Garrett entered his senior year of high school with a primary goal of attending college. However, the prep track and field athlete needed assistance in getting over some hurdles to reach his goal of post-secondary education and an opportunity to run track in college.
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 hosted their first Growing Stronger Breakfast sponsored by longtime partner, The Standard. Board member Charlie Swindell hosted the event at Multnomah Athletic Club with nearly 100 people in attendance.
A record-breaking $100,000 was raised at Youth Villages Middle Tennessee’s 13th annual golf tournament, all of which will go to support young people in the region’s LifeSet program.
Five young adults who aged out of foster care at 18 recently sat on a panel and shared their experience transitioning to adulthood without a family support system. Instead of the hardship experienced, they each opened the discussion with what they are most proud of, and how their LifeSet specialist’s personalized approach helped them achieve their goals.
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.
I’m currently an undergrad student at Tennessee State University studying chemistry. Most of my time goes toward studying to make sure I stay on track to go to medical school and become a gynecologist.
Building a community support system is something 22-year-old DJ values. As an athlete, DJ knew he always had support through his track and basketball teams.
Youth Villages hosted an open house in Mayfield, Kentucky, for future partners and providers in the Lakes region to learn more about community-based programs.