May is National Foster Care Awareness Month—a time to recognize the resilience of children and youth in the foster care system and the individuals who support them. At Youth Villages, we understand the unique challenges these young people face.
Blog Articles
Jaylen overcomes challenges, inspires others on their road to adulthood through LifeSet
At 18 years old, Jaylen has already faced a steep climb in life compared to her peers. Without support, many young people find the path to adulthood incredibly difficult. But rather than letting obstacles overload her, Jaylen is using her experiences to build a better future and inspire others.
A place to call home: Jeremy and Patricia’s journey to reunification
Life challenges might cause a bump in the road for most families. But for others, trials can result in major upheavals in their lives. Jeremy and his grandmother, Patricia, faced the latter when they were involved in a life-changing situation — one that led to their living apart from one another.
Youth Villages Georgia expands in-home program to Douglas, Paulding and Rockdale Counties
ATLANTA (April 1, 2025) – Youth Villages, a national nonprofit leader in children’s mental and behavioral health services, today announced a pilot contract with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities to expand its evidenced-based Intercept program to Douglas, Paulding and Rockdale counties, bringing access to in-home prevention care to more Georgia families.
Meet Isaiah, LifeSet participant in Nashville
After his mom died when he was 14 years old, Isaiah and his brother entered the care of their grandmother. Sadly, their grandmother died soon after, leading them to be placed in the foster care system.
She has fostered more than 100 teens and gotten them employment
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — You’ve probably heard, there’s a continuing problem with finding homes to place teens in the foster care system. Hearing that problem, one woman has taken on the matter in a truly amazing way.
Impact Hour 2025 at The Parthenon
Five young adults who aged out of foster care at 18 years old vulnerably shared their experience transitioning to adulthood after spending most of their childhood in state custody.
The Leon Levine Foundation awards $1.1 million grant to Youth Villages for expansion of community-based services
Charlotte, NC – (April 1, 2025) – Youth Villages, a nonprofit organization providing services to address children’s mental and behavioral health needs, today announced it was awarded a $1.1 million grant to expand its evidence-based Intercept program in South Carolina.
Makia’s journey: Finding strength and independence with LifeSet
For Makia, the path from foster care to adulthood was filled with roadblocks. At 12 years old, Makia entered the child welfare system and moved between different foster homes, never quite finding stability and guidance.
More than a roof: How support transformed Jailyn’s life
Thousands of children experience out-of-home placements in North Carolina, and sometimes, finding a forever home isn’t an option before they age out of the system. Programs like LifeSet help young adults who experience foster care establish independence.
Helping teens navigate friendship breakups
The teen years are filled with growth, change, and emotional ups and downs. One of the most challenging aspects of adolescence is navigating friendships. As a caregiver, you may notice that your teen’s “best friend” suddenly disappears from conversation.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Kalina’s Story
In the United States, 2.5 million children are currently in kinship care, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. This represents 3% of all children. In kinship care, relatives such as grandparents, siblings or extended family, raise children.
Tennessee program helps young adults aging out of foster care find success
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Every year, nearly 20,000 young people age out of the foster care system across the country—more than 800 of them right here in Tennessee. Without a strong support system, many face overwhelming challenges, including homelessness, substance abuse, and incarceration.
7 ways help your child overcome mid-year school stress and burnout
As the school year enters its mid-point, many children begin to feel the weight of academic demands, social pressures and extracurricular commitments. Mid-year stress differs from the typical beginning-of-year excitement or end-of-year exhaustion.
Program in Greenville helps at-risk youth in the community
The Youth Villages Intercept Program here in Greenville impacts at-risk youth in our community and across the state. The idea of “Intercept” is to reach kids who are at risk of being placed outside of the home, coming home from a foster care placement or mental health hospital and keeping them with their families in a healthy, successful living space.
Overcoming the odds: Ethan becomes a guide for former foster youth
Like many who have experienced the child welfare system, Ethan’s path was filled with uncertainty and obstacles. His journey began in his high school.
From foster care to fashion photography: Naomi’s path to success
Naomi’s story with Youth Villages started with the LifeSet program, but her journey to get there was anything but easy. She entered foster care at 4 years old and was adopted at 9.
Mentor relationships provide boosts for mentee, mentor
When mentoring is mentioned, thoughts quickly go to being a friend or a buddy for a child or youth. Mentoring also conjures up images of playing board games, throwing a football or softball, going out to eat or doing arts and crafts.
Right help at the right time: Jasmin and Kayden reunited with Intercept
Every year in the United States, only half of the number of children who enter the child welfare system are reunified with family. The goal of foster care is for families to be reunited after the necessary steps have been taken to ensure the well-being of the household.
LifeSet sets Ruby on the right track
Meet Ruby, a student at a local community college in Wilmington, North Carolina. She recently took a trip to Mexico to spend time with family, and she has plans to complete her bachelor’s degree in architecture at University of North Carolina-Charlotte after graduation.
From wish lists to smiles: Nearly 1,800 youth across West Tennessee receive an unforgettable holiday
The Holiday Heroes campaign has helped children and families in West Tennessee for nearly 20 years by connecting corporate and community volunteers to fulfill the holiday wish lists of local youth.
LifeSet provides Desirey support at her most critical time
Studies show young people who have a positive adult figure in their life are less likely to drop out of school, have fewer run-ins with law enforcement and build better relationships with their biological family. This remains true for those entering college and young adulthood.
Thank you for making Holiday Heroes New England a huge success!
As we reflect on this holiday season, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible outpouring of support from our community during our Holiday Heroes campaign.
Mentor Spotlight: Timothy Richmond
For Timothy Richmond, the best thing about being a Youth Villages mentor is learning something new from each young person he takes under his wing.
7 ways to add joy and fun to your family’s new year’s resolutions
As many of us think through New Year’s resolutions, we’re seeking habits that bring value to our lives and make us the best, most healthy versions of ourselves. This year, instead of focusing on cutting back or giving things up, why not create resolutions that add joy, connection and adventure to your family’s life?
Foster families facing unique challenges helped by annual initiative to make holiday season special
Youth Villages wrapped up their annual Holiday Heroes campaign. In 2024 they set a new record, making sure nearly 3,000 foster kids had gifts to open on Christmas morning.
Youth Villages looking for more foster families to help with holiday seasons
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Youth Villages encourages families to consider becoming a foster home for children during holiday seasons.
Hometown Hero: University of Minnesota alumni transforming lives in Oregon
Minnesota native Noah Gerber is changing the narrative for foster youth in the Portland Metro area. He was raised in St. Paul and pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology
Natalie finds her superpower
Natalie, a LifeSet Scholar, wears many hats: a first-generation college student, academic advisor, a mentor for other foster youth, and most importantly, a role model and advocate for her 14-year-old sister.
Solutions to keeping Oregon foster children in stable homes
With a recent federal class action lawsuit settled over the safety of children in Oregon’s foster care system, one of the issues addressed is the quality and number of foster care placements a child experiences.
Intercept helps Victoria identify, work through her feelings
In 2023, Theresa began seeking support for her 8-year-old granddaughter, Victoria. Her family was under a lot of stress from financial hardship, physical health problems and emotional and behavioral aggression from Victoria. She knew they needed additional support, but wanted to make sure she and her husband remained the primary caregivers for Victoria.
LifeSet helps James overcome obstacles and achieve his goals
Youth who age out of foster care often face significant challenges when transitioning to adulthood. They can be at risk for homelessness, unemployment, unstable housing, involvement with the criminal justice system, mental health issues and difficulty accessing education or stable employment.
Donor Spotlight: John Parker And Steve Rook
John Parker and Steve Rook with the Parker-Rook Group at Merrill share how their investment makes a difference
Tennessee Titans Kicks Off Holiday Heroes!
Youth Villages kicked off its annual Holiday Heroes campaign this week with the help of the Tennessee Titans. Players, staff and their family members joined the organization to transform an empty office space into a holiday workshop, which will be filled with thousands of donated toys over the next few weeks.
Local nonprofit aims to spread holiday cheer, lighten financial burden for foster families
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Youth Villages kicked off their annual “Holiday Heroes” campaign on Tuesday morning. Youth Villages is a non-profit that helps foster families.
Youth Villages Georgia transforming residential care through expansion campaign
Youth Villages held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Inner Harbour campus in Douglasville to commemorate two milestones. The organization celebrated the 15th anniversary of its merger with Inner Harbour
LifeSet teaches Thomas to crush his goals
Meet Thomas (he/him/his), a 19-year-old coastal North Carolina native who is now crushing his goals thanks to the LifeSet program.
Intercept Helps Keep Families Together
At the beginning of their journey with Youth Villages, Donna felt she had reached the very end of the road and didn’t know what else to do. “I was on I-85 and thinking to myself, I could end it all right now,” Donna said.
Organizations work together to expand in-home mental and behavioral health services for Dayton’s children and families
DAYTON, Ohio– Dayton-area children with emotional, mental or behavioral health challenges and their families can now receive intensive in-home help through a new partnership among health care organizations.
He’s fostered dozens of teen boys, leading them toward success and stability
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A man tells us his story puts him in a unique position to help others in the most formative years of their lives. The number of people he’s helped is nothing short of staggering.
Mari finally finds stability
Mari entered the foster care system at just 9 years old when she was removed from her mother’s care. She was put in an emergency foster home before being placed with her father and his girlfriend.
Helping children navigate election season with good mental health
It’s here again, every four years. The news and ads on television. The flyers in the mail. The posts on social media. The conversations at the dinner table. It’s everywhere because… it’s election season.
Tennessee law provides stipends for relatives caring for children to reduce state custody placements
More relatives of children needing homes have the chance to keep them out of foster care and under their own roofs, thanks to a new state law that removed the income cap to qualify for reimbursement from the state.
Support, Strength, and Motherhood: Marlia’s Path to a Better Life
Young women who transition out of foster care are more likely to experience pregnancy than their peers. According to the National Foster Youth Institute, seven out of 10 girls who age out of care will become pregnant by their 21st birthday.
New England Backpack Heroes 2024: A Remarkable Success
The 2024 Youth Villages Backpack Heroes campaign was a tremendous success thanks to the incredible support from our volunteers, donors and corporate partners.
Q&A with Mr. Morton: Single Foster Parent of 10 Years
Get to know Middle Tennessee foster parent of the year, Joseph Morton. He is a single father who has been a foster parent with Youth Villages for 10 years.
Youth Villages Expands Intercept Program To Rhode Island To Offer In-home Support Services For Local Youth
Youth Villages, a nonprofit child welfare organization, today announced a service expansion in Rhode Island to provide intensive in-home services to youth currently in the care of and youth at risk of being in the care of Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (RIDCYF).
Every Child TN Q&A: Mobilizing Tennesseans to Support Families Impacted by Foster Care
Every Child TN recently launched to mobilize Tennesseans to care for all children, youth, and families impacted by foster care. We sat down with Jeremy Breithaupt, director of community-based program strategy at Youth Villages, who sits on the Every Child TN...
From the Frontline: Suicide Prevention
We have more than 4,500 employees across 27 states providing mental and behavioral health services to children, families and young adults. Whether they’re connecting families to specialized health services
New national collaborative works to build playbook for improved transition-age youth services, programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 06, 2024) — Imagine it is 2034. What will the world look like for transition-age youth leaving foster care or other children’s services? The newly formed National Collaborative for Transition-Age Youth hopes to influence the answer to that question.
Josiah’s Story
When the Department of Children and Families introduced Kallie and her children, 6-year-old Josiah and 1-year-old Jazmine, to the Intercept program.
Building connections vital for mental health, suicide prevention
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults in the United States. However, suicide doesn’t end with the tragedy itself.
Creating a safe home for those at risk of suicide
While some suicide attempts are carefully planned, 48% of adults think about the attempt for 10 minutes or less before acting, and 25% of children act in five minutes or less.
How a Memphis artist uses bobcats and ladybugs to help foster youth feel more at home
In 2009, a child at the Rose Center for Girls repeatedly refused to return to her “courtyard,” her living space that her bedroom was in. Most of the youth at the residential treatment facility struggled with serious behavioral and mental health issues
Kentucky LifeSet Bash
Youth Villages Kentucky held a LifeSet Bash for partners and providers to learn more about community-based programs in Kentucky. The LifeSet program is geared toward helping young adults who age out of foster care
In the News: From Foster Care to the Ivy League
Ten years ago, I was sitting in a juvenile detention cell in East Tennessee, alone, wondering if I would get home in time to start high school.
Keeping children safe on social media
In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory titled “Social Media and Mental Health,” which outlined the risks of social media use among children and adolescents.
5 tips for parents’ well-being to start, transition into new school year
It’s back to school for many children across the country, and most of the time leading up to the return to the classroom will be spent on getting physically prepared.
Backpack Heroes make the News!
Youth Villages offices across the nation have been busy collecting school supplies and making the news for our annual Backpack Heroes campaign!
Middle Tennessee Young adults in LifeSet Celebrate Graduation
Over 70 young adults with experience in the foster care system in Middle Tennessee gathered to celebrate graduations ranging from HiSET (high school equivalency) to master’s degrees.
Mobile mental health program brings care to Tennessee’s youth in need
Tennessee has been ranked 40th in the nation for access to mental health care, according to Mental Health America. One state-funded program is working to expand access for Tennessee’s youngest patients by meeting them where they are.
Crossing the finish line, Garrett’s college dream fulfilled
Garrett entered his senior year of high school with a primary goal of attending college. However, the prep track and field athlete needed assistance in getting over some hurdles to reach his goal of post-secondary education and an opportunity to run track in college.
Titans Quarterback, Will Levis, joins group home cookout as surprise guest
Teens living in Youth Villages’ group homes in Nashville attended their annual summer cookout expecting giant waterslides, obstacle courses and hamburgers, but this year, there was a surprise for the teens. Joining in this year’s festivities was Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis.
Middle Tennessee organization works to lighten back-to-school financial burden for foster families
Back-to-school shopping can put a strain on families financially. Youth Villages is aiming to lighten the financial burden of back-to-school for their foster families.
Peer-to-Peers: Life skills and life connections
Every month, Youth Villages Oregon hosts a Peer-to-Peer gathering for participants in LifeSet, an evidence-based program helping youth aging out of foster care learn skills to navigate adulthood, and the Independent Living Program for transition-age youth.
House calls: Youth Villages offering mental-health assistance to children
For families on Nantucket, an island in Massachusetts, it can be difficult to access mental health services. Families often have to endure long wait lists and travel off island to get mental health care for their children.
Healing from Within, Blake’s Path to Finding Self Control
Blake struggled with anger for most of his childhood, and as he got older, he became more physical. He attended weekly therapy, but it didn’t have much of an impact on his ability to cope.
Jeremy’s Path to Confidence and Connection
“It’s a life changing experience and it gives you a whole different concept about yourself.” These are the words of Jeremy, a LifeSet participant who felt all odds were against him growing up and into adulthood.
North Carolina’s Growing Stronger Summit
North Carolina held its first-ever Growing Stronger Summit, a two-day event featuring keynote speaker David Ambroz, author and national child welfare and poverty expert.
Sabina builds a better life for her children
Sabina, a single mother of two young girls under the age of 4, entered foster care after she and her sister suffered abuse at home from her parents.
Fostering with pride: Agency trains LGBTQ adults to foster Tennessee children
Foster parents, Mikey and Travis VanZant of Clarksville, TN were featured on Nashville Channel 4’s Friday night news, which was re-aired several times over the weekend and into today.
Ways to prevent parental burnout
Allison Norton, Licensed Program Expert at Youth Villages, spoke with Boston 25 about parental burnout. Allison offers tips for parents on how to manage burnout this summer.
Oregon hosts first Growing Stronger Breakfast raises funds for LifeSet
Youth Villages Oregon hosted their first Growing Stronger Breakfast sponsored by longtime partner, The Standard. Board member Charlie Swindell hosted the event at Multnomah Athletic Club with nearly 100 people in attendance.
Lack of suitable housing shouldn’t destroy a family
Stable housing can make – or break – a family. Due to the state of their single mom’s home, 10 children were at risk of being removed and experiencing the trauma that comes with it.
Middle Tennessee Golf Tournament Breaks Records in support of LifeSet
A record-breaking $100,000 was raised at Youth Villages Middle Tennessee’s 13th annual golf tournament, all of which will go to support young people in the region’s LifeSet program.
Creating an affirming environment for LGBTQ youth
Family acceptance is vital to the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Family acceptance is associated with lower rates of depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
Summertime and Kid’s Screen Time
Summertime can often mean more screen time for kids of all ages, especially those with working parents. We’re not suggesting that screen time be cut altogether; we’re not crazy.
North Carolina staff makes appearance on The Sisaundra Show
Youth Villages staff, Kailif, interviewed and performed on The Sisaundra Show, an Afro TV daytime television entertainment talk show. Kailif talked with host and former NBC The Voice finalist, Sisaundra Lewis, about his experiences in foster care and how working with Youth Villages helps him live in his purpose.
Partnering with Cradles to Crayons to help young people in need
With inflation at an all-time high and the cost of items like food, clothing and housing skyrocketing, many families are struggling to meet their basic needs. Very often, we see families and young adults making difficult decisions, like paying the electric bill instead of buying food for the week.
Jay gets a voice
For a long time, Stacy was worried her 12-year-old son, Jay, would be removed from her home. Despite Jay being very social, active among his peer group and good at engaging with other kids his age, he was often physically aggressive at home, struggled with substance use, general delinquency and was destroying items in his home.
Caregiver Burnout: What You Can Do
The end of the school year brings a lot of transitions for children and their caregivers. The rigid and predictable routine of school ends, sports and activities end and with that comes different emotions for everyone in the family.
LifeSet participants share their most proud accomplishments
Five young adults who aged out of foster care at 18 recently sat on a panel and shared their experience transitioning to adulthood without a family support system. Instead of the hardship experienced, they each opened the discussion with what they are most proud of, and how their LifeSet specialist’s personalized approach helped them achieve their goals.
Youth Villages Oregon hosts media campaign to support youth aging out of foster care
Youth Villages Oregon premiered on KGW’s Hello, Rose City! to highlight the community-based programs helping Portland foster youth. LifeSet Scholar, DJ, shared his educational goals he wishes to accomplish and urges the community to invest in others like him.
NO LONGER DEFINED BY MY PAST: Pre-Med student and LifeSet participant, Diamond, shares her story
I’m currently an undergrad student at Tennessee State University studying chemistry. Most of my time goes toward studying to make sure I stay on track to go to medical school and become a gynecologist.
Runaway Behaviors
As the weather gets nicer and the days become longer, many caregivers are planning dinners outside, end-of-school celebrations and summer vacations. But, while some caregivers are planning graduation parties and backyard barbeques, many have a different concern –...
How foster families build relationships that nurture a youth’s well-being, culture and identity
No matter the circumstances, every child deserves a chance to grow up in a loving and stable home. In cases where it is not safe for a child to remain with their family, they are placed with temporary caregivers for a few weeks, months or sometimes longer while their...
Record-breaking Red Kite Nite gala in Massachusetts
The annual Youth Villages Red Kite Nite gala was held Thursday, May 2 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, Massachusetts. Nearly 400 guests helped raise a record-breaking $1.2 million.
Wirtala family finds purpose through foster care
Youth Villages’ mission is to help children and their families live successfully, and a big part of achieving that goal is keeping the family together. Sometimes, though, families are unable to remain together — either for a while or longer — due to circumstances in the home.
Memphis Parent – May is National Foster Care Month
When children enter the foster care system, the priority is to find a path to permanency – whether through adoption or reunification with their biological family. Often, children are placed in foster care for a short time while the best next steps are determined.
Daytime Tri-Cities – May is National Foster Care Month
Foster Parent Amber McKee and Hayley Mosteller with Youth Villages, discuss the need for more Foster Care in our region.
LifeSet turns DJ’s goals into a reality
Building a community support system is something 22-year-old DJ values. As an athlete, DJ knew he always had support through his track and basketball teams.
Youth Villages Kentucky hosts open house for Lakes region
Youth Villages hosted an open house in Mayfield, Kentucky, for future partners and providers in the Lakes region to learn more about community-based programs.
Antioch High School students focus on Thrive for scholarship-awarding research project
Thrive in Middle Tennessee was selected by the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce and InfoWorks for a scholarship-awarding research project with Antioch High School students where they aim to solve a “business problem” for a local organization.
7 subtle signs of child abuse and neglect that are overlooked or missed
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Unfortunately for many children, their abuse goes unnoticed, unseen or hidden from the public eye. Some child abuse is visible, and yet there are those who still do nothing to help.
My LifeSet Specialist inspired me to pursue social work
I was 17 and in foster care when I had my son. I was on track to graduate high school but didn’t think college was an option for a young mom without any family support. Then, I got connected with my LifeSet specialist.
How child abuse impacts adulthood
Multiple studies have shown negative outcomes for adults who experienced abuse as a child, such as an increased risk of facing violence, abuse or neglect in the home and/or community as an adult.
Parents’ sentencing in Michigan school shooting is a wake up call for all guardians
Though most people who struggle with their mental health will not go on to carry out an act of violence, caregivers should know the signs their child could be at risk of a psychiatric emergency.
Getting creative with therapeutic interventions
Creativity is important. Simply engaging in creative activities can boost your mental health and a new survey from APA finds about 46% of Americans use creative activities to relieve stress or anxiety, such as playing the piano, crocheting a blanket, dancing with friends or solving crossword puzzles.
Staff Spotlight: Lacy Moon | Oregon
Working in just about every area of community-based services and playing many roles in its growth across states has given Lacy Moon the opportunity for professional growth during their five years at Youth Villages.
Talking about a tough topic
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since COVID-19 became part of our lives four years ago, most agencies saw a decrease in child abuse reporting due to virtual schools and fewer activities outside of the home.
Outdoor Recreational Therapy at Inner Harbour shifts Joshua’s outlook on life
“I arrived in handcuffs, and I was scared, but the first thing I heard when I arrived [at Inner Harbour] was you don’t have anything to worry about anymore.” These are the words of Joshua, 18, who didn’t quite understand how to deal with his emotions and mental health.
Breaking Generational Cycles Through Education and Mentorship
“I’m the first in my family to graduate high school and go to college, which is not something I always thought was possible. Loyal is the best word to describe my LifeSet specialist. It’s incredible how everyone seems to truly want to see us successful in life,” LifeSet participant, Jahlin, shares their story.
Intercept transforms family’s trajectory, keeps them together
Teenagers can create challenging moments for many parents. Those trying moments can be even greater for a single parent who loves and provides for their children but is stretched by work and other demands.
In the Community: Youth Villages Oregon
Youth Villages Oregon was featured on Hello Rose City, highlighting the financial literacy program offered for ILP and LifeSet participants.
A new beginning: Youth Villages partners with Titans for luncheon with those aging out of foster system
Recently, five young adults who aged out of foster care at 18 got on a stage at Nissan Stadium to share their experience transitioning to adulthood without a family support system.
Fourth Grader Sets and Achieves Goals Through Youth Villages’ Foster Care Program
To protect the privacy of children in the foster care system, the names and identifying details have been changed. In 2022, 8-year-old Tommy entered the foster care program at Youth Villages with concerns of needing life-long assistance due to developmental delays....
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Produce Generations of Leaders in the Mental Health Space
Youth Villages is a leader in the mental health space for children and families. The driving force behind our impact is the passionate and determined staff who come from all over with a shared mission to help children, young adults and their families live...
Finding purpose and giving back with volunteer Lelani Foster
Lelani Foster is one of Youth Villages’ most seasoned Job Prep volunteer career coaches. Her journey with us started 14 years ago when she joined the very first Job Prep workshop in Woburn, MA as a volunteer career coach.
Brayden regains his voice, support systems through Independent Living Program
Brayden regains his voice, support systems through Independent Living Program. As a 20-year-old, Brayden looks back on the day that transformed his outlook on life.
LifeSet helps Tyra use her voice to advocate for others
For youth aging out of foster care without support, the future can be daunting. Some young people experience homelessness, poverty, domestic abuse and involvement with law enforcement.
Rising Above: NicFelix Navigates the Road to Independence
Children who grow up in foster care often face intense challenges at a young age. And by the time they reach adulthood, accomplishing goals and making it on their own can feel nearly impossible. That’s why programs like LifeSet are so important for young adults aging out of state care.
Youth Villages announces Lived Experience Impact Grants
Youth Villages has announced its Lived Experience Impact Grant recipients for 2024. These grants support organizations led by individuals with lived experience in child welfare systems who are improving outcomes for transition-age young people through programming, advocacy and systems reform.
How can I keep my kids safe online?
For many of us, it’s hard to recall the days before the existence of the internet and today, there are multiple generations who will never know a world without constant, immediate and instant updates.
Youth Villages Oregon served 370 youth through Holiday Heroes
Holiday Heroes is an annual campaign at Youth Villages that provides holiday gifts and winter essentials to young people and families in our care. In 2023, we received 370 wish list requests, 60% more in submissions than in 2022.
Mentoring offers support, ‘someone to talk to’
January is National Mentoring Month, and research has shown there are many benefits for mentees in a mentoring relationship.
Inspiration becomes a two-way street for young adults and Youth Villages’ staff through Georgia’s mentoring program
As Youth Villages recognizes National Mentoring Month in January, our staff and valued community members volunteer with children and young adults to provide them with extra support through the mentoring program year-round.
Holiday Heroes Spread Joy
Holiday Heroes is the most magical time of the year at Youth Villages. From the beginning of October through the end of December, we work to ensure every child and young adult in our programs gets to experience joy during the holiday season.
Housing vouchers keep MS families together, reduce number of children entering foster care
In December, Youth Villages had the opportunity to be a part of a press conference in Biloxi to announce HUD’s funding of 52 housing vouchers for families in South Mississippi. The vouchers will help many families stay together and live successfully.
It’s a wrap! Bridgestone Americas and Jackson® team up with Youth Villages to wrap gifts for former foster youth as part of Holiday Heroes.
Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund and Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson®) helped raise $35,000 at Youth Villages’ annual wrapping party called Holiday Cheers, Beers & Volunteers benefiting LifeSet.
Holiday Heroes provides gifts, gives hope for West Tennessee children, families
Being a Holiday Hero means more than just giving gifts; it is giving the gift of hope to the young people and families we serve every day.
Looking Back to Look Forward: What I learned from the Achieving Success Workshop
It was an amazing opportunity to attend the Achieving Success Workshop on Partnering with Transition Age Youth for Strong Mental Health. As a former foster youth…
Achievable goals for the New Year
We are in an era where New Year’s resolutions can sound like an unachievable, pointless exercise. Most resolutions are broken by February 1, so what’s the point?
Rhodes student, former foster youth got 16K votes in city council race. He’s just getting started
On the night of Oct. 5, Brandon Washington sat nervously at a supporter’s house and shoveled candy corn into his mouth, watching local election coverage and waiting to see if he would win a seat on the Memphis City Council.
Massachusetts program keeps kids out of group homes, juvenile detention centers
Her 13-year-old daughter was already involved in the juvenile court system, was skipping school and the single-mother from Peabody feared her daughter could end up in prison. But she didn’t know where to turn.
8 ways to cope with social anxiety during the holiday season
During the holiday season, families and friends gather for events and occasions. However, this can cause added stress to some young adults, especially when faced with large social settings.
The “Holiday Blues:” 10 signs, 6 ways to help if your child is experiencing them
The holiday season is a joyful time of the year, full of hope and wonder. However, it can also come with many stressors: travel, holiday rituals, events, family get-togethers, financial strain, pressure to make the season special, entertaining others and the absence of loved ones.
Intercept brings help and hope to families in Maine
Youth Villages has offered services in Massachusetts since 2007 and in 2010, expanded into New Hampshire. I’ve worked for Youth Villages for six years and, in that time, I’ve held multiple roles. I started as a family intervention specialist and transitioned to a regional supervisor.
Family exemplifies spirit of Thanksgiving, fostering more than 30 children over 6 years
Beyond the good food, for many of us the Thanksgiving celebration is also about family. One Murfreesboro couple deeply understands that children need a feeling of belonging at all times.
‘It’s a calling’: Nashville couple fosters children with complex medical issues
As Thanksgiving nears, a Nashville couple is giving thanks that their family looks different than they ever expected.
Bingham’s family expands through foster care, adoption
It’s National Adoption Month, and Youth Villages has more than 100 children that need a forever home in Tennessee. There is a need for more families to open their hearts and homes to adopting children so they can receive care and support.
Anxiety is at an all-time high
Childhood, and raising children, are the same as they always were but by today’s standards are almost completely different. The last few years have been incredibly anxiety provoking for anyone
Youth Villages Official Statement
We are deeply saddened by the loss of a child following a medical emergency that occurred at one of our campuses two weeks ago. We care about every young person that we help. We are heartbroken by this event, and our thoughts are with the child’s family in this difficult time.
Youth Villages Oregon Begins a New Chapter: We’re Moving!
After a century of services in Lake Oswego, Youth Villages Oregon closes its chapter at the history-rich Christie School and begins a new one at the newly renovated Water Tower office complex located at 5331 S. Macadam Ave in Portland.
From Homeless to Honor Roll, Ricky’s LifeSet Journey
According to a 2013 survey, 40% of LGBTQI adults have experienced rejection from a family member or a close friend and only 37% of this community identify their home as an LGBTQI affirming space. It is estimated that LGBTQI youth and young adults have a 120% higher...
Lived Experience Experts Prepare to Lead Interactive Achieving Success Workshop
More than 20 young people with lived experience in foster care, mental health and juvenile justice systems flew into Las Vegas today to prepare to lead the Achieving Success: Partnering with Transition-Age Young Adults for Strong Mental Health Workshop. The two-day...
From Fostering to Adopting: The Phelps’ Unexpected Story
November is National Adoption Awareness Month. More than 8,000 children in the state of Tennessee need safe and loving temporary or permanent homes. Foster families have the opportunity to provide this and create a lasting impact on young people. When navigating their journey, foster parents provide guidance and support for youth to safely travel their path.
5 ways to help prevent bullying
Is your child being bullied? A staggering number of children are being bullied on a daily basis in person and through technology. According to federal statistics, approximately 20% of students aged 12-18 experience bullying nationwide.
Jimena makes the right choice for herself and family
Jimena and her three siblings grew up with their mother before being separated from her. Their family dynamic changed drastically after Jimena learned about some safety risks in the home.
New expansion at Dogwood will serve more youth
In 1975, Dogwood Village was built with the help of the Memphis Ecumenical Children’s Association and the support of Judge Kenneth A. Turner.
Be Aware of Drastic Behavior Changes
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.
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.
Family shares fostering and adoption story as state seeks more foster families
A Mt. Juliet family adopted their teenage son after several years of fostering children. Haynes and his wife Lacie explained their first foster children came through their doors in 2016 right as they were starting their own family.
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…
Tennessee needs thousands of foster families, how you can help
Officials announced Tennessee was in need of thousands of foster homes as the number of foster children has grown. There was about 9,000 children in the system and about 4,000 foster homes as of Monday, according to Youth Villages.
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.
Urgent call for foster parents in Tennessee
According to Youth Villages, a non-profit for children and families in Tennessee, there are almost 8,000 children in foster care in the state and the number continues to rise.
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.
Youth Villages recognizes Foster Parent of the Year
May is Foster Care Awareness month and Youth Villages uses this month to not only bring awareness to the kids in need but recognize the work done by foster parents, including a single dad from Cleveland winning foster care parent of the year.
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.
Support Foster Kids in Tennessee this May
May is celebrated as National Foster Care Awareness Month to bring awareness to the need for more foster care families. In Tennessee, approximately 8,000 children are in foster care at any given time.
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.
Tennessee in ‘desperate need’ of foster families
Governor Bill Lee made a statement saying Tennessee’s adoption and foster care system is strong in regard to how Tennessee will support families if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Youth Villages making moms — and dads — through fostering
For Spring Hill residents Carly and Chrissy Shogren, Mother’s Day is something they never expected to be able to celebrate for themselves. Fortunately, their willingness to be flexible and open led to becoming mothers becoming a reality.
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…
‘Our biggest support in the community is the community’ | Showing support during Foster Care Awareness Month
May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and there’s a growing need for foster parents in Tennessee. According to Tennessee Kids Belong, nearly 8,000 children are in foster care in the state
Why I Foster | A foster parent shares his story
What if your family gave up their custody rights for you? Or if you entered state custody on your birthday? In Tennessee, approximately 8,000 children are in foster care at any given time.
Youth Villages hosts inaugural Foster Parent Awards ceremony
Youth Villages spent Thursday celebrating foster parents across the U.S. which is part of the agency’s first-ever “Foster Parent of the Year” award ceremony.
Mission to place kids in foster care continues despite pandemic, Youth Villages says
Even during this pandemic, the push for foster families continues. “We are still pushing to get as many families as we can to become foster families.