’ LifeSet program stands out to us. It empowers [young adults who experienced foster care] to take control of their lives, with a trained specialist alongside them, someone who helps them identify goals, build skills and navigate challenges as they move toward independence.

Has there been a moment or story from your connection to Youth Villages that has stayed with you over time?

When we were first learning about Youth Villages the director of development invited me on a ride along. I traveled to Marlborough to meet with her and Matt Stone, the executive director [for New England], and then accompanied Maura, a LifeSet specialist, to a group home in Grafton. There, we met Isabelle, a 17-year-old young woman who spent much of her life moving from one foster placement to another.

Maura met with Isabelle twice a week, and the strength of their bond was immediately evident. Witnessing that relationship built on trust, consistency and genuine care deeply touched me and has stayed with me ever since.

What gives you hope when you think about the youth and families Youth Villages serves?

The outcomes give me tremendous hope. Since 2007, Youth Villages New England has served nearly 17,000 youth, and the impact is truly remarkable. Twelve months post-discharge, 87% are living at home or independently, 96% are in school, have graduated or are employed and 94% have had no further involvement with the law. These results reflect not just success, but lasting change.

What would you say to others who are considering supporting Youth Villages through their own philanthropy?

Go for a visit. The difference between reading about an organization and experiencing its work firsthand is everything. I can confidently say that Youth Villages will find its way into your heart, just as it did mine.

For our family, Youth Villages represents hope in action — meeting young people where they are and walking beside them as they build lives filled with possibility.

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