Last month, the CDC released a startling report that in 2022, deaths by suicides were at an all-time high, with nearly 50,000 Americans taking their own lives. This number marks a three percent increase from the previous year.
Blog Articles
Focusing on mental health to mend a family
Having children is a life-changing experience, and most parents will admit you’re never ready until you become one. There is certainly not a universal manual on how to parent, and at the end of the day, most parents want to raise their children the best way they know how.
Specialized Crisis Services: 20 years and growing
In the summer of 2002, Youth Villages launched an innovative approach in crisis intervention care for youth. Managing Director for Program Operations Support Caroline Hannah was tapped by Chief Executive Office Patrick Lawler to lead the effort.
988: A year later
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and the one-year mark of the 9-8-8 hotline number. The Crisis Lifeline has been in existence for decades.
Suicide prevention and safety: Reducing access to lethal means
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. According to the CDC, deaths by suicide are at an all-time high with nearly 50,000 Americans taking their own lives.
Through hardships, Jayden and Carina get the support they need
At Youth Villages, we believe children are raised best at home. However, some families need extra support to unload those extra stressors off their shoulders and learn tools to ease some of that weight.
September is Suicide Prevention Month: Suicide Facts, Signs & Ways to Help
In May, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report calling loneliness a public health crisis. The findings revealed that poor or insufficient connection could lead to physical health issues such as increased risks of heart disease, stroke and developing dementia for older adults.
Back-to-school safety conversations
If you have a loved one who is school-age, back-to-school safety is probably what keeps you up at night. As a mental health provider, clinicians at Youth Villages have had these tough conversations for decades, and they never get any easier. Talking to your children about how to feel safe is so important.
Adding a mental health check-in to your school supply list
Back-to-school time can bring feelings of anxiety, excitement, or both for everyone in your household. Changes in routine and the unknown are disruptive. The Child Mind Institute offers several tips for parents and students this time of year.
Youth Villages Helps Tione find placement and navigate intense life challenges
Children in foster care often face intense challenges at a young age, and by the time they reach adulthood, accomplishing goals can seem intangible. That’s why programs like LifeSet are important to the success of young adults who are aging out of foster care.
7 tips to prepare your child mentally for back-to-school
Back-to-school time is around the corner in many areas across the nation. It’s an exciting time, full of hope and anticipation. What’s my new school like? Who’s my teacher? Are all my friends returning this year?
Transition-age young adults discuss their experiences at U.S. Senate Caucus on Foster Care
A diverse group of young adults with lived experience in child welfare systems came together to share their experiences and push for the services and support that all transition-age foster youth need in Washington, D.C., recently.
Charlie tackles challenges with support from Youth Villages
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, 21-year-old Charlie has experienced a multitude of traumatic incidents as he tried to navigate his own experiences.
Youth Villages Oregon partners with KATU for all day fundraising campaign
Youth Villages Oregon partnered with news station KATU to host a one-day fundraising campaign featuring powerful stories of youth aging out of foster care.
LifeSet leads Abby on a journey from darkness to a bright future
A recent National Alliance on Mental Health study stated that nearly 20% of high school students reported serious thoughts of suicide, and 9% tried to take their lives.
Sizzling Summer Kick Off Party
Youth Villages started summer off HOT! On June 13, the Youth Villages Leadership Council held a Summer Kick Off Event to benefit our Backpack Heroes campaign.
Youth Villages Spring Celebration Raises $1.1 Million
The Force was strong at the Youth Villages Spring Celebration Gala on May 4 where the organization raised $1.1 million to support the LifeSet program.
Intercept specialists bring creativity to clinical methods
When working with children experiencing behavioral and mental health challenges, a little creativity goes a long way. And for Intercept specialist Noah Galiffi-Caster, making a connection with the young people he works with is often a key to success.
5 ways to teach your teens healthy boundaries
It is important for teens to create and advocate for their own boundaries. By defining key personal preferences on communication and space
LifeSet helps Niziere earn high school diploma, gain confidence
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the LifeSet program.” When the Covid pandemic disrupted our lives in early 2020, students bore the brunt of many challenges.
LifeSet helps youth overcome educational barriers
The COVID-19 pandemic upended life for everyone — locked down, isolated, alone. The youth in the U.S. were especially affected with a major interruption in education. Coming out of the pandemic, results are showing a big impact on academic success.
Family gives back by opening home to foster care
Families who foster come in many shapes and sizes and enter foster care for different reasons. For George and Tracy Young, what began as a general interest in foster care turned into a way to become involved in their community.
Foster Care Awareness Month
May has long been recognized as Foster Care Awareness Month. Nationwide, more than 390,000 kids need a foster family and in Tennessee, more than 8,000 kids need foster homes with approximately 4,000 homes available.
Anthony serves in the U.S. Army after finding direction with LifeSet
With the support of the U.S. Army, Youth Villages and his family, Anthony says he learned how to take control of his life by not living in fear and by setting goals for himself.
Donor Spotlight: Julie Hays, grant committee member of the Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation
Julie Hays, grant committee member of the Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation, has a passion for helping children experiencing foster care because of her personal fostering story. The Foundation is a supporter of Youth Villages and specifically LifeSet, for its critical services to children exiting the foster care system and transitioning into adulthood.
9 Tips for talking to children after a traumatic event
Every day at Youth Villages, we are charged with helping children who have experienced trauma and toxic stress. They may have been victims of abuse, neglect or have experienced significant and chronic community violence.
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
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.
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.
Meet Jeremy, the North Carolina youth selected as a Joey Logano Crew Member
Catherine Bergrud, a Family Support Partner in Asheville, North Carolina, goes above and beyond to help Jeremy live out his dream and supports them to overcome behavioral challenges. The Joey Logano Foundation continues their support of Youth Villages’ mission by providing kids like Jeremy with experiences of a lifetime.
Helping foster families succeed
The state of foster care in Tennessee is in crisis. More children than ever need temporary, safe homes compared to the amount of open foster homes. Nationwide, a child is placed into foster care every two minutes, so the need is great. In Tennessee, more than 8,000 kids are in the foster care system with only around 4,000 certified foster homes available.
From Hallway to Home – Haley’s Story
The lack of mental health resources has become a crisis across the country, especially in Massachusetts. On any given day in Massachusetts, there are over 100 children boarding in hospital emergency departments (EDs) because there are no psychiatric beds available.
More research, services needed for pregnant and parenting transition-age youth
What do pregnant and parenting transition-age youth need? More services and more understanding of their specific needs and challenges, presenters at the first Achieving Success convening in Las Vegas recently said.
Achieving Success Convening lifts voices of transition-age youth
Recently, young people with lived experience in child welfare systems joined 28 child welfare administrators from across the country at the first Achieving Success Convening, “Empowering Transition-Age Young Adults,” held in Las Vegas.
Kyle – Stepping forward at the Achieving Success Convening
With a passion for virtual and augmented reality, 3-D art and building his own lighting design company for live performances, Kyle Martinez is usually behind the scenes working in the tech space.
New law aims to help guide young adults who are aging out of foster care
The transition from childhood to adulthood can be a lot to handle alone, but it’s very much a reality for people in the foster care system. Around 20,000 age out of the system every year,
Holiday Heroes has another record-breaking year in Middle Tennessee
Holiday Heroes continues to smash records as the campaign engaged more than 400 community and corporate volunteers to sponsors.
Teenager brings joy to youth, families for Holiday Heroes campaign
The 2022 Holiday Heroes campaign was a huge success. Youth Villages was able to bring joy and cheer to more than 1,200 West Tennessee children and their families during the Christmas season.
Mentoring provides mentors, mentees a lifetime of memories
Mentoring provides mentors, mentees a lifetime of memories. Youth Villages’ Chris Crye Mentor Program can match those interested in becoming mentors.
Janie’s House youth receive a spa day from ‘She’s a Victor’ at Texture Studios
Desiree Allen, founder of ‘She’s a Victor’ nonprofit teamed up with Janie’s House youth to get pampered head to toe during a spa day at Texture Studios.
Meet Memphis Allies: Life Coach Tony Matthews
Tony is working to increase community safety by giving participants support they need to change the trajectory of their lives.
Wake Up Call from SBLI & Youth Villages
Youth Villages partnered with SBLI for this year’s Holiday Heroes campaign. Check out this incredible group on WCVB 5’s Eye Opener segment.
Youth Villages offers a path from foster care to an independent adulthood: Season of Sharing 2022
When a young person ages out of foster care, they’re generally on their own. No surprise, then, that by the age of 25 a staggering 50% face homelessness. That’s where Youth Villages comes in.
Holiday Heroes across the U.S. bring cheer to Youth Villages children and families
The annual Youth Villages Holiday Heroes campaign spread cheer to thousands of families and youth in our programs across the country.
Youth Villages Red Kite Nite Raises $60K
Puffy sleeves, tacky cummerbunds and big hair were on the scene at the Youth Villages Red Kite Nite Retro Prom held Oct. 29. More than 100 attendees came together at the SoWa Power Station in Boston, Massachusetts, to raise funds and awareness for the organization.
Memphis Tigers host wrapping party for gifts for Youth Villages children
University of Memphis Tigers Athletics teamed up with Youth Villages’ Holiday Heroes to host their Tigers student-athletes gift-wrapping party.
Youth Villages Oregon sees escalating emotional and behavioral challenges among youth
In Central Oregon, Youth Villages, a nationwide nonprofit, offers various emotional and behavioral support services to kids and families, and sees the need for its programs on the rise.
Meet Memphis Allies: Life Coach Florence Brooks
Life Coach Florence “Flo” Brooks brings some much-needed light and support to participants in the Memphis Allies SWITCH program in Raleigh/Frayser.
A change of plans leads to adoption
Plans can change in a variety of ways. That was the case for Amy Abbott. Amy was looking for an opportunity to give back to the community, and she found that in fostering.
Fostering those most in need: teenagers
Several years ago, Mia Flowers felt moved to research fostering kids, but it wasn’t until she was reading the Bible with her husband, Ben, that the idea solidified for them both.
Boston Magazine Party Pics – Red Kite Nite
Red Kite Nite, hosted by the Youth Villages of Massachusetts and New Hampshire Leadership Council, was featured in Boston Magazine. The event raised $60,000 to support our LifeSet program.
Caiden’s Story
On a rainy spring day, an Intercept specialist received a voicemail from Jade, a 23-year-old mother whose son, Caiden, was in our Intercept program. “Thank you so much for coming here today and always supporting me through this whole thing.
Tom Palmieri: Why I Joined the Youth Villages Leadership Council
From the first moment I heard of Youth Villages, I was hooked. Two Youth Villages employees came to my company’s office five years ago for an informal ‘lunch and learn’ about the organization. They took us through the LifeSet program from its start in Massachusetts in 2009 to its current state and their hope for the program’s growth.
Mental health support program helps youth by breaking the mold
The High-Fidelity Wraparound Program is a personalized model of mental and behavioral health care that breaks the traditional mold. It aims to help youth and their families set and achieve goals for their lives
LifeSet highlighted at APHSA Conference in Georgia
LifeSet participants and staff from New Hampshire recently spoke about the needs of transition-age youth at a meeting of the American Public Human Services Association’s Economic Mobility & Well-Being Conference in Savannah, Georgia.
Andreia finds new life, mindset
Andreia had a rough start. Her mother had a substance abuse problem and went to jail, sending Andreia and her older siblings to kinship care. One after another her siblings left home.
LifeSet Expands to Northwest Arkansas
Youth Villages, a national nonprofit organization and a leader in the field of children’s mental and behavioral health, has partnered with the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to offer LifeSet, a program that serves as a bridge from foster care to adulthood.
Thriving from Passion and Enthusiasm—a YV5K story
The Youth Villages 5K—known as the YV5K—turns the big 4-0 this October, and there is no slowing down for this annual event. Held in the spring its first 37 years, the City of Memphis’ “longest-running” 5K returns to the fall for a second straight year on Oct. 22
Moving company helps give back with backpacks filled with school supplies for Massachusetts children
Brett Houle was in the Youth Villages LifeSet program in 2009. Eleven years later, he was reunited with Youth Villages when the moving company he works for, Two Men & a Truck,
LifeSet Changed my Life – Emely’s Story
When she was only 9 years old, Emely was abused by someone she thought she could trust. She was forced to do and see things no child should have to experience. For eight years, the abuse was constant and ongoing.
Growing Resilience in Youth
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. For more than two years, we’ve seen study after study proving the declining mental health of kids and teens. There has also been an uptick in crisis calls received by Youth Villages across the state of Tennessee.
LifeSet helps Keshawna move beyond trauma as she transitions to college
Meet Keshawna, a bright, intelligent, independent college freshman ready to take on the world. Looking at her, you would think her life was picture perfect, but it wasn’t.
Prioritizing Mental Health as Kids Head Back into the Classroom
As children head back into the classroom, it’s important that Youth Villages equips the communities we serve with information that can help kids, and their families, have a successful school year. According to the CDC: 1 in 6 children in school have one or more mental impairments.
Nyla’s Story: From Foster to Freshman
Moving to a college can be an exciting yet anxious experience for many young people. For those aging out of foster care, applying to and even getting enrolled in a college can be a monumental task. That’s where LifeSet comes in.
Determination and support helps Lexi overcome challenges
In high school, 17-year-old Lexi struggled with disordered eating. Her anorexia led to body-image issues, suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors. She was in a residential facility to receive treatment for her anorexia
LifeSet inspires Clarita to pursue education, give back to community
At times, the hurt is too unbearable to return. When ties are cut, it can affect more than immediate family. It can reverberate through the community and sever bonds with friends, acquaintances and extended relatives. For Clarita, the pattern of hurt took a turn for the worse when she was 8 years old.
LifeSet helps Zephaniah overcome homelessness by enrolling in college
For many college students, the campus becomes like home. For LifeSet participant Zephaniah, college is literally providing him a home.
Private, non-profit organization expands mental health services to ENC
A new mental health service is expanding in Eastern North Carolina. The program is part of Youth Villages, a private non-profit group that helps children and families.
Meet Memphis Allies: James Kirkwood, Law Enforcement Liaison
James Kirkwood grew up wanting to be a pastor – and a police officer. He did both. Kirkwood served for more than 30 years with the Memphis Police Department, rising to the rank of colonel, leading two of the city’s police precincts.
Learning how to cope
Nineteen-year-old Trinity has learned many life skills through the Youth Villages LifeSet program, which serves as a bridge from foster care to successful adulthood and helps young adults build the skills they need to live independently and successfully.
Youth Villages Leadership Council sets sail to raise $7,400 for Backpack Heroes
How do you kick off the official start of summer? For the Youth Villages Leadership Council, the answer was a sailboat cruise around Boston Harbor with 75 of their friends.
LifeSet partner agencies convene in Philadelphia
Leaders from all 20 implementing LifeSet partner agencies attended a convening in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to learn more about effectively implementing the program model and to share insights from implementations in their states and jurisdictions.
Coming Full Circle – Brett’s Story
At 6 years old, Brett entered foster care. He spent 11 years in and out of group homes and different foster placements. Finding a permanent home felt like it was never going to happen for him.
LifeSet gives Tresja confidence to move forward
LifeSet helps young people identify and achieve their goals, but it also does more. For Tresja, it was the intangible benefits the program provided that meant so much to her.
LifeSet to launch in Central Washington with Catholic Charities
LifeSet is moving east in the Evergreen State. In mid-June, Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington was announced as the new partner to provide LifeSet in the area. The organization will serve youth in Yakima, Benton and Franklin counties with LifeSet under contract with the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).
LifeSet’s Helen Baker grows through challenges, successes in Seattle
Helen Baker is the LifeSet program director at the Y Social Impact Center, a part of the YMCA of Greater Seattle that serves King and Pierce Counties in Washington. Baker, who started as a LifeSet specialist, has been with the YMCA’s program since it began in 2016. In this Q&A, she offers insight into the successes and challenges that LifeSet has experienced in Washington.
How to protect your family’s mental health amid inflation
With the recent inflation and rise in costs of everyday items, families are experiencing financial strain/stress in recent months. That financial stress/strain has created a “domino effect” that reaches into the area of mental health for families and youth.
LifeSet Gives Student a Chance to Run towards success
Ares Epps is a LifeSet participant, LifeSet Scholar and a North Carolina State University student athlete, who has accomplished many of his goals through track and field, and with the support of Youth Villages. The LifeSet program offers youth who are aging out of foster care tools to ease the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Meet Memphis Allies: Brandon and Bryan Mathis, Life Coaches
The man was shot and killed in front of his 2-year-old daughter. It was another senseless homicide in Memphis; another child traumatized by gun violence. To Brandon and Bryan Mathis and the Memphis Allies team, this man, this incident was more than just a statistic.
East Tennessee’s Backpack Heroes gets big boost from KAAR, ‘Birdies for Backpacks’
Backpack Heroes is an annual Youth Villages fundraiser focused on equipping children and young adults in each of the organization’s service regions with school supplies needed for the upcoming year. East Tennessee is one of those areas, and Youth Villages is grateful for the financial support Backpack Heroes receives from the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors (KAAR) and its Birdies for Backpacks golf tournament.
Donor Spotlight: Meghan Markie
Middle Tennessee native and donor, Meghan Markie, originally from Columbia, Tennessee, has been supporting Youth Villages after her father introduced her to the organization, where he volunteered as a Dell employee before his passing. Since getting involved, Meghan joined the Middle Tennessee Advisory Board, and for the last two years, she served as Board Chair.
Lack of adequate mental health care places heavy burden on young people
A PBS NewsHour team followed staff in our Intercept and Specialized Crisis Services programs in East Tennessee for this powerful report on the children’s mental health crisis.
Dr. Jacque Cutillo receives Secretary Marylou Sudders Excellence in Human Services Award
Dr. Jacque Cutillo is celebrating her 15th anniversary as an employee of Youth Villages. She joined the Youth Villages Massachusetts office in 2007 as the location’s second employee and has helped shape the landscape of mental health services for youth and families ever since.
Mental-Health Program Provides Alternative to Emergency-Room Boarding
On a given day in Massachusetts, more than 100 children and teenagers are brought to hospital emergency rooms because they’re facing a mental-health crisis and sometimes have to stay there for days or weeks.
Youth Villages Spring Celebration Gala raises $830,000
The Youth Villages Massachusetts and New Hampshire Spring Celebration gala raised $830,000 to help young people live successfully. The annual event celebrated the organization’s milestone of 15 years of serving children, youth and families in New England.
Youth Villages reroutes Mariana’s life Course
When many teenagers enter their junior year of high school, their life pathways are somewhat charted. For some, the path leads to college. For others, a trade or technical school. For still others, finding employment. But often that path is set up starting with the freshman year.
Youth Villages Spring Celebration Gala
Check out scenes from the Youth Villages Spring Celebration event at the Fairmont Copley Plaza.
LifeSet meets Brandon’s housing needs for his five-year plan to remain on track
LifeSet, a Youth Villages program for young adults who experienced foster care, meets young people where they are in life. Some need major support to help achieve goals as they enter adulthood. Others, though, already have the drive, but a little assistance is needed along the way.
Woburn Nonprofit Raises $830k For Mental Health For Foster Teens, Kids
Youth Villages Massachusetts and New Hampshire help their Spring Celebration gala in-person for the first time in three years and raised $830,000 for young people in our programs.
5 signs a child might be struggling with their mental health
Balancing life’s many demands can be stressful for anyone, including children. Unexpected transitions at home like a parent losing a job, grieving a loved one or dealing with health issues…
Helping young men choose a different path
This week, Royal Chatman will be in juvenile court supporting a young man who’s facing an aggravated assault charge. The court will be determining whether the young man will be transferred to adult court – or be assigned to the Memphis Allies SWITCH program.
How to help celebrate Pride
June has long been recognized as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, observing the need for equality and inclusion across all sexual identity communities. The topic of sexual orientation and identification can be a tough one for adults to approach, so imagine being a teenager needing to have these conversations with your family and your community.
UT grad wants to help teens in foster care after her own experience
Two years ago, Reagan told her story of going into foster care with WBIR-TV in Knoxville. To highlight National Foster Care Awareness Month…
LifeSet Scholar to take on New York Times summer creative writing program
Sometimes, it takes knowing others are proud of what you’ve accomplished. Every day, Youth Villages teaches young adults how to be resilient, face challenges head on and take strides to accomplish goals through its LifeSet program.
How a Memphis mom helped her young son battle mental health issues
Thursday, May 19 is Mental Health Action Day. It’s a day to take action on one’s own mental health, as well as support those in the community.
Following the Plan
Youth Villages celebrates an adoption story on National Foster Care Day. Even the best laid plans don’t go as planned, and that also goes for foster care and adoption. However, for Chinishe Ray, her plans to adopt have gone as expected not only once but twice.
Opening Homes & Hearts
Foster parenting sounds intimidating but with support, can be incredibly rewarding. Linzie Mullins, a Youth Villages foster-to-adopt parent in Memphis, was once in your shoes.
Youth Villages experts on the nation’s children’s mental health crisis
The first week of May is Child Mental Health Awareness Week and Youth Villages is sharing advice for parents and signs to look out for that could save lives.
Memphis Allies honors, supports grieving mothers at M.A.M.A.s event
In the spring sunshine of a recent Saturday, Sharika Carpenter remembered her darkest day – the day her 17-year-old son, Braylon Murray, was robbed, shot and killed at a Memphis carwash.
A Letter to Youth Villages
Dear Youth Villages, My name is Amber, and I am 23 years old. I lost my dad at a very young age and grew up with a mother who battled addiction and untreated trauma that led to many mental health problems leaving her incapable of caring for herself or for me.
SWITCH team members have earned the right to be heard…
Troy Dotson’s face tells part of his story… there’s a six-point star with a ‘G’ for Gangster Disciples on his cheek. Two other tattoos there signify the “work” he put in for the gang and his high rank in the organization.
LifeSet gave Shylann tools to cope with anxiety, succeed in school
Imagine this scenario: You’re a dormitory resident assistant (RA) on a college campus. A winter storm comes through, dumping several inches of snow and lowering temperatures below freezing. Then, the dorm’s pipes burst. Suddenly, your residents have no water—to drink, shower or even flush toilets. They all are looking to you for help and guidance.
LifeSet expanding in Missouri — the “Show-Me” State
Julie Lester, chief program officer for the Missouri Alliance for Children and Families (MACF), says the “Show-Me” State not only needed LifeSet but craved something like it. Initial implementation proceeded despite the pandemic, and now MACF is expanding LifeSet to a second location.
LifeSet walks step-by-step with Dallas
Nineteen-year-old Dallas, a young man in southwest Missouri, sees his LifeSet specialist as more than just a health professional working to help him. She’s more like a friend walking with him every step—something he hasn’t always had.
How I got “LifeSetted”: Q&A with Darin Hudson, LPE with Turning Points
Darin Hudson is a Licensed Program Expert with Turning Points, a LifeSet implementing provider based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Darin joined Turning Points in 2014 and has grown his career with LifeSet. In this Q&A, Darin explores his journey from specialist to Licensed Program Expert with the hope of inspiring others to take the opportunity to grow with LifeSet.
Youth Villages’ Intercept program aims to restore families one at a time
Daily Memphian reporter Don Wade goes on a “ride-along” with the Youth Villages Intercept program, which recently received a “well-supported” rating from the Title IV-E Clearinghouse.
Continuing to Make a Difference
Dominique and Kevin Gill continue to change the lives of children in foster care—children like Andrew who was adopted by the Gills in 2020.
Generations of Youth Villages Volunteers
Lisa Small and Kim Lapidus served the Nashville chapter of the National Council for Jewish Women (NCJW) for several years. Their dedicated involvement with NCJW later brought them to Youth Villages…
K’laja’s Journey with Youth Villages
K’laja is currently enrolled in Youth Villages’ LifeSet program, an intensive support program designed to help youth actualize their goals of self-sufficiency and independence as they prepare to age out of foster care. Without these supports, young people face far...
Louisiana program helps young adults transition out of foster care
A program in Louisiana helps young adults who’ve aged out of the foster care system.
Program aims to reduce long wait times for pediatric psych beds
A crisis in mental health care has created a new program aimed at reducing the number of kids stuck in emergency rooms…
Youth Villages launches multi-million dollar crime reduction program in Memphis
The non profit Youth Villages has announced the launch of a $60 million dollar program aimed at bringing targeted services to crime-ridden areas in the city, Memphis Allies.
A look at Youth Villages’ $60M plan to curb gun violence in Memphis
Amid the gun violence epidemic in Memphis, Youth Villages stated it is starting an initiative called Memphis Allies which will work to curb gun violence.
Youth Villages launches $60 million gun violence reduction initiative
For more than a year, we’ve been working with community leaders and national experts to build Memphis Allies to address one of our community’s greatest challenges: deadly gun violence.
Youth Villages Intercept earns highest rating, allowing us to help more children and families
The Youth Villages Intercept program model recently achieved an important milestone earning the “well-supported” rating from the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse.
Intercept Brings the Holmes Family Back Home
Mia must have thought the world was crumbling around her. “It was hard, stressful,” said Mia, who was 16 years old at the time. “I was the oldest (child), so I had to keep pushing for everyone. I kept praying.”
Healing Through the Written Word
Sometimes, the closest people to us—family and friends—don’t understand. They may think they know the situation better than anyone, even the person who is suffering. Instead of helping that person, it may lead to further issues.
Intercept, with a little bit of hope, brings Cohen home to mom and dad
When Cohen was born in an East Tennessee hospital in 2019, he didn’t get to go home with his mom and dad. Substance use had already broken his family, and the baby joined his five brothers and sisters in foster care.
Memphis publication names Pat Lawler in CEO of The Year accolade
Youth Villages CEO Pat Lawler was one of five named as CEO of the Year by Inside Memphis Business. The article notes some of the most significant accomplishments and highlights in the past year.
What makes LifeSet different? 6 questions with Linda Dixon of Connecticut DCF
LifeSet interview with Linda Dixon, Ph.D., Administrator Transitional Supports and Success of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families
Youth Villages Intercept Program Model Receives Well-Supported Designation from Family First Clearinghouse
The Youth Villages Intercept program model has been rated as well-supported by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse.
A Lifeline of Hope
Young people who experience foster care are resilient and capable. Still, they need support as they move toward adulthood.
Mentors provide positive experience for our youth
January is National Mentor Appreciation Month, and we are immensely grateful for all our Georgia mentors! Mentoring is a calling to be of service to a young person during a pivotal time in their development. Our mentors commit to spending time with mentees for four to six hours a month…
Meet Our New LifeSet Supervisor!
Youth Villages is excited to welcome Amanda Matthews as the new supervisor for LifeSet in Oregon. We are so grateful to have Amanda lead LifeSet as we begin 2022, a year with ambitious growth goals for the program.
Organization is the key
Kiara is a busy young lady. A single mother, Kiara takes care of her 8-year-old daughter, Kyra. She also attends college full time, taking prerequisites to pursue a nursing degree. Additionally, she works full time in an overnight job with Memphis-based FedEx.
Mentors, mentees connect through ‘nerdom’
When twins Jordan and Devan Brown were in the LifeSet program, Youth Villages paired them with mentors. Instead of just sending someone their way, the twins were allowed to list some qualities they wanted in their mentors.
A Gamechanger for Mental Health
In 2019, 16-year-old Cassidy was in an in-patient mental health center. She struggled for years with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. In just one year, Cassidy was hospitalized for her mental health nine times…
40 Memphis kids are getting brand new beds for Christmas
Just in time for Christmas, 40 Memphis children who share a bed, sleep on a couch or on the floor will soon have new beds to call their own, thanks to…
Youth Villages’ Holiday Heroes receives $5,000 grant from East Tennessee Foundation’s Kress Angel Tree Fund
Youth Villages received an early gift that will be used to forward many presents to others this holiday season. The East Tennessee Foundation…
Holiday Heroes Get An Assist From Memphis Athletics
It was early December and final exams week was on the horizon for the University of Memphis student-athletes. However, they took time out…
Massachusetts distributes 80 percent of money for foster kids
The pandemic has made life much more difficult for young adults aging out of foster care and they need help. Matt Stone, executive director in Massachusetts…
The Neal Family celebrated another adoption!
Remember, Jonathan and Jaywanna Neal adopting Christopher in 2019, well the family celebrated another adoption this past year adopting Maliki in May of 2021, in the middle of the pandemic. The family wasted no time adopting Maliki as soon as he became available for adoption.
Youth Villages Walk for Independence raises $33,500 to help at-risk young adults
In September, 175 walkers virtually traveled across America to raise awareness and funds to support the Youth Villages LifeSet program in the Walk for Independence.
Hospitals help mental health patients – by sending them away
Long waits for emergency psychiatric care at hospitals have become the norm in Massachusetts.
Fostering Love Beyond Adoption Awareness Month
Becoming a foster parent is a special opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child, both as a short-term commitment to their health, safety and well-being, but also with a lifelong impact
It’s baby steps
Richard and Alvin Lewis had been married for five years before Richard began looking into fostering and adopting.
Seeing the Signs
The Mullins family was drawn to the idea of fostering and adopting in late 2019 after being married for 10 years.
Turning a second chance into opportunity
Everyone looks for a second chance. Maybe even a third or fourth.
He was created for us
After years of praying and contemplating how to have children, Kellie and Jared Anderson decided in early 2020 to consider foster care and adoption.
Boston 25 ‘Gets Real’ about the youth mental health crisis
Kids are suffering more than ever and there are not enough resources…
Local theater group brings performance to residential campus, looks to begin partnership
The Youth Villages Inner Harbour campus encountered a pirate “invasion” in early August. But it was a friendly one…
Intercept helps an Oklahoma child find a family through adoption
Every child needs a permanent, nurturing family to give them the opportunity and support…
Local boy spends nearly 5 weeks in emergency room awaiting mental health services
As emergency department boarding and the youth mental health crisis continue to rise…
Achieving Goals – Ayla’s Story
High school is difficult for any teenager, but for a teen facing issues at home…
Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to end the stigma around suicides and offer help to those experiencing a mental health crisis. Tennessee had a total of 1,219 suicides last year, an 11% increase since 2015. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death by...
Changing Stripes
Teamwork is at its best when all are in together to achieve a common goal…
Mikki’s Story
As Mikki approached their 18th birthday, they were about to age out of foster care…
Back in Action: Jaq-cari’s Story
Jaq-cari is 12 years old and in the Youth Villages Intercept program…
Program brings stability to college student
Youth Villages brings stability to the lives of young adults…
New school year brings new anxieties. Doctor helps parents ease fears as COVID-19 pandemic continues
The new school year can already be nerve-wracking for kids…
Finding My North Star: My journey from foster care to success
By Elina MorrisonYouth Villages Advisory Council Dear 17-year-old Elina, At this time in your life, you are angry and sad, and things feel beyond repair. It’s October of 2017, and you have been placed in the foster care system for the second time in your life. While...
At 17, Gloria overcomes tragedy with the help of Youth Villages’ Intercept
Many children enter foster care because of a lack of support in a time of family crisis. Youth Villages’ intensive in-home services program, Intercept, provides support and help for children and parents that can make a difference. At 16, Gloria had already experienced...
Learning to be Patient – Neal Family
For Middle Tennessee-based Jaywanna Neal, fostering is second nature. Growing up, her mom opened her home to foster children and adopted a pair of siblings. When Jaywanna was single and in her 20s, she took in her first foster child. She said it was a great...
Justin checks off big goals as he moves toward independence
It’s been a big year for Justin.
A participant in the Pressley Ridge LifeSet program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Justin was turning 21 this year and needed to finish high school, find a place to live that gave him more independence, and learn life and social skills. He and LifeSet Specialist Ryan King kept a list and began checking things off.
Hannah finds her way
During Parent’s Weekend in her freshman year of college, Hannah attempted suicide…
Youth Villages awarded generous monetary gift from Joey Logano Foundation
Youth Villages today announced it is the recipient of a large donation from the Joey Logano Foundation to support young adults who age out of foster care and are now pursuing higher education.
My Turn: New beds just part of mental health safety net
We believe children are served best at home. While inpatient stays in facilities and hospitals are necessary for some young people experiencing a mental health challenge
LifeSet program looks to help young people aging out of foster care system
If you think back to those years transitioning from school to adulthood, you know a lot of it wasn’t easy. Young people who age out of the foster care system often don’t have someone to help them on their path. One program looks to change that.