Each year, approximately 20,000 young adults across the country turn 18 while in foster care. They are preparing to leave foster care – alone – and statistics tell us that doesn’t usually end well, with many experiencing incarceration, homelessness and unemployment.
Blog Articles
Volunteer Spotlight
Middle Tennessee group homes receive large amount of support from local businesses and community.
Middle Tennessee COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 forced Youth Villages to make quick changes to programming in early March, but we’re continuing to meet the needs of our group home residents, children, families and young people during the pandemic.
Nashville Film Festival
For the fourth year in a row, Youth Villages is partnering with the Nashville Film Festival for the Livin’ Reel project. Livin’ Reel connects local artists with at-risk youth to create an original piece of art. The project will premiere during this year’s virtual festival from October 1-7, 2020.
Tristan’s Story – LifeSet Spotlight
Tristan, 20, entered DCS custody when he was 14 years old. “I got caught up in a lot of stuff I was not supposed to,” Tristan said. “I think that’s common for kids who grew up like I did. You have to do whatever it takes to get by.”
Mary Ann’s Journey
It would have been easy for Mary Ann to fail. Raised in an environment of substance abuse and violence, Mary Ann began using drugs at the early age of 8.
Volunteer Spotlight – Henry Boyd
Youth Villages is grateful to have dedicated community volunteers who are invaluable resources for our staff and youth. They motivate and inspire by giving their time, knowledge and hearts to support the mission and values of our organization.
Through LifeSet and LifeSet Scholars, Zoe builds his future
Young people who turn 18 in foster care are resilient and want to become successful adults. Zoe, entered state custody at 14 years old and moved around a lot before “aging out.”
“I never really unpacked my clothing because I moved so much. I kept it in whatever bag I could find,” he says.
Youth Villages CEO, Actress Kristen Bell and TOMS Corporation Receive National Jefferson Awards for Outstanding Public Service
Youth Villages storiesMEMPHIS, Tenn. (Sept 25, 2020) – Youth Villages CEO Patrick Lawler received the National Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged, joining actress Kristen Bell and TOMS Corporation in a virtual award ceremony....
Finding Independence: Chris’s Story
Every year, the Youth Villages LifeSet program helps more than 4,000 young people across the county navigate challenges as they reach adulthood. These young people are resilient and capable…