The Youth Villages Job Prep program equips LifeSet young adults with essential tools for employment and independence. Volunteer job coaches are at the heart of this effort, offering their time, experience and encouragement week after week.
LifeSet Articles
“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.
Foster youth celebrate educational milestones at special graduation ceremony
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Approximately 70 foster youth in Middle Tennessee celebrated educational achievements ranging from high school equivalency to college degrees at a special event in Franklin.
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.