YOUNG ADULTS CELEBRATE GRADUATION
• 20 YEARS OF BACKPACK HEROES
• EXPERT ADVICE ON DONOR ADVISED FUNDS (DAFS) ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
• GOLF TOURNAMENT SETS NEW RECORD
UPDATE
FROM YOUTH VILLAGES REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Dear Supporters,
This season, we’re celebrating milestones that reflect courage, resilience and the power of community support.
In this newsletter, we’ll share more about our graduation ceremony for LifeSet participants, which marks just one of many milestones worth celebrating. Every day, alongside their specialists, young adults are opening their first bank accounts, getting hired for their first jobs, signing their first leases and prioritizing their mental health in ways they hadn’t imagined. You’ll hear from inspiring voices like Paris and Isaiah, whose stories remind us that healing and success are possible, even after hardship.
Beyond LifeSet, we continue to focus our work on strengthening families and expanding our in-home services across the state, which help prevent unnecessary separation. And we’re always looking for more compassionate individuals or couples to become foster parents in instances where a child does need a safe, stable home.
Thank you for your role in supporting our young people and families so they move forward with confidence and know they’re not alone.
Brittany Farrar
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR,
MIDDLE TENNESSEE brittany.farrar@youthvillages.org
615-250-7322
YOUTH VILLAGES
MIDDLE TENNESSEE
ADVISORY BOARD
Jason Egly, Chair
Chuck Banker
Elaina Brintnall
Meredith Forehand
Chuck Hoelscher
Rodney Lunsford
Ben Madonia
HONORARY BOARD
Bill Hamburg
Nate Kenney
Dianna Maher
Sarah Mickle
Adam Nickas
Katy Phillips
Tony Sharpe
Chrissy Thigpen
Carson Thoma
Lisa Small
Betsy Walkup
ADVISORY BOARD INTERNS
Aggie Riley
Meredith Rich
Francesca Rutherford
Robert Strobel
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 5,000 employees serve more than 47,000 children and young adults in more than 100 locations in 29 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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Courtney Matthews, Director of Independent Living, TN Dept. of Children’s Services, congratulates the graduates.
FROM FOSTER CARE TO GRADUATION
MIDDLE TENNESSEE YOUNG ADULTS CELEBRATE EDUCATIONAL MILESTONES
More than 70 young adults with experience in the foster care system in Middle Tennessee gathered to celebrate graduations ranging from HiSET (high school equivalency) certificates to post-secondary degrees.
Though many of the graduates’ paths were marked by instability, navigating multiple schools and homes, and the weight of personal trauma, the event was joyful and inspiring, featuring speakers who also experienced in foster care.
“We don’t just carry backpacks; we carry trauma, questions and pieces of a childhood we’re still trying to make sense of,” said Paris, keynote speaker and student at Tennessee State University. “And yet, we still get up, show up and turn in assignments. We still study with heavy hearts, and we still dare to dream.”
Paris went on to offer encouragement for other young people, highlighting that they are more than what happened to them and can thrive despite what they went through.
Without support, young people who age out of the foster care system are less likely to complete their education, less likely to earn a living wage and more likely to be homeless. But with comprehensive services like those provided by the LifeSet program at Youth Villages, outcomes drastically improve.
“There are people out here who care, and there are opportunities and resources to keep us pushing,” said Niy’jae Christensen, speaker and student at Nashville State Community College. “I know I can strive for what I want and accomplish anything because of these support systems.”
As the graduates crossed the stage, the announcer shared everyone’s goals for their future. Many plan to pursue careers in education, social work and the trades; some are less specific in their career plans but know they want to own a home and build stable lives.
All graduates kickstarted their independent living by receiving new shoes, a backpack and a new suitcase full of essential household items such as toiletries, kitchenware and cleaning supplies. A support fair also connected the young adults with more resources to help them succeed as they move to their next phase of life. Hosting organizations focused on affordable housing, continued education options, job placement services and more.
“Many of these young people don’t have family to celebrate with them,” said Breanna Steward-Fason, LifeSet specialist at Youth Villages. “We have been by their sides along the way, helping them navigate barriers and stay focused. It’s important to take a moment to acknowledge their accomplishments and make them feel special.”
Three lucky individuals even drove home in new cars from Church of the City’s CARS ministry. The event was held at Church of the City in Franklin, Tennessee, and hosted by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, Youth Villages and the Tennessee Alliance for Kids with financial support from Jackson®, the Tennessee Valley Authority and United Way of Maury County.
Three of the graduates pose on stage after learning they’re driving home in a new car.
PARTNERS LAUNCH
YOUTH VILLAGES’ INTERCEPT® PROGRAM MODEL IN TEXAS, WISCONSIN
YOUTH VILLAGES NOW SERVING IN 29 STATES
The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth recently launched Intercept services in Wisconsin’s largest urban area, Milwaukee County, home to the city of Milwaukee.
In Texas, implementing provider ACH Child and Family Services is serving children and families in Tarrant County, where Fort Worth is located.
TEXAS
Our Community Our Kids (OCOK), a lead agency in this Texas region, was awarded a two-year grant from Youth Villages to help launch Intercept. OCOK chose ACH, which has a history of excellent service to families going back to 1907, to be the implementing provider.
“ACH believes that, whenever it’s safe, children should be with their family,” said Stacey Ladd, program manager for ACH. “Intercept is a proven, effective, research-informed practice that provides a whole-family approach to building trust and well-being among children, parents, caregivers and siblings.”
To deepen our impact, Youth Villages established the Strategic Partnerships initiative to identify and support organizations that implement our evidence-based program models across the country. The first LifeSet partnership launched in 2016. Today, staff support 30 LifeSet and Intercept partners, and we have built a network of some of the most forward-thinking public agencies and innovative private providers in the country.
WISCONSIN
Services in Wisconsin are through a Youth Villages partnership with the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services, which contracted with the Lincoln Center to provide Intercept. Founded in 1970, The Lincoln Center is a social enterprise organization that provides socio-emotional and mental health services through school- and community-based services.
“The Intercept program will be a great addition to the services offered in the Milwaukee area,” said Bridget Chybowski, DMCPS administrator. “We know when families can get the help they need at home and can work together, the outcomes are always better. We are eager to help meet the needs of our community.”
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOUTH VILLAGES PARTNERS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, REACH OUT TO STRATEGIC.PARTNERSHIPS@YOUTHVILLAGES.ORG.
BACKPACK HEROES CELEBRATES 20TH YEAR
MORE THAN 2,000 YOUTH
STARTED THE YEAR WITH FREE BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES
For many families in Middle Tennessee, purchasing essential back-to-school supplies for their children is a heavy financial burden. This year, Youth Villages’ Backpack Heroes campaign provided backpacks, school supplies and other essentials to more than 2,000 youth in our programs.
“Backpack Heroes helped take all the stress, time and money we would have spent on school supply shopping and put that toward getting to know the kids and helping them acclimate to a new home and school,” said Aaron Lutz, a foster parent with Youth Villages. “It makes a big difference for their school experience to know they are going to have everything they need and not stand out as different among their classmates.”
Students from pre-kindergarten through college started the school year with confidence, knowing they have everything they need to focus on academics and friendship.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FINANCIAL SPONSORS
615 Ventures, PMC, United Way of Maury County, Churchill Foundation, Nashville Ready Mix and Rogers Group
IN-KIND SPONSORS WHO DONATED BACKPACKS AND SUPPLIES
TechnologyAdvice, Crye-Leike, Dell, Travelers and Ashley Wilson
VOLUNTEER GROUPS WHO PACKED BACKPACKS AT OUR BACKPACK HEROES WORKSHOP
Jackson, VolCorp, Southpoint Risk, Correll, Ricoh, BlueCross BlueShield TN, Icee, Cadence Bank, PMC, Bridgestone, OneOncology and Advance Financial
ENCOURAGEMENT CARD WRITERS
Gap Distribution Center (Gallatin) and The Churchill Foundation
Thanks to all our sponsors, golfers and auction participants, we raised more than $120,000 for LifeSet.
THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS Thomas
If you are interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities for the annual golf classic or other events, please contact lyndsay.wilkinson@youthvillages.org.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
DONORADVISED FUNDS
A SMARTER WAY TO GIVE, YEAR AFTER YEAR
For anyone looking to make charitable giving a more intentional and streamlined part of their financial life, donor-advised funds (DAFs) offer a compelling solution. These accounts allow you to set aside money for future donations, take an immediate tax deduction and then distribute grants to nonprofits over time. Whether you’re giving monthly, annually or sporadically, a DAF simplifies the process and helps you stay organized — especially if you support multiple causes or want to involve your family in philanthropy.
One of the lesser-known benefits of a DAF is its flexibility across different financial seasons. If you do happen to have a high-income year, contributing to a DAF can help reduce your tax liability while giving you time to decide where to direct your donations. But even in more typical years, having funds already set aside means you can continue giving without impacting your current cash flow. Plus, the money in your
DAF can be invested and grow taxfree, hopefully increasing your impact over time.
If you have a DAF, recommending a gift is a simple and powerful way to make an impact on youth and families in Middle Tennessee.
For more information about giving from your DAF, contact Rae Ryan at rae.ryan@youthvillages.org or 615-250-7207.
Charity name and address:
Youth Villages Foundation Inc. 3320 Brother Blvd. Memphis, TN 38133
EIN: 62-1652079
Purpose/Description: Middle Tennessee
JULY 2024-JUNE 2025
90%
LIVING WITH FAMILY OR INDEPENDENTLY
98% IN SCHOOL, GRADUATED OR EMPLOYED
90% NO TROUBLE WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT
8,689
TOTAL YOUTH SERVED
MEET ISAIAH
LifeSet participant in Nashville
After his mom died when he was 14 years old, Isaiah and his brother entered their grandmother’s care. Sadly, she also died soon after, leading the boys to be placed in the foster care system.
After her death, Isaiah struggled with managing his anger and grief in a healthy way and spent most of his teen years between foster homes and residential programs.
As he approached 18 years old, Isaiah was not motivated in his academics and was not on track to graduate. Regardless, he still looked forward to the freedom adulthood would bring and was confident he could figure it out. Six months before his 18th birthday, Isaiah was connected with LifeSet, which offered extra support in his transition to independence.
His LifeSet specialist, Breanna, wasted no time helping Isaiah identify goals. She even helped him embrace the fun parts of high school, like preparing for prom and ensuring he had a tuxedo and Instagram-worthy photos. When he was tempted to quit the classes he was failing, Breanna pushed him to keep going and helped him put in the extra effort.
He describes Breanna as a motherly figure — never giving up on him. Isaiah’s hard work paid off, and he graduated high school with a 3.0 GPA.
Living independently proved to be less glamorous than he envisioned, with bills and rent due every month. Breanna connected him to various career and education pathways and financial aid to support Isaiah on his independent journey. Now 19 years old, Isaiah is off the waitlist, and is currently working hard in the HVAC program at Nashville State Community College. He also is prioritizing his mental health and learning healthy coping skills for his anger, an area in which he has shown tremendous growth.
“No matter what I need, no matter what the call is, [Breanna’s] always there for me,” Isaiah said. “LifeSet has a big impact on the kid that comes from nothing.”
Isaiah dreams of breaking the cycle of poverty in his family, having a big family of his own and buying land outside of Nashville.
Invest in young adults like Isaiah by donating to LifeSet in Middle Tennessee!
BECOME A HOLIDAY HERO
HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE
Make this holiday season extra special by spreading joy through gift-giving. Become a Youth Villages Holiday Hero today and brighten the lives of the youth we serve locally. With your cheerful donation, you can make a difference by helping fulfill their holiday wish lists. Help bring light to their world and give them a holiday they will never forget.
WAYS TO BE A HOLIDAY HERO
SHOP
Each child in our programs will fill out a holiday wish list. Our Heroes can visit our campaign website and shop from our online wish list.
DONATE ONLINE
Visit our campaign website and make an online donation to help buy gifts or learn other ways to help.
HOST AN EVENT
Contact us to learn more about this opportunity to support our youth.
For more information or to make an online donation, please visit youthvillages.org/holidayheroes.
Youth Villages is a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health whose mission is to help children and families live successfully.
CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN
JAN. 1 – JUNE 30, 2025
VISIONARY
$50,000 to $99,999
Anonymous
Anonymous
TechnologyAdvice
PILLAR
$25,000 to $49,999
Jackson National Life Insurance Company
LEADER
$10,000 to $24,999
Advance Financial Foundation
Ms. Lisa DeBartolo
Joe C. Davis Foundation
The Memorial Foundation
PMC (Parking Management Company)
TVA
PROTECTOR
$5,000 to $9,999
AHEAD
Capital Resource, LLC
Exchange Club of Donelson/ Hermitage
GEODIS
Dr. and Mrs. John Greer
Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Gregory
Mr. and Mrs. William Hamburg
Mr. Michael Hill
Eva and Ricky Johnson
Amanda and Ben Madonia
Piedmont Natural Gas
Georgeanne Shirling
Silicon Ranch Corporation
Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Speyer
Ticket to Dream
Matthew West
BUILDER
$1,000 to $4,999
Leticia Acosta
Anonymous
ARS Rescue Rooter
*If you made a contribution during this time (above $1,000) but it is not listed, please call 615-250-7200.
BackSwing Golf Events
Charles Banker
Boulevard Bolt
Bullseye Compliance LLC
Cadence Bank
Cavalry Security, Inc.
Caterpillar Financial
Cross Point Community Church
The Dreambuilders Foundation, Inc.
Ms. Carol Dawson
Mr. Jason Egly
Meredith and Tyler Forehand
Mr. Ronnie Frost
Greek Orthodox Philoptochos Society of Holy Trinity
Ms. Jennie Howell
Chad Hammons
HCA Healthcare
Mr. Andrew Hohwald
Nick Kirtland
KraftCPAs, PLLC
Bob McAllister
Kelly and Pat McCombs
Mr. Raymon Millen
Shannon and Ryan Millen
NashCo Furniture
Jennifer and Chris Patterson
Radiology Dynamics, PC
R.C. Mathews Contractor
Renasant Bank
David and Teresa Reynolds
Riley & Jacobson, PLC
Mr. David Ross
Shoals Technologies Group
Lisa and Stephen Small
Sylvan Park Olympics
The Stratton Foster Charitable Foundation
Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group
Troy Pack
UBS Financial Services
Volunteer Credit Corporate Union
Mr. and Mrs. Knox Walkup
Mr. Jeffrey Warne
Michelle Warren
Elizabeth Washko
Whitehall Benefits, LLC
Luke Wilkinson
Ashley Wilson
Michael Yarbrough
JOIN OUR EFFORTS. Become a force for families.
Mentor, foster, volunteer or financially donate to our programs. Your support can have a direct impact on the future of the hundreds of children, families and young people we help every day in Middle Tennessee. THERE ARE NUMEROUS WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN YOUTH VILLAGES’ PROGRAMS.
Get involved DONATIONS, GIFT DESIGNATION
Rae Ryan, Dir. of Development rae.ryan@youthvillages.org | 615-250-7207
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, CLIENT NEEDS
Greg Schott, Asst. Dir. of Development greg.schott@youthvillages.org | 615-250-7262
FUNDRAISING EVENTS, SPONSORSHIPS, CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS, MAJOR GIFTS
Lyndsay Wilkinson, Asst. Dir. of Development lyndsay.wilkinson@youthvillages.org | 615-250-7278
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, HEROES PROGRAMS
Julie Abbott, Community Development Mgr. julie.abbott@youthvillages.org | 615-250-7266
STEWARDSHIP, MAJOR GIFTS
MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE YEAR-END GIFT TO HELP THE YOUTH WE SERVE!
Ring in the new year with a tax-deductible gift before Dec.
31. Your year-end contribution will support the families we serve and help us grow our impact! There are many ways you can give this holiday season.
1. Give a one-time or monthly gift online at youthvillages.org/middle-tennessee
Check to see if your employer will match your gift!
2. Send a check in the envelope included or mail to:
Youth Villages
Attn: Rae Ryan, Director of Development
3. Recommend a grant from your donor advised fund through your fund administrator!
When granting through your DAF, use this information: Tax ID: 62-1652079
Mailing Address:
Youth Villages | Attn: Middle Tennessee 3320 Brother Blvd. | Memphis, TN 38133
Please contact Rae Ryan if you make a DAF gift.
4. Give a gift of stock
Youth Villages Fidelity DTC Number: 0226
Account Number: Z7388858 Attn: For Middle Tennessee
Have your stock advisor notify Rae Ryan about your gift at rae.ryan@youthvillages.org.
5. Donate from your IRA
If you are 70½ 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 Middle Tennessee 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.
Have your stock advisor notify Rae Ryan about your gift at rae.ryan@youthvillages.org.
3310 Perimeter Hill Drive | Nashville, TN 37211 x.com/youthvillages
Bailey Saunders, Development and Stewardship Mgr. bailey.saunders@youthvillages.org | 615-250-7263 STAY IN TOUCH ONLINE instagram.com/youthvillages facebook.com/youthvillages youtube.com/youthvillages linkedin.com/company/youth-villages
YOUTH VILLAGES
3310 Perimeter Hill Drive
Nashville, TN 37211
(Address Service Requested)
Youth Villages is a private nonprofit that serves more than 47,000 children and their families each year from offices in the following cities:
Alabama: Auburn
Arizona: Phoenix
Arkansas: Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Little Rock
Florida: Lakeland
Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville
Indiana: Bloomington, Indianapolis
Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville
Louisiana: Baton Rouge
Maine: Portland
Massachusetts: Boston, Marlborough, Springfield, Raynham, Woburn
Mississippi: Biloxi, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Jackson, Meridian, Tupelo
New Hampshire: Manchester
North Carolina: Asheville, Boone, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Louisburg, Raleigh-Durham, Waynesville, Wilmington
Ohio: Dayton, Worthington
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City, Tulsa
Oregon: Bend, Portland, Salem, Tillamook
South Carolina: Columbia
Rhode Island: Providence
Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, Paris
Washington, D.C.
New Heights Middle Tennessee is published by Youth Villages Prefer not to receive a printed newsletter? Email lyndsay.wilkinson@youthvillages.org or call 615-250-7278. To also receive a digital copy of our newsletters and join our email list, sign up at youthvillages.org/stay-informed.