FALL 2023
New
HEIGHTS FAMILY VICTORIES FROM YOUTH VILLAGES
LIFESET SCHOLARS FORTY STRONG IN
NORTH CAROLINA AND REPRESENTING AT OUR NATION’S CAPITAL
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
• NORTH CAROLINA CHILD REPORT SHOWS YOUTH VILLAGES IS NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER • A FAMILY’S STORY OF HEALING • DONOR SPOTLIGHT: UNITED BANK
UPDATE
FROM YOUTH VILLAGES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR As we enter the season of giving thanks, it inevitably has me reflecting on all that I am grateful for. It is hard to believe that we have been serving families and youth in North Carolina for 18 years, and I have so much gratitude when I look at everything we have accomplished together. You, our community of supporters, have allowed us to impact so many lives in so many ways. I cannot thank you enough for being a part of our work. As I look over our last fiscal year that ended in June, I am proud to report that we served more than 7,000 youth and families and maintained our high program outcomes. However, there is still a lot of work to do to support our fellow North Carolinians. In this edition of New Heights, we highlight some of our amazing supporters and showcase two incredible stories. Keshawna is a current LifeSet Scholar, and Tiphanie and her daughter have worked very hard to overcome obstacles to be where they are today. Our families’ successes are my favorite part of this work and hearing about their journeys never fails to warm my heart. Lastly, we highlight the NC Child report regarding mental health in our state. The findings show that our youth are still hurting following the pandemic. These statistics are not a joyful read, but one I think every North Carolinian should be aware of and understand. We need to invest in our children now, or they will be the ones to suffer. Mental health is at the core of everything we do at Youth Villages. It is an honor to work with young adults and families every day to help them become the best versions of themselves and live successfully. I hope you will join us in this endeavor because our families and youth need us now more than ever. I hope you also will consider looking for ways to make a difference. This newsletter is full of ways you can make an impact, but you can also reach out directly to Erica Ellis, our North Carolina development director, at erica.ellis@ youthvillages.org. Thank you for caring about those in the community who need you the most! You are a true force for families.
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Paul Enderson EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NORTH CAROLINA paul.enderson@youthvillages.org 865-560-2548
NORTH CAROLINA ADVISORY BOARD Taylor Vaughn, Chair Erika Carney, Vice-Chair Bradley Curelop Cheddi Johnson Price Litton Kelly McKinnon Ross Pope
NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE LOCATIONS Asheville Boone Charlotte Fayetteville Greensboro
Greenville Louisburg Raleigh-Durham Waynesville Wilmington
Youth Villages is a national leader in mental and behavioral health committed to finding the most effective solutions to help children, families and young adults overcome obstacles and live successfully. Working through direct services, partnerships with other high-performing agencies and advocacy, we collaborate to bring positive change to child welfare, children’s mental health and justice systems. Our 4,000 employees serve more than 39,000 children and young adults in more than 100 locations in 26 states and D.C. Youth Villages has been recognized by the Harvard Business School and U.S. News & World Report and was identified by The White House as one of the nation’s most promising results-oriented nonprofit organizations.
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YOUTHVILLAGES.ORG © 2023 Youth Villages, Inc. All rights reserved.
LIFESET SCHOLARS PROGRAM OFFERS MUCH NEEDED COLLEGIATE SUPPORT! Youth Villages created the LifeSet Scholars program to support qualifying youth in our LifeSet™ program in achieving their educational, vocational or technical skill goals. The program provides each youth with a living stipend and a mentor and counselor to work through challenges and celebrate wins for the duration of their post-secondary education. Many of these young people exit the child welfare system without any support. They are left alone to navigate adulthood and their futures. The goal of the program is to provide a path for our Scholars to graduate from higher education and vocational training programs. More than 95% of young people who have experienced foster care never enter college and only 3% of youth who age out will graduate from a four-year university. The LifeSet Scholars program combats these statistics by empowering young adults who have aged out of foster care to take control of their lives so they can achieve their goals and have a successful future.
Once accepted into the program, LifeSet Scholars commit to: • Participate in the program for a minimum of two years to successfully complete educational, vocational and service goals. • Maintain at least part-time employment and submit a monthly budget. • Enroll for a minimum of 12 credits each semester and maintain a C grade average. • Complete a total of 20 community service hours every six months.
In North Carolina, there are currently 40 Scholars, and here are just a few of their placements—maybe you will even see your alma mater! LifeSet continues on page 14
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YOUTH VILLAGES’ SERVICES NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER! NORTH CAROLINA RECEIVES AN “F” IN YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH NC Child released its child health report card in April. For the past 20 years, the nonprofit has partnered with the North Carolina Institute of Medicine (NCIOM) to release data that grades North Carolina on 15 indicators of child health. The data was grouped into four categories: secure homes and neighborhoods; access to care; healthy births; and health risk factors. This year, the report card focused on children’s mental health. North Carolina scored an “F” in mental health, showing a serious decline for students in the wake of the pandemic. Youth Villages State Director Annie Smith
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explains that North Carolina has seen spikes in depression and anxiety in our treatment services among the state’s youth. One reason is that youth who already struggled with mental health prior to the pandemic had their issues exacerbated due to the stress of virtual platforms, being stuck in their homes where various family issues could be overlooked and global events. There were many youth during the pandemic that needed in-home services for their mental wellness.
“Following the pandemic, our youth are scared for their safety and are having drills for school shootings, coupled with other family factors occurring in their homes,” Smith said. “These youth need us now more than ever.” Other findings from the report are: • Suicide became the leading cause of death for children ages 10-14 in 2019 and 2020; 67 children ages 0-18 died by suicide in North Carolina. • More than 1 in 10 children aged 3-17 in North Carolina had a diagnosis of depression or anxiety in 2020, a 49% increase from 2016. • 10.1% of high school students who attempted suicide were reported, a 23.2% increase from the previous baseline. • Adolescents ages 12-17 showing signs of major depressive disorder increased by 25.8%. • Children who experience discrimination are more affected than their counterparts, and LGBTQ+ students are more than 3 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.
There is no doubt that there is an increased need for mental health services post-pandemic. These statistics are not only alarming but also stress the importance of focusing on youth mental health in our state to combat these dire outcomes. At Youth Villages, our focus is catching these youth who may have been missed during the pandemic and increasing our in-home services for them. Every one of our children deserves the chance to thrive. It does not matter where they live, their race, gender or their parents’ annual income. On any given day, we are serving more than 800 youth and families through our inhome services across North Carolina, and together, we can reach all those youth who need us. The time is now to invest in our youth.
HELP OUR VILLAGE GROW! A HUGE thank you to all our community partners this year! We are honored to be a recipient of several exciting events this year like the Crawfish for a Cause; a partner for the Band Together 2023 Mighty Giveback Concert in Raleigh; and a partner in various community events through trade shows, 5K races, store partnerships and more. If you are part of a company, group or organization that is looking for a nonprofit to partner with on an event or drive, reach out to Youth Villages. We are always looking for ways to advance our mission with other groups and organizations.
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TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH DISCUSS THEIR JOURNEYS AT U.S. SENATE CAUCUS ON FOSTER CARE
A
diverse group of young adults with lived experience in child welfare systems recently came together in Washington, D.C., to share their journeys and push for the services and support that all transition-age foster youth need. The Lived Experience Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill was sponsored by the U.S. Senate
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Caucus on Foster Care and presented by Youth Villages. It was part of Foster Care and Mental Health Awareness months.
at Youth Villages; and Laticia Aossey, an Iowa state program coordinator for the foster care youth advocacy council, AMP (Achieving Maximum Potential).
Youth Villages is committed to helping transition-age foster youth get a good start to successful adulthood. The LifeSet program is the largest in the country helping transitionage foster youth and one of the only program models to have shown impacts on many parts of a young person’s life in a randomized clinical trial.
Washington entered foster care at age 15 and lived in five different foster homes. He described his time in care as a roller coaster. “I was able to use some of the downs on my ride that I call life to become passionate about changing the world. I’ve been able to meet officials to talk about how we can better the system for those who come after me,” Brandon said.
Participating in the panel were LifeSet Scholars Abby Nelson and Brandon Washington from Tennessee; Julmonzhae Moore, a LifeSet participant from Kentucky; Ali Massengill, a former LifeSet participant and LifeSet Scholar who is now regional supervisor
The panel discussed the mental health support needed by those who experience foster care. “Going into foster care is traumatic,” Massengill said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re being removed from a negative environment, being removed from your biological family is a very traumatic event.” That trauma can cause anxiety, depression and emotional and behavioral problems. Children and youth in foster care may have access to therapists, even regular sessions, but find it hard to trust and open
LifeSet Scholars and Youth Villages staff joined transition-age youth advocates in Congressional meetings on Capitol Hill.
up. Therapy may be more effective when they’re young adults. Aossey has direct care experience working with transition-age foster youth who experience mental health challenges. She said it can sometimes be very difficult to find providers with the experience needed to help young adults. “You have to find providers who have specialized in working with foster youth, because obviously there’s a whole different set of concerns as opposed to young people who have grown up with consistent parents,” Aossey said. “It’s a challenge I’ve seen as a social worker. We need more people who have expertise in this type of work.” The panel was moderated by Elina Morrison, a former North Carolina LifeSet Scholar and recent master’s degree graduate of the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy. She is now a federal policy intern at Youth Villages. After the panel, participants met with individual senators and staff to discuss their policy recommendations.
LifeSet Scholars Brandon Washington and Abby Nelson, left, in a meeting with Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s staff and Leticia Aossey, a transition-age youth advocate from Iowa.
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT UNITED BANK How did United Bank become involved with Youth Villages? United Bank and Youth Villages became partners in 2021 when we sponsored LifeSet, a community-based intervention program that helps young people develop the skills they need to live independently. Taylor Vaughn, United Bank’s market president in Raleigh, was introduced to Youth Villages by a board member from the N.C. Advisory Board. That initial introduction resulted in additional markets and employees becoming involved in the life-changing work offered by Youth Villages.
Why is Youth Villages’ mission important to United Bank employees? Youth Villages offers United Bank employees the opportunity to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of children and families in need. In addition, the mission of Youth Villages aligns with United’s seven strategic initiatives, including supporting children, financial literacy and education, health, creating and preserving affordable housing, and promoting economic vitality in the communities where we have a presence. Supporting Youth Villages’ work to help children achieve their goals and realize success offers an opportunity for United employees to engage in the communities where they live and work.
What encouraged United Bank to give its financial gift to Youth Villages?
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United Bank is committed to the communities where we are located. Providing financial and volunteer support to Youth Villages is an important part of the mission to give back to our communities. Building a solid foundation for children to reach their full potential through programs like LifeSet, with proven successful
United Bank of Gastonia employees collect supplies for Youth Villages Backpack Heroes campaign.
United Bank Employees across North Carolina collect school supplies for our annual Backpack Heroes drive! United Bank of Greenville employees also collected supplies for Youth Villages Backpack Heroes campaign.
outcomes, was one way for United Bank to support this important work.
What do you think sets Youth Villages apart in its work with children and families? Learning more about the children and families and hearing their stories of courage, strength and resilience illustrates how Youth Villages’ programs can bring about positive change and offer hope for a brighter future.
Why should companies consider becoming more involved with Youth Villages? Helping children and their families achieve success builds strong and stable communities. As a corporate partner, United Bank believes in giving back to our communities. Our employees are proud and excited to be a part of a company that values organizations like Youth Villages, and United encourages employees to engage in its transformational work.
What stood out to you about Youth Villages specifically that aligned with your values on giving and community engagement? Supporting children is one of United’s strategic initiatives which aligns with the mission and goals of Youth Villages in its endeavor to positively impact and educate children and families in the communities we serve.
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BE A HERO THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Help make the holiday joyful for the families in the Youth Villages North Carolina programs by becoming a Holiday Hero today! YOU can be the difference in your community by giving a child a gift to open this holiday season or putting a meal on the table for our families. Individual, group and corporate supporters are all welcome to join us as heroes. If we work together as a community, we can ensure that all our families across North Carolina have a little holiday cheer! Reach out to Alysyn Brewer at alysyn.brewer@youthvillages.org to sign up today. 10
youthvillages.org/holidayheroes
MENDING A FAMILY Having children is a life-changing experience, and most parents will admit you’re never ready until you become one. There is certainly not a universal manual on how to parent, and at the end of the day, most parents want to raise their children the best way they know how. Navigating children’s mental health issues continues to be a struggle for many parents in our state, especially following the pandemic. As a parent, it is heart wrenching to see your child struggling and not quite understanding how to help. Families are referred to Youth Villages’ services when extra support is needed in the home to address mental or behavioral issues. Tiphanie, the mother of 13-year-old Kiana, called Youth Villages after realizing her daughter wasn’t receiving the help she so desperately needed. Kiana struggled to maintain a good mental state after many years of challenges and dark thoughts. Her mother worked tirelessly over the years to ensure her safety both mentally and physically. Kiana dealt with anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. There were many days when Tiphanie didn’t know if she was going to have to bury her daughter. “Doctors’ appointments, holding her at night while she cried, sitting outside her door to make sure she didn’t hurt herself… it was all on me,” Tiphanie said. Tiphanie was at a crossroads and knew her daughter needed more intensive support. While she previously experienced inpatient stays, therapy and other means of help, and it wasn’t until the family entered the Youth
Villages Intercept program (our intensive in-home services model) that things started to improve. Together, with the help of their Youth Villages’ team, they took it day-by-day.
Youth Villages puts emphasis on working with the family as an entire unit to find long-term solutions that address challenges they may face currently or in the future. Sometimes, out-of-home placements can be necessary for a child; however, we understand the importance of keeping a child with their family and the impact that it has on their success. Kiana started making tremendous progress with Intercept and then transitioned into the Hi-Fidelity Wraparound program, which is a program that takes a collaborative approach to address the needs and goals of the child and their family. Specialists work with family, friends and community resources to help create a plan of care for the family. Kiana started having less intrusive thoughts about suicide, and together with her specialists, they worked on setting goals and expressing emotions in a healthy way. Having a village for families is a crucial component to the success of a youth or young adult. “The quality of people you have in your home and in your child’s life is a big reflection,” Tiphanie said. “It’s not how many people we have, it’s the quality of those people.” Tiphanie and Kiana are grateful to Youth Villages for providing crucial life skills that they continue to use to tackle deep issues that help keep Kiana safe. “I don’t have enough words to thank Youth Villages for what they have done for us,” Tiphanie said.
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NORTH CAROLINA CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN JAN. 1 - JUNE 30, 2023
INNOVATOR
PROTECTOR
100,000+
$
The Duke Endowment The Joey Logano Foundation
The Merancas Foundation United Way of the Greater Triangle
Belk, Inc. Mary and Steven Boehm Duke Health Giving with Grace Foundation Park Auto Group Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Mike Kavanaugh Caroline and Ross Pope
PILLAR
BUILDER
25,000 TO $49,999
$
Anonymous The Evergreen Foundation Foundation for the Carolinas
Kelly Brooks Lori Bush Christopher Carney Erika and Robby Carney Sue and Scott Carpenter Columbia Forest Products Corinth Reformed Church José Diaz Erica and Steven Ellis Catherine Hamlin Ross Hartney Natalie and David Homesley Julianne Howard Joelyn and Andy Hutchins Carissa Kohn-Johnson Mathias Linden Vivian Munson
$
5,000 to $9,999
VISIONARY $
$
50,000 to $99,999
LEADER $
10,000 to $24,999
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Deborah and Allen Campbell Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation United Bank Verigent, LLC
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1,000 to $4,999
Thank you to those who have already committed to the Growing Stronger campaign and joined our Champions for Children Circle! LEADER Heather and Daniel Bradshaw Deborah and Allen Campbell
PROTECTOR Mary and Steven Boehm Sara and Brian Boehm Chris Carlino Mike Kavanagh Caroline and Ross Pope Tracy and Doug Miskew Sarah and Taylor Vaughn
BUILDER Jesica Averhart Elizabeth Buffkin Lori Bush Jack Butler Christopher Carney Erika and Robby Carney Sue and Scott Carpenter Stacey and Bradley Curelop José Diaz Leeann and Mark Garms Catherine Hamlin Ross Hartney Natalie and David Homesley
Chris and John Parker Stephen Parker Ashley Pizzo Lee Robertson Jr Steve Rook Moira Smulien and Chris Marshall
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 BACKPACK HEROES SPONSORS!
Julianne Howard Amy Jacobs Suzanne Jeska Carissa Kohn-Johnson Kristy Kent Kevin Kiernan Midtown Property Law Tia McLaurin Posey and Mark Mealy Tovah Mitchell Vivian Munson Spencer Pierce Ashley Pizzo Ashton and Stephen Powell Zach Prager Reese and Ian Rahilly Todd Reider Dexter Richardson Lee Robertson Jr. Dawn and Marc Sinacori Moira Smulien and Chris Marshall Rich Tucker Rebecca and Quentin Watkins Sara Wright Leigh and David Young
Lauren and Jonathan Stout The Apex Sunrise Rotary Club The Ministering Circle Rich Tucker Sara Wright Leigh and David Young
Attendees enjoy the Growing Stronger Breakfast in Charlotte.
LifeSet Scholar Ares was invited by Joey Logano and wife Brittany Baca to speak at the Joey Logano Concert for Charity.
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LifeSet continued
HOW YOUTH VILLAGES NORTH CAROLINA IS
IMPACTING YOUTH
Youth Villages of North Carolina served more than 7,000 youth and families through our programs last fiscal year. 780 youth were served through our LifeSet program with the following outcomes at 1 year post-discharge:
Keshawna, a LifeSet Scholar at North Carolina Central University, is now ready to take on the world.
94%
LIVING INDEPENDENTLY OR WITH FAMILY
A little over a year ago, Keshawna was a junior at Clyde A. Erwin High School in Asheville. At the top of her game, she was the captain of her cheer squad, played basketball and started a student organization that advocated for equality among all students. With all those accolades, there was one moment that changed her life’s trajectory. Keshawna was assaulted by her mother’s boyfriend. As a teenage girl, that kind of trauma from someone very close to you can have devastating impacts. However, thanks to LifeSet, Keshawna tapped into her own strengths to move beyond that dark event. Youth Villages worked with Keshawna upon her 18th birthday when other service providers were unable to continue working with her. Keshawna’s goal is to be a social worker and become a licensed therapist. Keshawna credits LifeSet and its Scholars program with her ability to be more assertive, budget her finances and communicate more confidently. Having that support made all the difference for Keshawna, and we cannot wait to see what her future holds!
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by our amazing LifeSet Scholars is ful ly funded g dreams possible donors, so thank you for makin for young adults like Keshawna!
90%
IN SCHOOL, GRADUATED, OR EMPLOYED
95%
NO TROUBLE WITH THE LAW
These outcomes are thanks to our amazing supporters and community partners!
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THERE ARE NUMEROUS WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN YOUTH VILLAGES’ PROGRAMS.
MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE YEAR-END GIFT AND BECOME A CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN! Ring in the New Year with a Tax-Deductible gift before Dec. 31. Your year-end contribution will directly support the families and youth we serve! There are many ways you can give this holiday season.
1. RECOMMEND A GRANT FROM YOUR DONOR ADVISED FUND THROUGH YOUR FUND ADMINISTRATOR! When granting through your DAF, use this information: Tax ID: 62-1652079
5. FROM YOUR IRA If you are 70 ½ or over, you can give any amount (maximum up to $100,000) per year from your IRA directly to a qualified charity such as Youth Villages North Carolina without having to pay income taxes on the money. Gifts of any value of $100,000 or less are eligible for this benefit, and you can feel good knowing you are making a difference. This popular gift option is commonly called the “IRA charitable rollover,” but you may also see it referred to as a “qualified charitable distribution” or QCD.
Need instructions? Designating a gift?
Mailing Address: Youth Villages Attn: North Carolina 3320 Brother Boulevard Memphis, TN 38133
Erica Ellis, Director of Development erica.ellis@youthvillages.org or 704-510-5601
Please advise Erica Ellis if you make a DAF gift to ensure it directly supports youth in North Carolina.
2. GIVE A ONE-TIME OR MONTHLY GIFT ONLINE AT YOUTHVILLAGES.ORG/ DONATE Select North Carolina from the drop down. Become a Champion for Children with a gift of $1,000 or more.
3. SEND A CHECK IN THE ENVELOPE INCLUDED OR MAIL TO: Youth Villages North Carolina Attn: Erica Ellis, Director of Development 8604 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 152 Charlotte, NC 28269
IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO GET INVOLVED
through volunteering individually or with a group, contact Alysyn Brewer at alysyn.brewer@youthvillages.org
STAY IN TOUCH ONLINE twitter.com/youthvillages
facebook.com/youthvillages
instagram.com/youthvillages
4. GIVE A GIFT OF STOCK
linkedin.com/company/youth-villages
Have your stock advisor notify Erica Ellis about your gift at erica.ellis@youthvillages.org to ensure it gets properly designated to North Carolina.
youtube.com/youthvillages
YOUTHVILLAGES.ORG
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YOUTH VILLAGES
NONPROFIT ORG
8604 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 152 Charlotte, NC 28269
U.S. POSTAGE PERMIT 1324
(Address Service Requested)
YOUTH VILLAGES
Youth Villages is a private nonprofit that serves more than 39,000 children and their families each year from offices in the following cities: Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, Mobile Arizona: Phoenix Arkansas: Little Rock, Searcy, West Memphis Florida: Lakeland Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville Indiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Indianapolis Louisiana: Metairie Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville/Jeffersonville (Indiana) Maine: Portland Massachusetts: Boston, Marlborough, Raynham, West Springfield, Woburn Mississippi: Biloxi, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Jackson, Meridian, Tupelo New Hampshire: Manchester, Plymouth North Carolina: Asheville, Boone, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Louisburg, Raleigh-Durham, Waynesville, Wilmington Ohio: Worthington Oklahoma: Oklahoma City, Tulsa Oregon: Bend, Portland, Salem South Carolina: Rock Hill Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, Paris Washington, D.C. New Heights North Carolina is published by Youth Villages Prefer not to receive a printed newsletter? Email alysyn.brewer@youthvillages.org or call 704-510-5603. To also receive a digital copy of our newsletters and join our email list, sign up at youthvillages.org/stay-informed.