Youth Villages | NC Newsletter | Fall 2022

FROM YOUTH VILLAGES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

It’s hard to believe I started as an intern with Youth Villages 23 years ago and, that in just a few short years, we will be celebrating 20 years of service in North Carolina. As I have certainly grown with Youth Villages so have my children. My daughter is a high school junior this year, and my son is going back to college. My wife and I strive to not only provide our children with the essentials but teach them how to persevere through all of life’s challenges. With a new school year starting and the holidays right around the corner, this time of year always has me

thinking of those children and families who have no natural support to lean on when times are difficult.

Your generosity and compassion allow us to be that support system for the children, young adults and families we serve in North Carolina. In this edition of New Heights, we highlight some of our amazing supporters, like you, who made it possible for us to celebrate our LifeSet youth who graduated high school this year. We also shine a spotlight on a LifeSet Scholar, Ares, who reminds us how important it is to never give up. NC State fans will enjoy this read.

I am proud to report that last year we served more than 6,000 youth and families through our programs. These numbers are a true testament to the change you are helping us make, and I hope you will consider joining us this holiday season as we work to make a difference in our communities. You can find out more about our Holiday Heroes campaign or make an end-of-year gift at youthvillages.org/north-carolina.

Thank you for continuing to be a force for the families and youth we serve.

NORTH CAROLINA ADVISORY BOARD

Sarah Bell

Sarah Boehm

Bradley Curelop

Erika Carney

Price Litton

Robert Mansfield

Taylor Vaughn

NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE LOCATIONS

Asheville Boone

Charlotte

Fayetteville

Greensboro

Greenville Louisburg Raleigh-Durham Waynesville Wilmington

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.

How are we doing?

We’d love to hear feedback from you, so we can continue to improve and give you content you enjoy.

Paul Enderson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NORTH CAROLINA paul.enderson@youthvillages.org 865-560-2548

Use this QR code to complete our survey.

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ELINA USES HER LIFE EXPERIENCE

ADVOCATE FOR OTHERS

Elina

Elina uses her life experience to advocate for others, so that kids and youth currently in the system do not face the same abuse that she endured. In fact, she 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 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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.

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.

young women who participated in

Scholars program were honored guests at the Gala and walked the red carpet with Steven Tyler.

Elina continues on page 6

LifeSet participant and scholar, Ares, describes himself as an optimistic, kind and charismatic person who loves to smile. He is also a North Carolina State University student-athlete (GO PACK!). He has accomplished many of his goals through track and field and with the support of Youth Villages. LifeSet is an individualized, evidenceinformed, community-based program that offers youth who are aging out of foster care the tools to ease the transition from childhood to adulthood. With the help of our supporters and our 4:1 match from the State of North Carolina, LifeSet serves more than 700 youth annually across North Carolina, just like Ares.

Our specialists work with young adults who have experienced foster care to help them build healthy relationships, obtain safe housing, education and employment as they transition into the real world. Scholars is an extension of LifeSet that helps young people complete academic degrees or vocational programs and follow their dreams.

LIFESET YOUTH GIVES CHASING YOUR DREAMS A WHOLE NEW MEANING

The LifeSet and Scholars programs have inspired Ares to reach his goals. However, the path to being a college student and NC State athlete was not easy and is one full of inspiration. Ares was born in Memphis, Tennessee and moved to Raleigh, North Carolina with his family at 8 years old. At 13, Ares entered the state foster care system after suffering from physical/verbal abuse and neglect from his mother. Ares says he felt like an outcast most of his life, without knowing his biological dad, and being the only sibling with a different father.

He described himself as being labeled a “bad kid” at home and school. He was forced to steal food from school because of the neglect he suffered at home, not knowing where his next meal would come from. Whenever his family left the home, Ares was locked in a closet or left outside on a balcony for hours, no matter the weather conditions. After being visibly upset one day at school, a counselor pulled him aside, and he spoke out about the abuse he suffered at home. That’s when things shifted. He was placed in foster care and lived with eight different families

and switched schools four times throughout middle and high school. In eighth grade, he found a new sense of joy and method of therapy—running. Throughout his time in high school, running helped Ares escape the pain of his childhood and made him feel free, leading him to receive a scholarship to NC State for track and field. Ares was referred to LifeSet to help him transition into adulthood while navigating college life, and he attributes a lot of his accomplishments to his journey within LifeSet by saying: “I’ve learned how to better myself. I’m able to adapt to my daily living, and I’ve figured out that if things aren’t going well, I can find a way to fix it.”

He will graduate in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and actively participates in sports broadcasting through NC State with hopes of one day becoming a professional sportscaster. Keep a close eye, as you might one day see Ares on ESPN. And if so, you helped make that possible.

Janessa, an Asheville LifeSet participant, will continue her education with an Equine Therapy program at Southwestern Community College in Sylva, North Carolina.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LIFESET HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

Whether you are a fresh-faced kindergartner or an eager teen who is ready to enter the “real world,” graduation is a milestone that deserves to be celebrated, especially for our LifeSet youth.

Nationally, half of youth raised in foster care will obtain a high school diploma, and less than 3% graduate from a four-year college. Foster youth face a special set of challenges in their personal lives that affect their academic performance in the classroom. This is one of the many reasons that we are so proud of our North Carolina LifeSet participants who graduated from high school this semester and will continue to a university, trade school or employment.

Our graduates are truly an inspiration and, thanks to our generous supporters, we were able to celebrate them in a very special way. Many of them don’t have natural support systems to help celebrate their accomplishments, so a graduation party in the East and West for our amazing graduates was a must.

“We had so many graduates this year,” said Waynesville LifeSet Counselor Miranda Knight. “I think the most that I’ve seen in one year since being involved with LifeSet which is over a four-year span, so to say the least, this group of young people are incredible!”

Asheville LifeSet participant Addison will be attending Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. She hopes to go to pharmacy school.

Graduation proved to be a perfect milestone to bring together supporters, community members and staff to uplift these youth as they graduated and moved closer to independence and success. Every youth was also gifted with some necessities they need for their next steps, and they have you to thank for building a village around them. We cannot wait to see the amazing things these young adults will do in the future.

We could not serve more than 700

LifeSet youth annually without our North Carolina donors, volunteers, partners and loyal advocates— thank you!

A HUGE thank you to our Asheville graduation party sponsors: DNA Property Management and Greybeard Property Management.

Dylan, a Durham LifeSet participant, will be going to UNC Asheville and is very excited for the new experience and to be in the mountains.

YOUTH VILLAGES

FEATURED ON PBS AND NPR

“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.”

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.”

The two stories honed in on issues facing our young people across the country, including 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.

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 from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, 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.

Elina is now enrolled for the fall to the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy in Michigan on a full scholarship! She will continue to receive support from the LifeSet Scholars program as she heads back to school this fall to complete her masters.

“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.

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

Elina continued

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

Jackie with her Intercept Supervisor Sydney Earle.

LOOKING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

Become a Holiday Hero!

YOU can be the difference in your community by giving a child or young adult a gift to open this holiday season. Help make the holiday joyful for the families in Youth Villages North Carolina programs by becoming a Holiday Hero.

Individual, group and corporate supporters are all welcome. If we work together, we can ensure that all our families have a little holiday cheer.

Brewer,

Coordinator

|

PIEDMONT NATURAL GAS

Piedmont Natural Gas and its employees have become steadfast supporters of Youth Villages North Carolina through a corporate partnership that supports all areas of Youth Villages’ mission. This partnership provides backpacks and holiday gifts to children and families across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, sponsors signature events and raises critical funds for our LifeSet program. This partnership, begun in 2015, has expanded throughout the years to reach across the state and improve the lives of countless families and youth in our programs.

How did Piedmont Natural Gas become involved with Youth Villages?

We began our partnership in 2015 as a sponsor of the KiteTales event. A member of our executive team served on the board of directors and introduced the organization to our community relations team. Piedmont is committed to supporting organizations working to strengthen the fabric of our communities and improve lives. Youth Villages’ mission aligns perfectly.

What do you think sets Youth Villages apart in its work with children and families?

The LifeSet program comes to mind. This program supports young men and women as they

Piedmont Natural Gas employees work to stuff backpacks and write cards for Youth Villages’ annual Backpack Heroes Campaign! This year, we provided over 300 backpacks to our children and youth across North Carolina and were even featured on the local news. Thank you, Piedmont Natural Gas, for your long-standing partnership.

navigate life after aging out of the foster care system by connecting youth with LifeSet counselors who work diligently to build relationships based on care and trust. Together, they embark on a journey to build the skills that will lead to a successful life.

Whether encouraging individuals to complete or pursue higher education, assisting with obtaining and sustaining employment, reconnecting individuals with family or just listening and being there when needed, the LifeSet program has a track record of life-changing results and helping youth achieve their goals. It truly does take a village to begin the life journey after foster care.

What encouraged Piedmont to make its financial gift to Youth Villages?

There are so many stories of a Youth Villages’ counselor being the sole reason that a child found the courage and strength to not give up. Piedmont recognizes that it is vital to support these efforts to shape the lives of children and families who may be facing challenges.

We’re proud to be part of Youth Villages’ mission to help children and families lead successful lives. Strengthening or reconnecting families to ensure long-term success will hopefully lead to real systemic change as it relates to the foster care system.

Why is Youth Villages’ mission important to the employees of Piedmont?

Piedmont has a deep history of working to strengthen the communities we serve, and giving back is simply part of our company’s culture. If the gift of volunteer time and financial support from Piedmont can play a role in giving these young men and women and their families the chance they need and deserve, then we’re honored to have the opportunity and trust to be a long-time community partner of Youth Villages.

If your company is looking to make a difference in the community, like Piedmont Natural Gas, contact Development Director, Erica Ellis at erica.ellis@youthvillages.org

Donors enjoying the graduation party for Youth Villages’ LifeSet youth.

NORTH CAROLINA CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN

JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2022

INNOVATOR

$100,000+

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina

The Joey Logano Foundation

VISIONARY

$50,000 to $99,999

The Merancas Foundation

PILLAR

$25,000 to $49,999

Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation Mansfield Family

LEADER

$10,000 to $24,999

The Cemala Foundation

HOW YOUTH VILLAGES NORTH CAROLINA IS IMPACTING YOUTH

PROTECTOR

$5,000 to $9,999

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. The JEM Project

BUILDER

$1,000 to $4,999

Anonymous Donor Deborah and Allen Campbell DNA Property Management LLC Kristy Kent

FRIENDS

$500 to $999

Greybeard Property Management and Sales Lauren and John Horton

Youth Villages North Carolina served a total of 6,267 youth and families through our programs last fiscal year. 737 youth were served through our LifeSet program with the following outcomes for participants at one year post discharge:

LIVING INDEPENDENTLY OR WITH FAMILY

IN SCHOOL, GRADUATED, OR EMPLOYED

NO TROUBLE WITH THE LAW

These outcomes are thanks to our amazing supporters and community partners!

IN TOUCH ONLINE

YOUTH VILLAGES

8604 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 152 Charlotte, NC 28269

(Address Service Requested)

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

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

Oklahoma: Oklahoma 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 North Carolina is published by Youth Villages

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