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.
LifeSet Articles
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.
Finding her thread: Nicky gains independence and financial stability
Unlike their peers, many young people who have foster care often lack basic financial literacy skills. While some of these skills are taught in school or other programs, many former foster youth missed out on learning skills such as budgeting, opening bank accounts or filing taxes.
2025 Red Kite Nite
On May 1, the Youth Villages community gathered in Boston for Red Kite Nite, the annual gala supporting the LifeSet program. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, this year’s event raised more than $850,000, helping bring LifeSet to every young adult who needs it.
A foster youth’s rise: Aidan’s journey to stability
Aidan is a student at North Carolina State University with a clear vision for his future. He’s balancing school, work and preparing for life after graduation. On the surface, it’s a typical college experience. But Aidan’s path to this point has been anything but typical.
Tennessee bill to extend foster care benefits to adults 18 to 23 unanimously passes House, Senate
A Tennessee bill with bipartisan support could give more young adults who have aged out of the foster care system the safety net they need, longer. The bill, which comes from Gov. Bill Lee’s administration, would increase the qualifying age to receive benefits under the Extension of Foster Care program from 18 to 21 years old, to 18 to 23 years old.
From foster care to social work: Aaraya’s journey of resilience and purpose
Aaraya is a proud social worker and graduate of Western Carolina University. However, as a youth who experienced foster care, Aaraya’s journey was anything but easy. She endured hardships and struggles faced by many young people navigating the child welfare system.
Georgia Peer-to-Peer LifeSet event focuses on real world and real estate
Speaking to a group of young adults in Youth Villages Georgia’s LifeSet program, Atlanta-area Realtor Meka Wilson tossed out little bags of M&Ms to each youth that participated in the discussion.
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.