• DONOR SPOTLIGHT: AMY BAILLIE AND DENYSE COMPANIES
FROM YOUTH VILLAGES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Our work at Youth Villages is much like the seasons: there are different phases to transformation. Spring is here, and it is always a glorious reminder of new beginnings and that the healing work we do always emerges right on time.
With the opening of Cottage 1 earlier this year, we are thrilled to have increased our overall census capacity to serve 144 youth on the Inner Harbour Campus. Our newest cottage is a beautiful residence for 16 young women, ages 14-18. In this newsletter, you will read more about the exciting next steps in our Elevate Campaign and learn how you can support the effort. You will also learn about the importance of our community partners, who give their time and resources to support Youth Villages. Whether a business, civic organization or a church group, all our volunteers help support our mission and create new memories for the youth in our care.
You’ll get to meet Amy Baillie, director of marketing at DeNyse Companies and a Youth Villages Georgia board member. Amy’s engagement started more than a decade ago through her employer’s involvement with Youth Villages. It is a wonderfully inspiring example of how companies choosing to give back and encouraging their employees to get involved turned into a long-lasting partnership for Youth Villages.
This season for us is a true new beginning. Though not without its challenges, we are keeping our focused attention on helping children and families thrive by providing excellent mental and behavioral health care services. Now, more than ever, our young people need us. All of us. Thank you for your continued support!
Tanya Anderson EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GEORGIA
tanya.anderson@youthvillages.org 770-852-6238
GEORGIA ADVISORY BOARD
Amy Baillie
Brian Holloway
Bruce Hein
Lauren Hunter
Dara Mann
Don Crampton
James Harper
Matthew Tarkenton
Paul Zachos
Robert Rearden
Robb Dillon
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 innovative public agencies and advocacy, we collaborate to bring positive change to child welfare, children’s mental health and justice systems. Our 4,500 employees serve more than 43,000 children and young adults in more than 100 locations in 27 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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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS HELP YOUTH VILLAGES THRIVE
Volunteers give back to support our mission, create connections within their groups and encourage youth
Community partners are an integral and supportive part of Youth Villages’ community and in helping fulfill our mission to help children and families live successfully.
Our community engagement programs offer opportunities for groups to get involved and connect with the youth in our care, while also fostering team building for their group.
In the last year, we engaged more than 250 volunteers in meaningful service.
Our partners Gordon Foods and Publix join us annually for workplace service days at Inner Harbour, working in the garden, painting birdhouses and decorating pumpkins with our young people.
DeNyse Companies, during Mental Health Awareness Month, hosts a ‘Day of Play,’ encouraging its employees to spend half a day engaged in recreational activities with our youth, including fishing, tree climbing, painting birdhouses, volleyball and more. The focus is on play and recreation as important components of mental health wellness.
DeNyse employees Kate Lingerfelt and Carla Pearce, coordinators of the Day of Play, agree that spending the day volunteering at Youth Villages is an incredibly rewarding experience. They said it was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the youth, building connections and making lasting core memories. The icing on top was seeing involvement from co-workers who had never volunteered before.
The impact of this day went beyond the youth they interacted with — it inspired a sense of connection within their team that will be carried forward.
In addition, volunteers from Cummins welcomed our West African drummers to bring joy to their Juneteeth Jamboree. Their annual day of service with our youth each fall for National S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) Day helps share the importance of careers in technology and engineering. Volunteers work with our youth on science-based activities, including building Lego batteries, crafting light boards and designing their own marble runs.
Meanwhile, our Birthday Heroes join us monthly to celebrate the birthdays of youth at Inner Harbour. Debbie Swain is one of 27 volunteers from North River Church of Christ, who have served for nine years as Birthday Heroes. “What we wanted to be a blessing for children became a blessing for us,” she said. “The children’s love, enthusiasm and devotion for us became an important part of our lives which we cherish and look forward to each month. We have an opportunity to provide support, but we also see their growth and maturity they gain while at Youth Villages. It is an experience we love.”
People often underestimate the impact volunteering has on the lives of others. The act of showing up and spending time together strengthens our communities and exemplifies the importance of shared experiences to care for our children. It really does take a village, and we are tremendously grateful for all our volunteers.
To learn how your group, team or company can be a Youth Villages community partner, contact Kimmy Yon at kimmy. yon@youthvillages.org or 404-667-1334.
ELEVATE CAMPAIGN PHASE 2 FUNDRAISING UNDERWAY
VOLUNTEER STEERING COMMITTEE LEADS THE WAY
The Elevate capital campaign is taking the Inner Harbour campus to new heights. With Phase 1 of the project successfully completed in October 2024, the focus now shifts to securing funding for Phase 2 of the project.
The next phase includes four additional cottages, housing 20 youth each. These beautiful and spacious cottages will replace some of the campus’ most outdated residential facilities and allow us to expand the census to a total of 172 youth. With as many as 80 new referrals each week, the need for additional beds at Inner Harbour has never been greater. This increase in capacity will allow the campus to serve approximately 93 additional children each year.
Included in Phase 2 is a 30,000-square-foot education building that will revolutionize teaching and learning on the Inner Harbour campus.
“It’s time for us to grow and modernize,” said Tanya Anderson, executive director for Youth Villages Georgia. “This new, education-focused space is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing topnotch educational opportunities. This initiative
Photos of the first new youth cottage (above and below).
marks our greatest opportunity to enhance current services, bolster outcomes and provide the best amenities for both our youth and our talented staff.”
The first phase of the campaign was fully funded through Youth Villages’ internal resources. A fundraising steering committee, led by national board member Elizabeth Rose, is now focused on securing funds through grants and donations to complete Phase 2 of the project. “There is no question that Youth Villages’ service to our most vulnerable and under-served children is necessary,” Rose said. “I’m proud that Youth Villages kept kids first by leading the project and funding the entirety of Phase 1. Now, it is critical our community does its part in supporting the continuation of the campaign. Our steering committee is a strong, networked and diverse group of committed individuals ready to call upon the greater community to support this important project.”
More than half of the $ 42.4 million needed for Phase 2 has been secured through an additional Youth Villages investment and several generous lead donors. Anyone interested in supporting the project can visit youthvillages.org/Georgiacapital-campaign or contact Youth Villages Georgia Director of Development Matt Jarrard at 678-978-0520 or matthew.jarrard@youthvillages.org. Gifts of all sizes are welcome!
Youth Villages leaders celebrate the completion of Phase 1 with a ribbon cutting for the new administration building and first youth cottage.
Elevate Campaign Steering Committee
ELIZABETH ROSE
Campaign Co-Chair; Partner and Co-Founder, Caiola & Rose LLC
LISA ASHBY
Director of Client Services, Truist
MARIFRED CILELLA
Consultant; Retired Head of School, The Howard School
ROB DOUGLASS
Managing Partner, Corbet Capital Advisors
ALLEN POST
Managing Partner, Post Loyal Architecture & Industrial Design
DALIA RACINE
District Attorney, Douglas County
SARA RAY
President & CEO, Douglas County Chamber
MATT TARKENTON
President, Tarkenton Financial
DAVID TYLER
National Managing Principal of Healthcare, Grant Thornton LLC
BO WILKINS
Managing Director, Oxford Financial Group, Ltd.
LIFESET™ GIVES SHARON MICHELLE A PURPOSE TO LIVE
The teenage years are a tough time for most young people to handle. In her younger teens, Sharon Michelle faced more uphill climbs than many her age. She lived in three different homes, exposed to substance use and required to follow strict rules. She was never allowed to make friends, attend after-school activities and get a job, all the things her peers enjoyed.
The LifeSet program empowered Sharon Michelle to overcome her challenges and build a brighter future for herself.
The trauma she suffered took away her hope for a promising future. “I believed when I turned 18, I was going to run away and disappear,” Sharon Michelle said.
CHANGES, ABUSE LED TO A DARK TIME
The challenges for Sharon Michelle started just before middle school when she lived with her mother who abused drugs. As a result, she was removed and placed with her grandfather. During her time there, she never enrolled or attended school.
Two years later, Sharon Michelle moved again, this time to live with her father, and re-enrolled in school. Despite missing the previous two years of school, she was placed in eighth grade.
“I kept myself reading those two years,” Sharon Michelle said. “Reading was how I got through a lot of things.”
The time in her father’s home quickly turned downhill due to substance use by her father and stepmother. Arguments broke out, and their anger frequently spilled over to Sharon Michelle.
“It got to the point where it was no longer just emotional abuse,” Sharon Michelle said. “They had gotten physical with each other. Over time, they began to get physical with me.”
At school, Sharon Michelle was a good student but was only allowed to attend class and nothing else. Her father made her come home immediately after school every day.
Finally, she talked with her school counselor who encouraged her to contact Child Protection Services. She did, but after CPS came by the home, the situation got worse. Friction in the home grew.
“It was a toxic household,” Sharon Michelle said. “I had been in a dark place for some time. Those suicidal thoughts came back that day, and I was taken to a medical facility.”
LIFESET OFFERS
SHARON MICHELLE A NEW OUTLOOK
After her time at the medical facility, Sharon Michelle was referred to Youth Villages’ LifeSet program, and Erna Sveinsdottir became her specialist. LifeSet is a program that helps young people who have lived experience in foster or kinship care have a successful journey into adulthood.
The challenges, though, didn’t end. Sharon Michelle’s father and stepmother were against her specialist coming to the home, and Sharon Michelle still struggled with suicidal ideation.
“I was so mentally drained and depressed from living there, I had no motivation to do school at all,” Sharon Michelle said. “I was scared to leave because I couldn’t just tell them.”
LifeSet helps young people as they transition to adulthood by teaching life skills, goal setting, help in finding a job and housing, budgeting and more. With encouragement from Erna, Sharon Michelle moved out of her father’s home to a new place where she started working on her plan of finishing high school and attending college.
After her move, Sharon Michelle achieved her first goal: she graduated high school as an honor roll student and enrolled in nursing school.
LifeSet also taught Sharon Michelle, now 19, how to take better care of herself. After no doctor visits for five years, Erna helped Sharon Michelle arrange more than 40 appointments to catch up on her health.
“I’ve worked on taking care of myself more,” Sharon Michelle said. “No one had taught me those things, but Ms. Erna did. She always reminds me to take a day for myself.”
Aside from goal setting, LifeSet helped Sharon Michelle gain self-confidence. She has the courage to set boundaries with others and be more assertive. Most of all, she is happy.
“Before LifeSet, I would look at myself, and I was disgusted,” Sharon Michelle said. “I felt unworthy of living. Being in LifeSet, it gave me a new purpose, a reason to live.”
Now, Sharon Michelle is in her second semester of nursing school and doing well in her classes. She is a LifeSet Scholar, which provides additional support of a mentor to go along with her specialist.
“LifeSet has given me multiple reasons to live,” Sharon Michelle said. “They have done so much for me that it’s hard to put into words. I had nothing; now I have so much.”
For more information on LifeSet, scan the QR code or visit youthvillages.org/lifeset.
Sharon Michelle and her LifeSet specialist, Erna Sveinsdottir.
YOUTH VILLAGES CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF CHAFEE
Chafee, the federal funding stream that provides services to young adults who age out of foster care, now includes additional funds to receive post-secondary education and job training.
Young people who age out of foster care services at 18 experience serious challenges as they make their way in adulthood. Providing support, opportunity and resources for them is a core mission of Youth Villages and our supporters.
Youth Villages LifeSet, extension of foster care and independent living programs were in Washington, D.C., to take part in a celebration of the 25th anniversary of federal support for current and former foster youth through the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood program.
Thirty-five young people from 13 national organizations went to D.C. for two days of meetings themed: Our Voices, Our Vision — Policy Solutions. Young people advocated for a focus on healing, lifelong family connections and increased economic opportunities. The event was sponsored by the Journey to Success Campaign and partnering organizations, including Youth Villages. The young people are part of multigenerational advocacy that has brought about support and funding for former foster youth. In 1999, young people were influential in the passage of the John H. Chafee
U.S. Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), founder and chair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Care, speaks to young people and advocates.
Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. Funded by $143 million in 2024, the Chafee program is still the primary federal funding stream that states use to provide services to young adults who age out of foster care systems.
The Chafee program now includes additional funding for young adults to receive post-secondary education and job training. The National Youth in Transition (NYTD) database that collects information and outcomes on youth and young adults currently or formerly in foster care is also funded by the Chafee program.
U.S. Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), founder and chair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Care, and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn), caucus member, spoke to the young people.
Grassley traced his decades of advocacy for foster youth to one young staff member, named Sarah,
who had been adopted and brought foster care issues to his attention.
“Your advocacy is very important,” Grassley told the young people. “My inspiration to work on these issues came from young people who experienced foster care, and you continue to inspire me today.”
He said the Senate Caucus on Foster Care began in 2008 to create an avenue for youth advocacy and bipartisan collaboration on these issues.
“We’ve been very successful in getting things done,” Grassley said. “But there are some issues we still need to work on.”
Youth Villages is advocating for an increase in Chafee funding to ensure all 50 states can expand services to former foster youth to 21. Other bills would extend services to 26, an age when most parents are still providing financial support to their children.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT MAKING A DIFFERENCE
AMY BAILLIE AND DENYSE COMPANIES
For more than 10 years, international sign company DeNyse Companies has supported Youth Villages. Headquartered in Douglasville, DeNyse engages their employees in giving back through a myriad of ways. Amy Baillie, director of marketing and business development at DeNyse, has been a consistent champion for children and joined the Youth Villages Georgia board in 2022. Last spring, DeNyse’s Day of Play was created to bring awareness to mental health and giving back. Thirty volunteers engaged in various recreational activities with our youth to promote play as a healthy and fun way to care for mental health.
How did you become involved with Youth Villages? How did DeNyse get involved?
My involvement started around the same time as DeNyse. It was around 2014; a member of the development team invited me to attend a lunch that the kids prepared in the outdoor kitchen space near the garden. I had such an amazing afternoon and came back to the office and spoke to co-founder Allen DeNyse about getting more involved. In 2015, we planned a volunteer day where employees interacted with some of the kids, helped with the dogs or worked in the garden. It was such an impactful day! All employees look forward to the volunteer days.
What impact do you hope your contribution will have on the children at Youth Villages? Why is it important for you individually and for DeNyse as a company to give back?
DeNyse Companies has always been a company that gives back to the community. Jennifer and Allen DeNyse founded the company with that mindset, and their son, Mark DeNyse — who is president of DeNyse Companies — continues the legacy of giving back. That is why the DeNyse family, and the employees of DeNyse Signage and Architectural Elements founded DeNyse Cares, a nonprofit with a mission to help inspire the youth, respect the elderly and honor our veterans.
I was raised to understand the importance of hard work
Amy Baillie, director of marketing and business development, DeNyse, and Youth Villages Georgia Advisory Board Member, with Mark DeNyse, president of DeNyse Companies
and to always lend a helping hand. It never fails that any time I give of myself, I receive so much more.
In all the events we donate to, or volunteer for, I hope the impact is the same. I want the kids to know in this great big world of uncertainty, there are people who care. There are strangers cheering them on, who want them to succeed, and they can do anything they set their minds to.
What do you think sets Youth Villages apart in their work with children and families?
I’ve worked with many organizations over the years, and easily, the staff makes the difference. The employees of Youth Villages are passionate, they enjoy their work, they love these kids, and they love what they do! I always enjoy my time with any of the Youth Villages team members. They invest in their people because they know a wellstaffed, well-trained team is an effective team. You see it on their faces, and you can see it when you interact with the kids, these employees love their job! How could you not? You get the chance to change lives every day.
Why should someone consider becoming more involved with Youth Villages?
Youth Villages is a national organization with a community feel. They understand the value of a dollar, and work to stretch it as far as possible. They are thoughtful with their relationships, and thankful for all help, big or small. By contributing to Youth Villages, you get to see firsthand lives being transformed. It is a beautiful sight.
YOUTH VILLAGES GEORGIA DONORS
JULY 1 – DEC. 31, 2024
INNOVATOR
$100,000+
The Rose Foundation
VISIONARY
$50,000 to $99,999
David and Lisa Tyler
Google Data Centers Grants
Kate and Robert Kennedy
LEADER
$10,000 to $24,999
Atlanta Charity Clays
The DeNyse Cares Foundation, Inc.
Matthew and Elizabeth Rose
PROTECTOR
$5,000 to $9,999
Benning Construction Company
Bruce Hein
Caiola & Rose, LLC
Clark and Ruby Baker Foundation
J.C. Kennedy Foundation, Inc.
Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation
Mary Allen Lindsey Branan Foundation
Rick and Harriet Barger
The John and Mary Franklin Foundation
BUILDER
$1,000 to $4,999
Allen and Katie Post
Atlanta Foundation
Bill and Leslie Nunn
Christie Sires
Custard Insurance Adjusters
Dan and Merrie Boone Foundation
Darren Pinson and the Silent Knights
David Albano
Douglas Jay
Dr. James Harper
Glen P. and Laura Mae
Robinson Foundation
Jeffrey Collins
Kiwanis Foundation of Atlanta, Inc.
Matt Tarkenton
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Thornton
Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Stewart
Paul and Dee Dee Zachos
Richard C. Munroe Foundation
Rotary Club of Vinings Cumberland
Tonja Pitts
Trey Dettmering
Tull Charitable Foundation
Whole Kids Foundation
Xavier and Dara Mann
*If you made a contribution during this time (above $500) but are not listed, please call 678-978-0520.
FRIEND
$500 to $999
Adrienne Mittons
Don and Jennifer Crampton
Heather Rivera
Jasmine Smith
Kathryn Arnold
Lauren Hunter
Mitchell Family Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Campbell
Robert Rearden, III
The Home Depot Foundation
FRIEND
$100 to $499
Amber Swanson
Amy Baillie
Arthur Shapiro
Barbara Cleveland
Benedicta Rainey
Christy Schuster
Debbie Shiflett
Deborah Lempogo
Diya Sandeep
Don Harrison
Grady Wood
Jolanda Walther
Jonathan Taunton
Judge Barbara H Caldwell
Judy Moore
Julie Doss
Kathryn Anderson
Kimberly Clark Matching Gifts
Kimberly Hamilton
Kyle Moulden
Lauren Brewer
Leanna Roley
Lena Ahn
Lisa Laposata
Lori Still
Lynn Merrill
Marifred Cilella
Mark Rasmus
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hein
Mr. and Mrs. Dirk
Vandergrinten
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Davis
Mr. and Mrs. Win Cook
Mrs. Charmaine Martin
Petrina McDaniel
Philip Clinch
Pull-A-Part
Raven Bernard
Relx Inc.
Richard Ragsdale
Roger Vega
Sandra Crumpton
Sean Palani
Seth Davis
Sharon Hamilton
Stacy Fisher
Susan Shasky
Suzanne H Sullivan
Tanisha Henry
Thomas Matt Swift
Tom and Christina Blum
Vincent Moralle
YOUTH VILLAGES
4685 Dorsett Shoals Road
Douglasville, GA 30135
(Address Service Requested)
Youth Villages is a private nonprofit that serves more than 43,000 children and their families each year from the following cities and states:
