Sister Barbara Spencer, one of the founding staff members at Youth Villages, has died at age of 90 at the home of her order, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Kentucky.
Blog Articles
A day in the life of Noah Gerber: Meeting young adults where they are
It’s 7:45 a.m. in Portland, Oregon, and Noah Gerber is already on the move. As an Independent Living Program specialist with Youth Villages, his office is wherever the young people he works with are.
When families heal, children thrive: How one family found support through Intercept
A young person’s success often depends on the support they receive from those around them. Without a healthy support system, navigating life’s challenges can become overwhelming, especially for children who have experienced trauma.
Local expert discusses impact of AI chatbots and youth mental health
Youth Villages expert warns that while AI chatbots can offer support, their growing influence on youth mental health raises concerns about misinformation, emotional dependency, and the need for stronger safeguards.
Is Your Child Struggling With a Transition? Here’s What a Psychologist Recommends
Discover why some kids find transitions especially tough and learn therapist-backed tips to help them navigate change with confidence and calm.
My voice, my journey
No child dreams of being in foster care. A loving, stable family is the standard we all hope for. But not every child is born into ideal circumstances.
Beyond the screen: 8 ways to monitor your child using AI for mental health
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about this epidemic affecting our communities. According to a 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, suicide became the second-leading cause of death in the United States for teens and young adults ages 10-34
Backpack Heroes helps 1,300 youth across New England start school prepared
For many families served by Youth Villages, the back-to-school season brings more worry than joy: Do I pay rent or buy school supplies? Fill the gas tank or purchase a new backpack? For caregivers already stretched thin, the growing list of school supplies can feel overwhelming.
ChatGPT is not a substitute for therapy, especially for kids
In an era where technology is at our fingertips 24/7, it’s no surprise that many people are turning to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for advice and emotional support.
Update: Here’s a report from two of our Lived Experience Grant recipients
Over the past two years, Youth Villages supported eight nonprofit 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.