Youth Villages | GA Newsletter | Fall 2022

FROM YOUTH VILLAGES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Fall is one of my favorite seasons at Youth Villages Inner Harbour campus. There is a natural buzz of activity as our children go to and from school and their therapeutic activities. I am reminded of the importance of the work we do and how vital it is that we remember that we are in service to children during a pivotal time in their development. They only have one childhood, and we are a part of that precious time when they understand who they are and are learning about who they will become.

With our approach, we continue to see the value of our integrated services. This included a reaccreditation survey from the Association of Experiential Education, which further reinforced the importance and the efficacy of our recreational therapy, equine therapy program and adventure-based therapy programs. One surveyor shared that she “felt like she was taking part of our culture with her,” and we hope you feel the same in reading the stories of our work with children who are experiencing mental and behavioral health challenges.

In this newsletter, you will learn more about our Experiential Therapy offerings, and the lasting impact they have on the youth we serve. You will see how our community in the Metro Atlanta area and in Douglas County are celebrating the work we do every day. You will meet the chair of our Youth Villages Georgia Advisory Board and his wife, Paul and Dee Dee Zachos—two of our most valued volunteer supporters.

As we enter the season of giving thanks, we are incredibly grateful for you. Your continued interest in the work we do to help children and families live successfully means we do not do this work alone; your support makes it possible for us to care for children and to provide the services they need to live in their communities successfully. We appreciate how you are a force for families!

GEORGIA ADVISORY BOARD

Mr. Paul Zachos, Board Chair

Ms. Amy Baillie

Mr. Edwin Cook

Mr. Don Crampton

Mr. Robb Dillon

Mr. Bruce Hein

Mr. Brian Holloway

Mrs. Dara Mann

Ms. Adrienne Mittons

Mr. Robert L. Rearden III

Mr. Matthew Tarkenton, Youth Villages National Board Member

Tanya Anderson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GEORGIA tanya.anderson@youthvillages.org

Youth Villages is a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, committed to building strong families, delivering effective services and significantly improving outcomes for children, families and young people involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems across the country. Founded in 1986, the organization’s 3,600 employees help more than 36,000 children annually in 23 states and the District of Columbia. 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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EXPERIENTIAL THERAPY DEMONSTRATES UNIQUE AND EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO SERVING CHILDREN

THROUGH OPPORTUNITY AND UNDERSTANDING GROWTH HAPPENS

Have you ever seen the smile on the face of a child who feels genuinely proud of their accomplishments? We have seen this from many of the youth in our care through Experiential Therapy. For decades, we have offered a unique therapeutic approach to mental and behavioral health care which includes our exceptional recreational, adventure-based and equine-assisted therapies.

Our residential campus sits on 1,200 acres, which allows for a rich landscape of healing and gives our children the experience of nature as they navigate treatment. Recreational therapy allows the

youth to play games, sports and do arts and crafts activities to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social and emotional functioning in order to facilitate full participation in life. Through our experiential, adventure-based activities, which include tree climbing, high and low ropes courses, fishing, creek walking and canoeing, children can take part in activities that challenge them while they are in a safe environment. The intention is to offer the youth opportunities that push them beyond their comfort zone so they can work on self-regulation and boundary setting amidst actively participating in new activities. “We

create opportunities for the children to develop skills like self-confidence and trust with adventure-based activities,” said Richard Shaw, experiential program manager. “They get to participate in flat water canoeing and then take what they have learned and go explore canoeing on moving water. These therapeutic interventions allow the youth to let their guard down, to be more comfortable and honest.”

One of the newest additions to our recreational therapy work is tree climbing.

Therapy continues on page 12

ELINA

FOR

Elina spent her summer at the Aspen Institute in Washington, D.C., working on projects designed to increase wealth and financial mobility for lower-income Americans.

She’s influencing policy and advocating for young people who experience foster care. Elina’s come a long way from the child who entered foster care at age 6.

Elina’s father was incarcerated soon after her birth; then, her mother left. She and her younger sibling entered the child welfare system, and it was a rocky journey. After several foster homes, Elina was adopted, but even there she faced abuse.

“I realized that if I wanted a chance at a somewhat normal life, I had to do something,” she said. “So, I did the only thing I knew how to do: I ran away.”

In the middle of her senior year of high school, Elina showed up on the steps of a homeless shelter and put herself back in foster care.

“Right at my lowest, I was introduced to the LifeSet program,” she said. “Through my group home, I was linked with a specialist who started our first meeting asking about the goals I wanted to achieve. Up until that moment, no one had asked me about what I wanted or needed.”

Elina continues on page 13

Elina was the keynote speaker at Steven Tyler's GRAMMY® Viewing Party and Gala in Los Angeles. The event raised $4.6 million for Janie's Fund, which supports LifeSet.

Elina and other young women who participated in the LifeSet Scholars program were honored guests at the Gala and walked the red carpet with Steven Tyler.

Elina is completing her master’s degree at the prestigious Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan.

AWARENESSBUILDING EVENTS IN GEORGIA CELEBRATE YOUTH VILLAGES’ MISSION

This past spring, Youth Villages Georgia celebrated with multiple awareness-building events in the community to share our mission of helping children and families live successfully. We held four events in the Metro Atlanta and Douglasville areas and introduced more than 100 new friends to Youth Villages. With a special program led by Executive Director Tanya Anderson and featuring our LifeSet ambassador Alan and our West African Drumming performance group, the events showcased our work in community-based programs, as well as residential. These events raised more than $10,000 to help support Youth Villages programs in Georgia.

We appreciate the support from our host committees, including Robb Dillon, Allen Post, Robert Rearden, Matt Tarkenton, Kim and Ira Blumenthal, Don Crampton, Bruce Hein, Edwin Cook, Brian Holloway, Dara Mann, Amy Ballie, Bob Snelling and Paul Zachos.

We are grateful for our partners at AT&T for their sponsorship of our Douglasville event. Many thanks

Host committee chairs Don Crampton, Tanya Anderson (Youth Villages Georgia Executive Director), Bruce Hein, Ira and Kim Blumenthal at The Battery Atlanta®

to the venues and their owners who made it possible for us to hold these gatherings: DAS BBQ, The Omni Hotel® at The Battery Atlanta, Frazier & Deeter and The Foxhall Resort. We appreciate the silent auction items donated from our friends at the Atlanta Braves, Canoe Restaurant, Centennial Yards, LGE Community Credit Union and Tarkenton Financial.

Youth Villages Georgia Executive Director Tanya Anderson with Youth Villages staff members Felicia Crawford and Kathy McDougle at Omni® Hotel at The Battery Atlanta.

Board members Amy Baillie and Paul Zachos, Youth Villages Georgia Executive Director Tanya Anderson and LifeSet Scholar Alan at Foxhall Resort.

YOUTH VILLAGES FEATURED ON PBS AND NPR

Youth Villages’ Intercept and LifeSet programs garnered national attention in recent months from PBS Newshour and NPR Saturday Morning Edition.

The two stories honed in on issues facing our young people across the country, from mental health challenges, increase in youth suicides, access to mental health care and the need for comprehensive support for those aging out of foster care at 18.

You can watch the PBS Newshour piece and listen to NPR’s story by scanning the QR codes here.

Jackie with her Intercept Supervisor Sydney Earle.

LOOKING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

Help make the holiday joyful for children and young adults in Youth Villages’ programs by becoming a Holiday Hero today! Individual, group and corporate supporters are all welcome. Everyone can be a hero.

Kimmy Yon, Community Engagement Manager kimmy.yon@youthvillages.org youthvillages.org/holidayheroes

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

PAUL AND DEE DEE ZACHOS

Youth Villages Georgia Advisory Board Chair Paul Zachos with his wife, Dee Dee Zachos.

How did you and your family become involved with Youth Villages Georgia?

We were introduced through Douglas County Chamber’s Leadership Douglas program. Youth Villages is one of the hosts for Non-Profit and Social Services Day

and, though we were aware of the campus, we just didn’t know much about it. After learning more about the programs and the services offered to the children at Youth Villages, we knew this organization was one we wanted to support.

You have been Holiday Heroes in the past, supporting our youth through securing corporate partnerships to provide coats for all 128 youth on our residential campus for a number of years. You have also worked with connecting Youth Villages with Operation Christmas in Douglas County to provide gifts for youth in our care during the holidays. What is the main driving factor that inspires your advocacy for our children?

We co-founded a local ministry and have been serving less fortunate children in our community for the past 18 years, so adding the Youth Villages children fit into our passion for helping others. We know the holidays are difficult for these children and providing a new coat and toy is the least we can do.

You were instrumental in getting local supporters involved in our awareness-building events last Spring. What is the most important thing you think others may not know about the work we do at Youth Villages?

We wish everyone had the opportunity to spend a day at the campus as we were able to do through Leadership Douglas. The many programs available to the Youth Villages children are all so impressive and prior to that tour, we had no idea of the wonderful work being carried out at Youth Villages Georgia. One thing that others may not know is that Youth Villages is preparing the children to get back to their families and to be productive citizens.

Paul, you have served as a mentor for several young men in our programs. How has serving as mentor impacted you?

I know the young men I have mentored were there due to issues they had at home. I feel that being a positive male role model can lead them in the right direction to be good men and leaders in their communities and households.

Paul, you began your role as the Youth Villages Georgia Advisory Board Chair in July 2022. What are you hopeful to accomplish in your time in this top volunteer role for the organization?

I hope to introduce Youth Villages Georgia to business leaders and get them to commit to some type of support, whether monetary, mentoring or both. As a local board member, I plan to bring awareness to our local government and businesses to encourage them to support the organization at a higher level.

Jeremy finds fun in Inner Harbour’s tree climbing therapeutic activity.

Therapy continued

This activity can be done individually or as a group therapy activity. Not only does it build strength, dexterity and spatial awareness; emotionally, it builds confidence in facing challenges. When working as a group, it builds positive peer interactions and support, as well teaches youth the emotional and social awareness of others.

In a survey of the youth in our care, our equine program ranked among children’s favorites. Using the Natural Lifemanship (a trauma–informed approach to equine-assisted services based on the science of relationships), this therapeutic intervention focuses on building healthy relationships and developing self-awareness. The children treasure being with the horses while simultaneously learning body language cues, understanding the needs of others, and how to navigate everyday interactions by honing their social skills with our eight horses. For those who are timid working with large animals, we have Clyde, the goat, who helps the children get comfortable before working with the herd. “It is amazing to see a child go from being nervous to touch a horse, to being in a nurturing leadership role and encouraging their peers,” said lead Equine Program Facilitator, Paulina Gochnour. “Horses are exceptionally intuitive creatures, and they sense the emotions of the youth. This program encourages curiosity and empathy. It teaches transferable relational skills that the children can take with them when they leave.”

Daniel enjoys fishing at Inner Harbour’s lake.

HOW YOUTH VILLAGES GEORGIA IS IMPACTING YOUTH

Elina continued

LifeSet helped Elina begin to think seriously about what she wanted to do with her life. “It provided me support every step of the way. From setting up a checking account to getting connected with quality mental health care... Having such a healthy and sustainable relationship with this program ultimately taught me that I am capable and worthy of connection and compassion and support.”

TOTAL YOUTH SERVED IN GEORGIA PROGRAMS IN FY22

OVERALL SATISFACTION AT DISCHARGE OUTCOMES FY20-FY22

POSITIVE PROGRAM EXITS OUTCOMES FY20-FY22

After graduating high school, Elina became a LifeSet Scholar, where LifeSet participants receive extra support from Youth Villages as they pursue higher education or vocational certification. In the program, Elina was matched with a Youth Villages staff member as a mentor.

She completed a four-year degree with a double major in international studies and English literature and double minors in human rights and economics.

“I can say with confidence that without LifeSet, I simply would not have that accomplishment under my belt,” Elina said.

After graduation, Elina thought through what she wanted to do next with her specialist and mentor.

“I realized that I want to be part of the solutions in making our societies more just for the most vulnerable,” she said.

As she goes back to school this fall to complete her master’s degree, Elina will continue to receive support from the LifeSet Scholars program.

YOUTH IN SCHOOL, GRADUATED OR EMPLOYED ONE-YEAR POST-DISCHARGE OUTCOMES FY20-FY22

NO TROUBLE WITH THE LAW ONE-YEAR POST-DISCHARGE OUTCOMES FY20-FY22

“I’m forever grateful to those who showed me love even when I felt unlovable and saw things in me that I couldn’t see myself. I’m here because of them,” she said.

GEORGIA CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN

JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2022

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN $5,000+

Atlanta Foundation

The John and Mary Franklin Foundation

Rotary Club of Vinings Cumberland

Paul Vetter

$2,500 to $4,999

AT&T

Leanne Gould

Harrison Contracting Company Southwire Company

White Rabbit Cottage

$1,000 to $2,499

Anonymous Donor Dan and Merrie Boone Foundation Cobb EMC Community Foundation Brian Holloway

Lauren Hunter William McClain QuikTrip Corporation Kevin Schroder

TJX Foundation Inc.

Paul and Dee Dee Zachos United Way of Greater Atlanta

FRIEND

$500 to $999

Anonymous Donor Amy Baillie Wayne Bradley

Edwin and Stephanie Cook

Donald Crampton

The Denyse Cares Foundation Likesha Hayes

Bruce Hein

Housing Media

Xavier and Dara Mann Graydon McCrite

Adrienne Mittons

Bill and Leslie Nunn Allen Post Robert Rearden III Heather Rivera Ben Shanley Bob and Paula Snelling Whitni Ward

Kimberly Clark Matching Gifts

$100 to $499

Joseph Alonso Andy Ausband Elizabeth Ausband Brooks Battle Beverly Benton Neill Blake Thomas and Christina Blum Amanda Blumenthal Barbara Caldwell

Jeffrey Camp Ansley Jones Colby Jeffrey Collins Linda Cooper

Mark DeNyse Ed Feinour Marti Fessenden Lauren Gilkenson James Haddle

Carl Hein Carla Hoffman

Joyce Houser Henry Jones

Tammy Kone Myra Kucera

Robert Malone Christal McDowell Ann-Maria Notaro Thomas Pierce Katharine Post Scott Rafshoon Belinda Rhodes Bradley Roberts Michelle Rooks Mark Samples Diya Sandeep Matthew Smith Juanita Stedman Matt Swift Matthew Tarkenton Jeffrey Trapnell Jolanda Walther Jason Wiggam Sarah Winograd

United Way Employee Giving J.M. Huber Corporation

L&W Insulation and Fireplaces, LLC Metro Garage Door, Inc.

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YOUTH VILLAGES

4685 Dorsett Shoals Road

Douglasville, GA 30135

(Address Service Requested)

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID YOUTH VILLAGES

Youth Villages is a private nonprofit that serves more than 36,000 children and their families each year from offices in the following cities:

Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, Mobile

Arkansas: Jonesboro, Searcy, West Memphis (Fort Smith and Little Rock coming soon!)

Florida: Lakeland

Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville

Indiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Indianapolis

Louisiana: Metairie

Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville/Jeffersonville (Indiana)

Massachusetts: Boston, Worcester, West Springfield, Raynham, Woburn (Cape Space coming soon!)

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

s City, Tulsa

Oregon: Bend, Portland, Salem

Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, Paris Washington, D.C.

New Heights Georgia is published by Youth Villages

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