At just 18 years old, Elijah is a jack-of-all-trades: senior, club member, football team captain and yes, student body president, who will give a speech at his high school graduation in June.
Independent Living Program Articles
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.
Youth Villages’ annual Fall Celebration raises more than $225,000
PORTLAND, Ore. (Sept. 26, 2025) – Youth Villages, a nonprofit leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, hosted its annual Fall Celebration at Castaway Portland Thursday night.
Training, tenacity and thrift help former Oregon foster youth launch sewing business
In a recent OPB feature, Nicky Young, Independent Living Program participant, shared her journey of launching a sewing business, Your Grandma Nicky.
Overcoming the odds: Ethan becomes a guide for former foster youth
Like many who have experienced the child welfare system, Ethan’s path was filled with uncertainty and obstacles. His journey began in his high school.
Hometown Hero: University of Minnesota alumni transforming lives in Oregon
Minnesota native Noah Gerber is changing the narrative for foster youth in the Portland Metro area. He was raised in St. Paul and pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology
Support, Strength, and Motherhood: Marlia’s Path to a Better Life
Young women who transition out of foster care are more likely to experience pregnancy than their peers. According to the National Foster Youth Institute, seven out of 10 girls who age out of care will become pregnant by their 21st birthday.
Peer-to-Peers: Life skills and life connections
Every month, Youth Villages Oregon hosts a Peer-to-Peer gathering for participants in LifeSet, an evidence-based program helping youth aging out of foster care learn skills to navigate adulthood, and the Independent Living Program for transition-age youth.
Youth Villages Oregon hosts media campaign to support youth aging out of foster care
Youth Villages Oregon premiered on KGW’s Hello, Rose City! to highlight the community-based programs helping Portland foster youth. LifeSet Scholar, DJ, shared his educational goals he wishes to accomplish and urges the community to invest in others like him.