FALL 2023
New
HEIGHTS FAMILY VICTORIES FROM YOUTH VILLAGES
FINANCIAL LITERACY HELPS YOUTH PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
• FOSTER YOUTH BEGIN FINANCIAL FOUNDATION • TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH ATTEND CAUCUS TO DISCUSS THEIR JOURNEY • DONOR SPOTLIGHT: ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION • BECOME A HOLIDAY HERO
UPDATE
FROM YOUTH VILLAGES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ann Mestrovich, Chair Charles Swindells, Outgoing Chair Bethany Bounds
Many young adults aging out of foster care need help learning money management skills and overall financial literacy. Youth Villages has been developing ideas to make that happen for hundreds of young people in our services for some time. Last year, we applied for and received one-time funding from the State of Oregon to do just that. This seed funding enabled us to pilot what turned out to be a strong project that was well attended by youth and involved many volunteers and supporters.
Bill de la Cruz
This newsletter highlights our wildly successful financial literacy project, including the story of a youth who participated; a spotlight on a key supporter; data on the project’s impact; and plans for this initiative going forward.
Pat Ritz
The project revolved around four financial literacy sessions with topics determined by youth in our programs. It drew on (age-appropriate) curriculum developed by Financial Beginnings Oregon. Youth were eligible for a savings account match of up to $800 if they attended a session, had a savings account with a balance and completed a post-program survey. Youth also received a stipend for attending each session. Financial literacy is a skill that often gets de-prioritized when helping youth aging out of foster care. There are so many other areas of need, including housing, education, employment, parenting, transportation and healthcare. Youth Villages will always meet these youth where they are, help them set goals and troubleshoot barriers. We are also committed to helping them prioritize this critically needed skill so they can reach their long-term goals, even without the opportunities that are afforded to their peers. This is one example of what we can accomplish with investments from supporters like you. We leverage your generous donation to maximize impact for youth aging out of foster care. Please consider a gift to Youth Villages today; it creates more opportunities for youth to succeed tomorrow.
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OREGON ADVISORY BOARD
Andrew Grover EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OREGON andrew.grover@youthvillages.org 503-675-2232
David Durocher Alice Galloway Ian Galloway Sister Guadalupe Guajardo Joan Horstkotte Elijah Pahl
Colby Schlicker Pete Stofle
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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ETHAN AND FINANCIAL LITERACY For many young people, financial literacy is veiled in complexity and mystery. The journey to financial literacy is made even more difficult for young people without the privilege of a traditional family structure. For Ethan, the financial literacy sessions hosted by Youth Villages in partnership with Financial Beginnings Oregon was a crucial step in becoming financially literate and growing into independent adulthood. Ethan first learned of Youth Villages once he entered the foster care system. Immediately, Youth Villages struck Ethan as a resource that was more helpful than the rest. “Youth Villages gave me a stepping stool when you can’t reach something, essentially. They have given me the opportunity to focus on school rather than work and focus on multiple things. They have helped me find jobs, they have helped me build résumés. They have helped me with many other things. They have helped me slowly enter the real world so that I can be able to find a job, register for classes and do many other things independently.” The financial literacy sessions added more tools to Ethan’s toolbox that he can use and depend on as he transitions from foster care to adulthood. “I thought my experience [in the financial literacy sessions] was pretty good! There were things that we learned during those meetings that I was just never taught, specifically, 401K, taxes and incomes in different states. All of these things were not taught in high school, so it was amazing to get a grasp on what it’s like and what is important.”
(Left to right) Charles Swindells, Local Board member; Haley Duvall, ILP Specialist; Emma Butler, ILP Specialist; Andrew Grover, Executive Director; Ethan, Youth Participant; Helen Raptis, KATU AM Northwest Host; Vincent Pollard, OnPoint Community Credit Union
Additionally, Ethan was eligible to receive a saving account match for his participation in the financial literacy programming. For Ethan, this saving account match offers opportunity and peace of mind. “I think [the savings account match] gives me some leverage to live on my own for a little bit while I figure things out; it gives me some breathing room, essentially. [The saving account match] sets me up for opportunities because it gives me time, and time is very important when job searching. It helps me by allowing me to have breathing room when I am out of college.” Ethan currently has one more year of his undergraduate studies and two years of graduate school before attaining his goal of becoming a high school guidance counselor. He looks forward to his future with more financial confidence than ever before. “Financial literacy gave a good grasp for things in my future and what I have to look forward to as I get older.”
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ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
A CONVERSATION WITH FINANCIAL WELLNESS MANAGER VINCENT POLLARD
How did you become involved? I was introduced to Youth Villages in 2021 by a colleague who previously volunteered with the organization. At the time, we were all still dealing with the impact of the pandemic, so the timing wasn’t quite right to get involved. By mid-2022, as things started to return to normal, Youth Villages invited me to give two financial lessons to a small cohort of its participants. I gladly accepted the invitation, and the lessons were well received by the youth who attended. In 2023, Youth Villages was gracious enough to invite me again. This time, I taught five different lessons to a much larger group.
What sets Youth Villages apart in its work with children and families?
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Youth Villages offers a variety of programs to meet children and families where they are. No matter where that child or family is on their respective journey, Youth Villages has a program that can offer support in times of crisis. What makes the organization unique is its compassionate approach to the work and an understanding that onesize-fits-all solutions tend to be less effective. By offering programs like LifeSet™, Intercept® and Specialized Crisis Services, Youth Villages can help address challenging situations that arise for local children and families.
Why do you support Youth Villages with your philanthropic investment? I lead the financial wellness team at OnPoint Community Credit Union. OnPoint’s purpose is to build strong communities by supporting financial growth and wellbeing, and that well-being starts with education. We provide philanthropic support to Youth Villages Oregon because our collaborative work around financial education aligns well with our purpose. In addition, supporting unbanked and underbanked audiences matters to us. As a result of our combined financial education efforts, the young people served by Youth Villages are better equipped to navigate the financial system and gain access to banking resources that can support them in achieving their shortand long-term goals.
What would you say to encourage others to financially support Youth Villages? If you are on the fence, start by volunteering or making an in-kind donation. Before long, you will see the impact of Youth Villages’ work, caring staff and commitment to youth. You’ll find that making a financial contribution is a worthwhile investment in the betterment of local youth and families experiencing crisis.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
JOIN US THIS
YEAR AS A
HOLIDAY
HERO Join us this year as a Holiday Hero! You can sign up now to sponsor the holiday wish list for a child or family in a Youth Villages program. This is a fantastic way to ensure our youth and families have winter essentials and can experience the joy of the holidays. To sponsor a youth or family, contact Alexis Aviles at alexis.aviles@youthvillages.org or 503-675-2218. youthvillages.org/holidayheroes
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FINANCIAL FOOTHOLD FOR FOSTER YOUTH Youth who have been in state systems, or have lacked familial support, often do not have the financial knowledge or capital to build a foundation for future success. Forty-three percent of Gen Zers (11 to 26 years old) have under $500 in their savings account; 24% of former foster youth had been homeless at least once by age 21; and only 6% of former foster youth will go on to complete a two- or four-year degree by age 24. In 2022, the State of Oregon supported one-time grant funding to Youth Villages Oregon to pilot a financial literacy project benefiting youth aging out of foster care in our programs.
As a data-driven organization accountable to the young people we reach and funders like you, it is vital that we measure our results to make future programmatic decisions and to report to the community on the impact of its investment. This financial literacy pilot project was no different, and here are the results:
Our project plan included three goals:
95%
• Host a four-part series of money management sessions through a partnership with Financial Beginnings Oregon, with a cash stipend for youth attendance;
88%
• Match savings accounts with remaining funds for youth who attend at least one financial literacy session and submit a statement of need; • Expand banking access to foster youth under the age of 18 without a co-signing adult pursuant to ORS 418.708. On any given day, Youth Villages Oregon works with approximately 140 young people aging out of foster care. Over the course of this project, 112 attended at least one session — a participation rate of 80%.
of participants would be interested in participating in a future financial literacy cohort.
of youth who did not have a savings account at the beginning of the project opened a savings account by the conclusion of the project.
73%
have more than $500 in their savings account.
Youth Villages Oregon was able to provide up to $821 in a savings account match for eligible youth. Youth savings goals included: Transportation 43% Build Savings for Expenses 20% Housing 12%
Andrew Grover, Executive Director for Youth Villages Oregon, speaks to a group of LifeSet youth at a peer-to-peer event.
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LifeSet participant Brayden meets with his specialist, Emily.
Oregon Law (ORS 418.708) states that Oregon foster children and youth ages 12 and older are entitled to open a savings account without a co-signing adult, as of January 2016. This legislation was brought about by Oregon Foster Youth Connection, an advocacy organization of current and former foster youth working to change the foster care system based on their own experience and expertise. Though this law has existed for years, the processes to make this solution a reality for Oregon’s young people have yet to be worked out, effectively cutting off foster youth under the age of 18 from financial savings and literacy. The peer-to-peer structure of our financial literacy sessions is part of our program model and serves as an invaluable opportunity to gather current and former foster youth to network and connect with one another while participating in a fun skill-building activity. Past peer-to-peer sessions have included cooking classes, a graduation celebration, mock job interviews, a kayaking trip and so much more. Notably, in post-program surveys when
asked what youth gained from attending the peer-to-peer sessions (other than the stipend and education), 34% referenced connection: • “Connecting with old friends from foster care.” • “Seeing people my age that have been through the foster care system.”
First Tech Federal Credit Union partnered closely with Youth Villages to develop a process that allows foster youth ages 13 to 17 in Youth Villages’ program to open savings and checking accounts. These youth may open accounts without an adult co-signer at any First Tech location in the state of Oregon.
• “Made a friend.” • “Seeing my brother.”
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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 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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OREGON CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN JAN. 1 - JUNE 30, 2023
VISIONARY
BUILDER
Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation
Boly:Welch Patricia Bradley H. W. Irwin & D.C.H. Irwin Foundation Kaiser Permanente Merina+Co Gary and Kary Myers Fund of Oregon Community Foundation Nancy Horstkotte Memorial Fund of Oregon Community Foundation Providence Health & Services RE/MAX Equity Group Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary Michael and Kay Wells
50,000 to 99,999
$
$
PILLAR
25,000 to $49,999
$
Terry and David Durocher Byron and Cynthia Grant Juliet Ashby Hillman Foundation Silver Family Foundation Darci & Charlie Swindells The Cousens Trust
LEADER
10,000 to $24,999
$
The Oregonian OnPoint Community Credit Union
PROTECTOR 5,000 to $9,999
$
Horstkotte Family Charitable Foundation Northwest Natural Oregon Community Foundation The Standard
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1,000 to 4,999
$
$
MONTHLY CHAMPIONS Alliance Counseling Center Andrea Barney Patricia Bradley Jennifer Cadiente Sarah and Steven Cantor Candace Elliott Kathleen Faherty Nicole and Ian Galloway Charie Gonzales Sarah Levine Rachel Parrott Fred Roach Christine and Colby Schlicker Robin van der Hoest Cheryl and Richard Viskov Daniel Whitmore
LIFESET CAPACITY CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP DONORS David and Ginny Bennett Patricia Bradley Mariel Combs and Jason Yamamoto Duncan and Cynthia Campbell Fund of Oregon Community Foundation Terry and David Durocher Les and Nancy Fahey John Graeter Byron and Cynthia Grant Tasca and Paul Gulick Juliet Ashby Hillman Foundation Summer Lea Hillman Foundation Joan Horstkotte A. Killough Foundation Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund Oregon Community Foundation Providence Health Plan Steven Reinisch The Renaissance Foundation Pat and Trudy Ritz Stan & Madelle Rosenfeld Family Foundation The Swigert Foundation Darci and Charles Swindells Marta & Ken Thrasher OCF Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation
THERE ARE NUMEROUS WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN YOUTH VILLAGES’ PROGRAMS.
JOIN OUR EFFORTS
BECOME A FORCE FOR FAMILIES Partner with Youth Villages as a donor, emerging professional or corporation. Your support can have a direct impact on the future of the hundreds of children and families we help every day across Oregon.
GET INVOLVED Financially support Youth Villages Donations | Donor-advised funds | Foundations
Become a superhero for our youth Backpack Heroes | Holiday Heroes | Birthday Heroes
Become a corporate partner Event sponsorships | Volunteering | Matching gifts
Learn about board leadership positions Local Advisory Board | Ambassador Board for emerging professionals Shauna Lugar, Development Director shauna.lugar@youthvillages.org | 503-675-2256 Jonathan Whitmore, Development Manager jonathan.whitmore@youthvillages.org | 503-675-2206 Alexis Aviles, Development Coordinator alexis.aviles@youthvillages.org | 503-675-2218 More than 200 attendees joined us last month for our second annual Fall Celebration fundraising event held at Irving Street Studio. The event featured the inspiring story of Youth Villages LifeSet specialist and former LifeSet Scholar Jaquelyn Reyes, who shared her journey of resilience as she transitioned from foster care to adulthood. See photos from the evening and relive the fun!
STAY IN TOUCH ONLINE twitter.com/youthvillages facebook.com/youthvillages instagram.com/youthvillages linkedin.com/company/youth-villages youtube.com/youthvillages
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YOUTH VILLAGES OREGON
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C/O DEVELOPMENT PO BOX 368 Marylhurst, OR 97036
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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 Oregon is published by Youth Villages Prefer not to receive a printed newsletter? Email alexis.aviles@youthvillages.org or call 503-675-2218. To also receive a digital copy of our newsletters and join our email list, sign up at youthvillages.org/stay-informed.