Sometimes life throws so many challenges and obstacles at a family that both the parents and kids feel like they have nowhere to turn.

Sometimes life throws so many challenges and obstacles at a family that both the parents and kids feel like they have nowhere to turn.
At the age of five, Akelia Keller had developmental delays and was working through the trauma of being abandoned in infancy. However, she eventually found her forever home with Sheila Keller of Augusta.
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.
Middle Tennessee group homes receive large amount of support from local businesses and community.
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.
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, 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.”
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.
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.
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.