Youth Villages stories

Red Kite Nite 2026: A Village Comes Together to Dream Bigger

Jun 11, 2026 | Blog, Intercept, LifeSet

There are moments throughout the year that remind us why community matters and Red Kite Nite 2026 was one of them. The event was a reflection of what happens when a village comes together with a shared purpose: to ensure every young person has the opportunity to dream bigger and achieve more.

With the support of more than 250 attendees, along with dedicated sponsors and generous donors, this year’s gathering brought together a vibrant and compassionate community. The room was filled not only with people, but with a shared belief that every child and family deserves access to support, opportunity and hope for the future.

An Evening of Connection, Hope and Impact

From the first moments of the evening, there was a sense of connection. Conversations flowed, relationships formed and a shared energy carried throughout the room. The stories shared during the program defined the night.

Guests heard from Edana, a former LifeSet participant, whose journey reflected resilience, growth and the lasting impact of consistent support. Her story showed what’s possible when young people have the tools and encouragement to navigate adulthood with confidence.

Seamus, a parent of Intercept participant Jaxon, shared his family’s experience with honesty and perspective. His story highlighted the importance of meeting families where they are and providing support that strengthens relationships over time. His message made clear that lasting change happens when families are supported as a whole.

Together, these voices grounded the evening in purpose. They served as a reminder that behind every program, every donation and every volunteer effort are real people whose lives are being changed.

Honoring Leaders Who Strengthen Communities

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Lauren Birchfield Kennedy and Sarah Siegel Muncey, co-founders of Neighborhood Villages. Their work has expanded access to high-quality early childhood education and strengthened the systems that support families.

Their commitment to equity, opportunity and community impact reflects the values at the heart of Red Kite Nite. Honoring them was both a celebration of their leadership and a reminder of what is possible when individuals invest in building stronger communities.

Relive the Moments

Whether attending in person or following along afterward, you can revisit the evening’s highlights:

Watch The Power of a Village

These moments capture the stories, connections and energy that made the night so meaningful.

Moving Forward Together

Red Kite Nite 2026 was more than a celebration. It was a call to action and a reflection of what can be achieved through a collective effort.

To everyone who attended, supported and continues to stand behind this work, thank you. Your commitment makes a lasting difference.

Together, we are a village, and together, we are building brighter futures every day.

If you would like to contribute to supporting more young adults aging out of foster care in gaining access to LifeSet, please donate.

 

About Youth Villages – New England

In collaboration with state child welfare agencies and juvenile justice systems, our services in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island focus on strengthening families to prevent or limit the need for foster care (Intercept) and supporting youth who age out of foster care or lack a stable caregiver as they enter adulthood (LifeSet).

Donate now to help us expand our reach and build a stronger community.

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