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.

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.
ATLANTA (April 1, 2025) – Youth Villages, a national nonprofit leader in children’s mental and behavioral health services, today announced a pilot contract with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities to expand its evidenced-based Intercept program to Douglas, Paulding and Rockdale counties, bringing access to in-home prevention care to more Georgia families.
Youth Villages held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Inner Harbour campus in Douglasville to commemorate two milestones. The organization celebrated the 15th anniversary of its merger with Inner Harbour
Blake struggled with anger for most of his childhood, and as he got older, he became more physical. He attended weekly therapy, but it didn’t have much of an impact on his ability to cope.
“I arrived in handcuffs, and I was scared, but the first thing I heard when I arrived [at Inner Harbour] was you don’t have anything to worry about anymore.” These are the words of Joshua, 18, who didn’t quite understand how to deal with his emotions and mental health.
As Youth Villages recognizes National Mentoring Month in January, our staff and valued community members volunteer with children and young adults to provide them with extra support through the mentoring program year-round.
Children in foster care often face intense challenges at a young age, and by the time they reach adulthood, accomplishing goals can seem intangible. That’s why programs like LifeSet are important to the success of young adults who are aging out of foster care.
With the support of the U.S. Army, Youth Villages and his family, Anthony says he learned how to take control of his life by not living in fear and by setting goals for himself.
For many college students, the campus becomes like home. For LifeSet participant Zephaniah, college is literally providing him a home.