Youth Villages | North Carolina Newsletter | Winter 2025
FAMILY VICTORIES FROM YOUTH VILLAGES
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: MAKING FUTURES BRIGHTER
• FINANCIAL LITERACY PAVES THE WAY TO INDEPENDENCE
• FINDING SUPPORT THROUGH INTERCEPT®
• DONOR SPOTLIGHT: DEBBIE AND ALLEN CAMPBELL
FROM YOUTH VILLAGES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Supporters,
This year marks a major milestone for Youth Villages in North Carolina — our 20th anniversary of serving youth and families across the state. Since 2005, we’ve grown from offering a single in-home service to providing a continuum of care that meets the complex needs of young people and their families.
As we started our new fiscal year in July, we reached a goal we’ve been working toward for years: serving 1,000 youth per day. This achievement is more than a number — it represents thousands of lives touched, families strengthened and futures transformed. It’s a testament to the dedication of our staff, the strength of our partnerships and the unwavering support of our community.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also stepping into our next chapter with the launch of our Soaring Higher campaign. This initiative is focused on expanding our reach, deepening our impact and ensuring every young person we serve can thrive — emotionally, academically and socially. Whether it’s through enhanced services, stronger community connections or new opportunities for youth transitioning to adulthood, Soaring Higher reflects our bold vision for the future.
Every success story begins with someone who believes in the potential of a young person. Whether you’ve donated, volunteered or simply shared our mission, you’ve played a vital role in helping us reach this point — and we’re deeply grateful.
Together, we can continue building a brighter future for youth across North Carolina.
Paul Enderson EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NORTH CAROLINA paul.enderson@youthvillages.org
865-560-2548
NORTH CAROLINA ADVISORY BOARD
Erika Carney, Chair
Ross Pope, Vice Chair
Heather Bradshaw
Rachel Daigle
Cheddi Johnson
Christine Kahm Silver
Kristy Kent
Lee Robertson
Steve Rook
Taylor Vaughn
NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE LOCATIONS
Asheville
Boone
Charlotte
Fayetteville
Greensboro Greenville Louisburg
Raleigh-Durham Waynesville
Wilmington
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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FROM SHELTER TO STABILITY
ISAAC’S JOURNEY TOWARD FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT
When Isaac was just 11 years old, he found himself navigating adult responsibilities most kids wouldn’t dream of. Living in a shelter with his mother, Isaac took it upon himself to complete their SNAP enrollment paperwork while his mom searched for work. It was one of many moments in his young life that demanded resilience and maturity far beyond his years.
Isaac’s childhood was marked by instability. He moved every school year until ninth grade, attending five elementary schools, six middle schools
and two high schools across multiple states. He experienced homelessness five times and lived in four different shelters.
“The first shelter me and my mom lived in was in San Antonio when I was 8,” Isaac recalled. “We stayed there for a couple of months before renting a room, then moving into our own house, which later caught fire. After that, we were homeless again.”
Despite these challenges, Isaac’s determination never wavered. “Being in shelters shaped me to become a hard worker and very determined to be financially responsible so my mom and I would not be back in those situations,” he said.
That drive led him to make tough decisions, like quitting a stressful job at an animal hospital even though he needed the income. “I was being attacked by animals, and the environment was overwhelming,” Isaac said. “I chose to leave and found a better job, where I still work today.”
Now a freshman at Johnson C. Smith University majoring in computer engineering, Isaac is building a future rooted in stability and success. A key part of that foundation has been Youth Villages’ newly launched financial literacy program.
Unlike their peers, many young people who experienced foster care often lack basic financial literacy skills. While some of these skills are taught in school or other programs, many former foster youth miss out on learning skills such as budgeting, opening bank accounts or filing taxes. Youth Villages’ financial literacy program empowers young adults to make confident decisions and build stability.
“The financial literacy program provided me with critical information that set me up to make good financial decisions,” Isaac shared.
“I was able to save money, pay off a debt and even talk to my mom about insurance.”
Isaac’s story is a powerful reminder of how education and support can transform lives. With his sights set on graduating college and securing a good job, Isaac is well on his way to achieving the financial independence he’s worked so hard for while inspiring others to do the same.
Isaac representing the Golden Bulls while on campus at Johnson C. Smith University.
WHEN FAMILIES HEAL, CHILDREN
THRIVE
A young person’s success often depends on the support they receive from those around them. Without a healthy support system, navigating life’s challenges can become overwhelming, especially for children who have experienced trauma.
At the heart of Youth Villages’ Intercept program is a simple but powerful belief: children thrive best with their families when it’s safe to do so. That’s why strengthening families is a cornerstone of our services. Intercept offers intensive in-home support to help families heal and grow together.
Meet Mike, Laura and Jim
Mike is a high schooler who loves video games like Minecraft and Roblox. He lives with his grandparents, Laura and Jim, who became his primary guardians after he experienced abuse from a biological parent. The trauma left Mike struggling with anger, aggression and emotional distress. Though he was now in a safer environment, the journey toward healing was just beginning for all of them.
Understanding the root of a child’s behavior requires supporting the entire family. Laura and Jim didn’t expect their own healing would be part of the process, but that’s exactly what happened when they met Jessica, Mike’s family intervention specialist.
Like many families who’ve faced trauma, Laura and Jim were initially skeptical about accepting help. But Jessica’s approach made all the difference.
“For me, it was the in-home aspect of the service,” Laura shared. “This allowed our grandson to have reactions to things in real time and get on-the-spot evaluation, not five days later at a standard therapy session.”
Jessica’s hands-on style and commitment to advocacy helped Laura and Jim better understand Mike’s behavior and how to support him.
“I learned a lot about managing my grandson’s behavior and how I could be more supportive,” Laura said. “I learned
how to help him process his emotions rather than try to manipulate him out of them.”
For Jim, the experience was equally transformative.
“Initially, I struggled to adapt to Mike’s behaviors and struggles,” Jim said. “He was not like any other child I’d interacted with before. Jessica helped me just as much as my grandson. What I realized is I needed help, too, and she coached me in a way that was necessary.”
Jim described the experience with a powerful metaphor: “It’s like when you’re on an airplane and they demonstrate putting on masks — they always tell you to put yours on first before you help someone else. I didn’t know how to put my own mask on to be able to help my grandson before this experience with Youth Villages.”
Jessica’s support extended beyond therapy sessions. She attended meetings at school, showed up at soccer games, and even sat with Mike in the classroom, building trust through consistent presence.
“When children have gone through traumatic experiences at the hands of an adult, it can make interactions with them very difficult,” Jessica explained. “It’s important to do things that engage them in different ways. I find it makes them a little more comfortable in opening up and trusting adults again.”
Mike now has the tools to express his emotions in a healthy way and continues to use what he learned in the Intercept program to advocate for himself. Laura and Jim are applying the lessons they learned to support Mike, and themselves, as they grow together as a family.
Stories like theirs remind us that when we show up for a young person, we must also show up for the family. Healing is a shared journey and with the right support, transformation is possible.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
ALLEN AND DEBBIE CAMPBELL INVEST IN HOPE AND IMPACT
DISCOVER HOW ONE COUPLE’S JOURNEY WITH YOUTH VILLAGES TURNED EMPATHY INTO MEANINGFUL IMPACT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE
How did you become involved with Youth Villages?
Allen: Our journey with Youth Villages began after hearing a radio ad produced by a local corporate supporter. Around the same time, we learned that extended family members were fostering a young boy who was about to “age out” of the system. That moment really struck a chord with us.
Debbie and I both felt it was deeply unfair to expect any 18-year-old — especially one coming out of foster care —to navigate adulthood alone and make life-shaping decisions without support. We believed there had to be a better way, and someone to help guide these young people toward a brighter future.
That’s when we discovered LifeSet, one of the programs Youth Villages offers to support young adults transitioning out of foster care. It resonated with us immediately, and we knew we wanted to get involved. I reached out to the Charlotte office and had a wonderful conversation with Erica Ellis. We shared our interest in learning more about the organization and discussed ways we could support Youth Villages — through contributions and beyond.
Why do you support Youth Villages with your philanthropic investment?
Allen: We’ve been inspired by the people behind Youth Villages — their commitment to the mission is genuine and deeply felt. We invest not only
Debbie and Allen Campbell turn compassion into action, supporting Youth Villages’ LifeSet™ program to help young adults aging out of foster care thrive with guidance and stability.
HOW
YOUTH VILLAGES
NORTH CAROLINA IS IMPACTING YOUTH
NO TROUBLE WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT 92% IN SCHOOL, GRADUATED OR EMPLOYED
Get inspired at one of our upcoming Soaring Higher breakfasts!
Our Soaring Higher breakfast is an opportunity for attendees to learn how Youth Villages is transforming the child welfare system in North Carolina. We are committed to radically improving the systems and services that support children, families and young adults facing the greatest challenges in North Carolina.
Our goal is to help young people heal and thrive, strengthen families and promote safer communities.
Youth Villages North Carolina served a total of 7,914 and families through our programs last fiscal year. 942 youth were served through our LifeSet program with the following outcomes at one-year post discharge:
Charlotte Breakfast MARCH 11, 2026
Myers Park Presbyterian Church
Triangle Breakfast APRIL 21, 2026
With a total philanthropic need of $10 million over the next three years, your support will help us transform lives and communities across North Carolina. Together, we can ensure every young person has the opportunity to thrive. BECOME A TABLE CAPTAIN!
Table captains play the most essential role in ensuring the success of our breakfasts. If you’re interested in hosting a table and reaching out to your personal community of friends, family and colleagues, ncgiving@youthvillages.org.
Thank You!
TO LAST YEAR’S AMAZING GROWING STRONGER BREAKFAST SPONSORS!
A HOLIDAY HERO
HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE
Make this holiday season unforgettable for young people by becoming a Youth Villages Holiday Hero! Spread joy and brighten the lives of local youth by helping fulfill their holiday wish lists with a cheerful donation. It can make a lasting difference, bringing light and hope to their world. Together, we can give them a holiday they’ll never forget.
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.
NORTH CAROLINA CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN
JAN. 1 – JUNE 30, 2025
INNOVATOR
$ 100,000+
Debbie and Allen Campbell
Hartman Family Foundation In memory of Elaine Hartman
VISIONARY
$ 50,000 to $ 99,999
Merancas Foundation
PILLAR
$ 25,000 to $ 49,999
United Way of the Greater Triangle
LEADER
$ 10,000 to $ 24,999
BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation
DNA Property Management LLC
Evergreen Foundation
Giving With Grace Foundation
Kevin Kiernan
Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation
Bet and Carter Pope
Vaya Health
PROTECTOR
$ 5,000 to $ 9,999
Mary and Steven Boehm
Sara and Brian Boehm
Chris Carlino
Mike Kavanagh
The Ministering Circle
Tracy and Doug Miskew
Parks Automotive Group
Lake Norman Chrysler
Dodge Jeep Ram
Caroline and Ross Pope
William Quinn
Lindsey and Steve Rook
Phil Rotella
Robin and Jack Salzman
United Bank-Charlotte
Sarah and Taylor Vaughn
BUILDER
$ 1,000 to $ 4,999
Keith Akers
Dixon Albritton
Leslie Apple
Jesica Averhart
Dema Badr
Joanne Badr
Megan Bailey and Todd Rowe
Whitney Balzar
Karl Beckstein
Deborah and Ralph Bradshaw
Susan Britt
Zach Britt
Kelly Brooks
Robbie Brooks
Elizabeth Buffkin
Ashley and David Burke
Jackie Burke
Lori Bush
Jack Butler
Christopher Carney
Erika and Robby Carney
Sue and Scott Carpenter
Nadine Cheek
Pia and Wyatt Chocklett
C. Square Development Co.
Lydia and Russell Cummings
Stacey and Bradley Curelop
Rachel and Adam Daigle
Chris Daum
José Diaz
Makenzie and Jake Dunaway
Betsy and Jim Edmonds
Erica and Steve Ellis
Sandi and Len Eskew
Leeann and Mark Garms
Jarrod Gibson
Monica Gilreath
Greystar Dev LLC
Brian Hadley
Catherin Hamlin
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Tricia and Donny Harrison
Ross Hartney
Kirstan Hattler
James Heilbron
Judy Hoffman
Natalie and David Homesley
John Horton
Julianne Howard
Elliot Howell
Nan Jackson
Amy and Dave Jacobs
Suzanne Jeska
Theresa Jurgensen and Chris Jackson
Carissa Kohn-Johnson
Kristy Kent
Kathryn Kissam
Hannah Kitt
Max Krumdiek
Rich Lavner
Sonya Leonard
Deborah Majewski
Erik Martensen
Midtown Property Law
Tia McLaurin
Deborah McManus
Lee McNeer
Posey and Mark Mealy
Tovah Mitchell
Mosaic Realty
Vivian Munson
Emily Nazarian
Eleanor and Charlie Owen
John Parker
Spencer Pierce
Ashley Pizzo
Bet and Carter Pope
Ashton and Steven Powell
Andy Price
William Quinn
Reese and Ian Rahilly
Kaila Ramser
Todd Reider
Dexter Richardson
Lee Robertson, Jr.
Prasit Shah
Ryan Shenoha
Phebe Shirley
Megan and Rob Shook
Christine and Perry Silver
Dawn and Marc Sinacori
Moira Smulien and Chris Marshall
Mary Tantillo
Russ Tedder
Sarah Thomas-Moore
Rich Tucker
April and Brian Vahey
Justin Van Tassel
Rebecca and Quentin Watkins
Gary Wolfe
Annie and Thomas Wolfe
Sara Wright
Matt Young
Leigh and David Young
Kimberly Zeitvogel
Donors who are bolded have committed to a three-year pledge as part of our Growing Stronger campaign and have become part of the Champions for Children Circle as of June 2025. Thank you for making a sustainable impact on our community!
NASCAR Champion Joey Logano fuels up hope and inspiration at lunch with our LifeSet young adults — a powerful pit stop on their journey to independence.
financially, but through our time volunteering – I have enjoyed working with the young adults in Financial Literacy classes and Debbie makes quilts for Youth Villages Scholars – a gesture that brings warmth and comfort in more ways than one. But we give financially because the organization doesn’t just talk about impact; it tracks it. You can see some of those outcomes in this newsletter, or I encourage you to reach out to the team and they will be willing to share more. Programs like LifeSet show measurable success in helping young people transition to adulthood with stability and support. That kind of results-driven compassion is exactly why we choose to invest.
What do you think sets Youth Villages apart in its work with children and families?
Allen: We believe in Youth Villages’ overriding goal of keeping families together and that children are best raised by their own families. They build programs around the child’s needs and the family situation to fit improving the family home.
Why should someone consider becoming involved with Youth Villages?
Allen: There are many people in our country who need a little help getting through life challenges. Youth Villages is an organization that is very effective in improving family situations and in helping youth move through their teens and into trade school, college and/or work environment to have a very good chance at success.
What is one story or moment that sticks with you about Youth Villages’ work with young people?
Allen: It’s hard to choose just one. We’ve been deeply moved by the Youth Villages Scholars who’ve shared their stories at Youth Villages events — how the organization stepped in when they needed someone most, and how they now carry themselves with confidence and hope. We’ve also heard from parents who found support during challenging times, receiving not just guidance but genuine care.
What would you say to encourage others to financially support Youth Villages?
Allen: Youth Villages combines powerful personal stories with strong data that proves its impact. But behind every success are dedicated people and programs that rely on financial support. When you hear how this organization changes lives, you’ll see just how aligned its mission is — and why it’s worth investing in.
Volunteer individually or with a group.
Contact Justin Franklin at justin.franklin@youthvillages.org
x.com/youthvillages
facebook.com/youthvillages
instagram.com/youthvillages
linkedin.com/company/youth-villages
youtube.com/youthvillages
THERE ARE NUMEROUS WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN YOUTH VILLAGES’ PROGRAMS.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR YEAR-END GIVING!
Making a gift to Youth Villages allows you to spread hope and joy to our families. Your year-end contribution will directly support the youth we serve in North Carolina! There are so many ways you can give this holiday season and beyond.
1. MONTHLY GIVING
Make your donation last the entire year by committing to a monthly gift online at youthvillages.org/donate (select North Carolina from the drop down). Become a Champion for Children with a gift of $ 84 per month!
2. 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 North Carolina 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.
3. GIVE A GIFT OF STOCK
Giving appreciated stock offers a smart way to support Youth Villages while potentially reducing the donor’s capital gains tax burden. Be strategic with your giving and make the most of your appreciated investments!
Youth Villages Fidelity
DTC Number: 0226
Account Number: Z73888583
Attn: For North Carolina
Monthly giving turns my support into a reliable foundation Youth Villages can count on, enabling them to plan, grow and thrive.
LEEANN GARMS
Our financial planner encouraged us to reduce our tax burden by donating money to some worthy charities through Qualified Charitable Distributions. The first year we did this, we noticed a significant change in the amount of taxes we had to pay, AND we had the satisfaction of being able to support organizations we knew were making a difference in the lives of many people. Talk about a WIN-WIN!
JUDY HOFFMAN
Have your stock advisor notify Erica Ellis about your gift at erica.ellis@youthvillages.org to ensure it directly supports NC youth.
4. DOUBLE YOUR GIFT THROUGH YOUR EMPLOYER
Make the most of your contributions to Youth Villages by leveraging your employer’s matching gift program!
5. RECOMMEND A GRANT FROM YOUR DONOR ADVISED FUND
When granting through your DAF, use this information: Tax ID: 62-1652079
Please advise Erica Ellis if you make a DAF gift to ensure it directly supports our North Carolina families.
Need instructions? Designating a gift?
A gift of appreciated stock to Youth Villages is truly a win-win. Youth Villages yields the full market value of the asset, while the donor can see a significant reduction in capital gains tax. The process is simple, the paper trail complete, and you’ll have no impact on cash position for your daily life.
STEVE ELLIS
Erica Ellis, Director of Development erica.ellis@youthvillages.org or 704-510-5601
IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO GET INVOLVED through volunteering individually or with a group, contact Justin Franklin at justin.franklin@youthvillages.org
YOUTH VILLAGES
8604 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 152
Charlotte, NC 28269
(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:
