Sister Barbara Spencer, one of the founding staff members at Youth Villages, has died at age of 90 at the home of her order, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Kentucky.

It’s 7:45 a.m. in Portland, Oregon, and Noah Gerber is already on the move. As an Independent Living Program specialist with Youth Villages, his office is wherever the young people he works with are.

A young person’s success often depends on the support they receive from those around them. Without a healthy support system, navigating life’s challenges can become overwhelming, especially for children who have experienced trauma.

PORTLAND, Ore. (Sept. 26, 2025) – Youth Villages, a nonprofit leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, hosted its annual Fall Celebration at Castaway Portland Thursday night.

Youth Villages expert warns that while AI chatbots can offer support, their growing influence on youth mental health raises concerns about misinformation, emotional dependency, and the need for stronger safeguards.

Discover why some kids find transitions especially tough and learn therapist-backed tips to help them navigate change with confidence and calm.

Mental health is often seen as a personal struggle, —but what if healing could happen in living rooms, libraries and community spaces, not just clinics?

No child dreams of being in foster care. A loving, stable family is the standard we all hope for. But not every child is born into ideal circumstances.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about this epidemic affecting our communities. According to a 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, suicide became the second-leading cause of death in the United States for teens and young adults ages 10-34

For many families served by Youth Villages, the back-to-school season brings more worry than joy: Do I pay rent or buy school supplies? Fill the gas tank or purchase a new backpack? For caregivers already stretched thin, the growing list of school supplies can feel overwhelming.