Growing up, Jaiden’s life was marked by chaos and uncertainty. At 17, an abuse and neglect report was filed on her mother after years in a volatile and abusive household.
LifeSet Articles
Never Judge a Book by Its Cover: Mia’s Journey to Independence
Most people have heard the phrase, “never judge a book by its cover.” That sentiment rings especially true for the young people served by Youth Villages.
Entrepreneurship, scholarship and Killer Mike take center stage at Georgia peer-to-peer event
Fail forward. Start with your why. Discover your strengths – and learn how to turn them into something sustainable and profitable. These were just a few of the powerful messages shared during Youth Villages Georgia’s DayOne College and Entrepreneur event for local LifeSet participants
LifeSet young adults discover new paths in nature
On Aug. 21, nearly 40 LifeSet participants gathered for a special experience hosted by Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln, Massachusetts.
From shelter to stability: Isaac’s journey toward financial empowerment
When Isaac was just 11 years old, he found himself navigating adult responsibilities most kids wouldn’t dream of. Living in a shelter with his mother, Isaac took it upon himself to complete their SNAP enrollment paperwork while his mom searched for work.
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.
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.
“LifeSet changed everything for me.”
There was a time when Sidney couldn’t imagine what her future would look like. Now, at 19, she’s building one on her own terms, with strength she never knew she had.
From foster care to advocacy: Nykeya’s journey to healing and hope
Youth involved in the child welfare system disproportionately face mental health challenges compared to those living with their parents. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 80% of youth in foster care experience a mental health challenge.
From Foster Care to Graduation: Middle Tennessee young adults celebrate educational milestones
More than 70 young adults with experience in the foster care system in Middle Tennessee gathered to celebrate graduations ranging from HiSET (high school equivalency) certificates to post-secondary degrees.