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.
Why M&Ms? The two Ms stand for “mindset” and “motivation,” explained Wilson, a leader within Keller Williams Realty and owner of Meka Wilson Real Estate.
She joined fellow Realtor Rainey Ragland for “The Path to Real Estate,” Youth Villages Georgia’s first LifeSet Peer-to-Peer event of 2025, which gave the young participants a chance to dive into real-world knowledge about real estate, first-time home buying, apartment leasing, credit scores and more.
The day was filled with fun, learning and making connections.
Peer-to-Peer gatherings represent an opportunity for LifeSet youth to connect with one another, work on skills related to networking and social connection, and establish a peer support group.
“You may have felt like you’re the only one dealing with family services, foster care, juvenile justice, or past mistakes and trauma, with no one to lean on,” said Jameta Wheeler, state manager for in-home services. “But look around. We’re here to show that you have a community in the people around you and in all the staff here to support you.”
LifeSet participant Jahari Davis, 20, said he wants to pursue real estate, while his peers offered entrepreneurial avenues they were interested in, from landscaping, to owning a daycare center to establishing clothing lines and starting a candle company.
“I didn’t always know what I wanted to be, but I knew I didn’t want to struggle,” said Wilson, who has worn many hats during her career, including culinary arts, home design and event curation.
Similarly, Ragland found a roundabout path to real estate. He was in the U.S. Navy for 15 years, during which time he earned a Master of Public Health from Morehouse School of Medicine. He also went to dental hygienist school because he thought he wanted to be a dentist. His first venture into real estate was using a Veterans Affairs loan to secure a duplex, from which he made rental income.
Growing up, I didn’t have it all figured out. I faced setbacks, doubts and moments where I questioned my direction. But I stayed committed, leaned on mentors and kept showing up—one step at a time.
“That’s what helped me build a life I’m proud of today. Now, I make it a point to mentor and motivate others, just like people did for me when I needed direction.”
Ragland, an agent with HomeSmart, offered housing support to the youth, including essentials such as towels, bedding and cookware, while Wilson opened the door for those interested in attending real estate school at no cost.
“I’m truly honored to have been a part of the Peer-to-Peer experience,” Wilson said. “It was inspiring to witness the engagement, curiosity and drive of the young adults in the room—and even more inspiring to pour into them in a way that could shape their futures. This opportunity left a lasting impact on me. It reminded me of the importance of showing up, sharing knowledge and creating pathways where there were once barriers.”
LifeSet helps break down barriers and obstacles for young adults transitioning out of child welfare. Additionally, LifeSet provides safety planning and crisis intervention to ensure these young adults have the resources they need to thrive.
Our LifeSet specialists help these individuals build strong relationships, find safe housing, pursue education and employment opportunities, and prioritize their mental and physical health.
At the end of the Peer-to-Peer event, the LifeSet participants praised their specialists and supervisors.
Monay Smith, 20, appreciates her LifeSet specialist, Constance Moorer.
“She taught me a lot about being confident and believing in myself,” Smith said.
Youth Villages Georgia’s next LifeSet Peer-to-Peer programming will take place in July with a College Day theme, as well as mentoring and networking.
About Youth Villages – Georgia
In collaboration with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and Division of Family & Children Services, our work in Georgia focuses on strengthening families to prevent or limit the need for out-of-home placements (Intercept), supporting youth who age out of foster care or lack a stable caregiver as they enter adulthood (LifeSet), and providing short-term, intensive residential treatment for children whose needs are not met by traditional mental and behavioral health services (Residential Treatment Program).
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