FAMILY VICTORIES FROM YOUTH VILLAGES
YOUTH VILLAGES’ FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM
EMPOWERS YOUNG PEOPLE
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
• FROM ADVOCACY TO ACTION
• A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM SPECIALIST
• DONOR SPOTLIGHT: SCOTT LEARN
UPDATE
FROM YOUTH VILLAGES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Over the past fiscal year — from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025 — we’ve served an incredible 863 youth and families through our intensive community-based programs. We’re proud to have reached this record number and recently celebrated one of our best years ever at our fourth Annual Fall Celebration on Sept. 25.
But there is so much more to be done.
The youth, families and young people we work with are navigating many challenges on their path to success. Our staff meet them with respect and empathy, using a clinical model built on decades of research, evidence and collaboration to support long-term solutions. This is the story of Marlia, our keynote speaker at our Fall Celebration.
Marlia is determined to end the generational trauma in her family and set herself and her daughter up for a successful future. She also wanted to connect to moms with a similar background in foster care to build a network of support. According to the National Foster Youth Institute, seven out of 10 girls who age out of care will become pregnant by their 21st birthday. Growing up in foster care can be isolating. Parenting while exiting out of foster care can be downright lonely.
You can watch the video of Marlia’s journey by scanning the QR code above.
For much of the last year, you heard me mention efforts to strengthen the quality of, and improve access to, services for young adults like Marlia. We share an update on those efforts later in this newsletter. You’ll also learn about “a day in the life” of one our staff, Noah, who works directly with the youth we serve.
I want to thank you for your help on so many levels, but most importantly, for contacting your legislators to ask them to prioritize this incredible population. Thank you for giving to Youth Villages, so we can expand our reach and continue high-quality services without disruption. We have much to celebrate, and I hope you will continue to invest in Youth Villages and those we serve.
Andrew Grover
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OREGON andrew.grover@youthvillages.org
503-675-2232
OREGON ADVISORY BOARD
David Durocher, Chair
Elijah Pahl, Outgoing Chair
MJ Dunne
Jenn Fortmann
Sister Guadalupe Guajardo
Joan Horstkotte
Amber Kelly
Scott Learn
Jodie Oltmans
Pat Ritz
Colby Schlicker
Pete Stofle
Charlie Swindells
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.
How are we doing?
We’d love to hear feedback from you, so we can continue to improve and give you content you enjoy.
Use this QR code to complete our survey.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF NOAH GERBER
MEETING YOUNG ADULTS WHERE THEY ARE
It’s 7:45 a.m. in Portland, Oregon, and Noah Gerber is already on the move. As an Independent Living Program specialist with Youth Villages, his office is wherever the young people he works with are — coffee shops, apartments, schools or the occasional football field. The specialists who support young adults with foster care experience demonstrate remarkable flexibility, a deeply personal commitment, and a tireless drive to meet the evolving needs of the youth and families we serve.
Morning: Starbucks with Elijah. Noah’s first stop is Starbucks, where he meets Elijah, a high school senior balancing football practice, mock trial and dreams of attending the University of Oregon. Their monthly meetings are tailored to Elijah’s packed schedule, often squeezed in before school starts.
“Elijah’s one of the few I meet this early,” Gerber said. “He’s got a lot going on, and we want to make sure his goals stay front and center.”
They talk about school workload, college credit classes and financial aid. Elijah recently got his license and saved money for a car with help from his uncle. He expects to pick it up next weekend.
“He’s driven,” Gerber said. “He’s already thinking about life after graduation, including what major and career he wants to pursue. I just help him map it out.”
Midday: Supervisor meeting and ILP case discussion. Later, Noah joins an in-person meeting with his supervisors
and colleagues back at the office. These regular check-ins give specialists a chance to receive guidance, talk through challenges and get hands-on support from leadership.
In today’s meeting, another specialist shares a difficult case. The young person she works with is struggling emotionally and financially, affecting her living circumstances. She recently left a late-night job because of safety concerns and lack of support.
She’s overwhelmed by the process of applying for food stamps, missed a key appointment due to illness and now must start over in finding another job so she can keep her benefits.
The team discusses whether to pursue another subsidy exception or explore a move to an emergency shelter. It’s a tough call, and the conversation underscores the complexity of helping young people meet basic needs while working toward long-term goals.
“These meetings are about making sure none of us feels alone in the work,” Gerber said. “It’s about having a team behind you when you’re navigating tough situations.”
Afternoon: Apartment visit with Brayden. Noah’s final visit of the day is with Brayden, who greets him at the door with his dog, wagging its tail excitedly. Brayden is preparing
Ridealong continues on page 11
Elijah, a high school senior, meets with Noah before school to stay on track toward his goal of attending the University of Oregon.
FROM ADVOCACY TO ACTION
Funding win for emerging adults
Because of your support, Youth Villages Oregon has turned advocacy into meaningful, measurable change for youth aging out of foster care.
This year, we championed Senate Bill 911, which would have created a fair, consistent funding model for Independent Living Program (ILP) providers and required the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) to conduct regular cost evaluations of the program.
While SB911 ultimately stalled in Ways and Means, it helped draw needed attention and led to a $2.5 million statewide investment in young people aging out of foster care.
This funding represents a strong outcome given the expected state budget headwind.
This is a win we achieved together. Your generosity amplified voices of young people and educated lawmakers. It led to a funding increase for services that will benefit young adults across the state.
Thank you for standing with us to ensure every young person has the support they need to thrive.
Your voice matters!
Use this QR code to find your local legislators and encourage them to prioritize young people aging out of foster care.
Brayden Boyce is a current Independent Living Program participant.
Natalie, a Youth Villages Scholar, testified at legislative hearings to support SB911.
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.
FINDING HER THREAD
NICKY GAINS INDEPENDENCE AND FINANCIAL STABILITY
Many young people who experienced foster care often lack basic financial literacy skills. Youth Villages’ financial literacy program empowers young adults to make confident decisions and build stability through learning skills such as budgeting, opening bank accounts or filing taxes.
For Nicky, it inspired her to jump start her business into a fulltime career. But as we often see among those who aged out of state custody, the climb to adulthood has been challenging.
Nicky entered foster care at 3 years old, alongside her brother. After a few years of separation, the siblings were adopted. However, when she was 15, the adoption was disrupted, and Nicky re-entered the foster care system alone. The years that
followed weren’t easy. “My foster care experience was challenging,” she said.
Nicky first learned about Youth Villages through a peer participating in the Independent Living Program (ILP), where young people receive support through their transition into adulthood. While she connected briefly with the program as a teenager, the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays. It wasn’t until she turned 18 that Nicky truly began receiving services. Since then, she’s worked with several specialists — each playing a role in her growth — and is now with Noah Gerber, who is her current ILP specialist.
Nicky, a Youth Villages Independent Living Program participant.
Together, Nicky and Noah have focused on building the skills and confidence she needs to live independently, filling her toolbox with resources to navigate life on her own.
“Nicky is doing incredibly well and has put in a lot of hard work over the past few years,” Noah said. “She’s set up a dedicated space in her apartment for her business, purchased her own car and is actively saving money for her future.”
Nicky’s goals were clear from the beginning: return to college and grow her small business.
Today, she’s doing both. Nicky is studying part time at Portland Community College and pursuing a degree in business design. Meanwhile, she runs a vintage textile business she started from scratch. It began with a single custom piece she created for a friend and quickly gained traction online.
“People started buying right away,” Nicky said. “It’s just been a continuous cycle since then. "Her business focuses on upcycling vintage fabrics and curating secondhand fashion to combine sustainability with style. The skill set isn’t new; she got her first sewing machine when she was 8. Eventually, that early hobby turned into a passion and now, a source of income.
“I wasn’t into [sewing] at first,” she laughs. “I was a moody teenager.”
After three years in Youth Villages’ financial literacy program, Nicky has learned how to treat her business like a business. She opened a dedicated bank account, learned how to track expenses, filed her taxes independently and doubled her savings account.
“It’s been really helpful,” Nicky said. “Every year, I pick up new things from the different instructors.”
Nicky now has her sights set on transferring to a fouryear university and reaching a point where her business income can fully support her. “I want to get to a place where I don’t have to rely on tax returns or outside help,” she said.
Though her foster care experience wasn’t easy, Nicky says ILP has been a consistent source of support.
“It’s different than having someone hovering over you telling you what to do,” she said. “With Noah, I can try new things, fail and then figure them out. He’s a mentor, not just my specialist.”
Alongside Dolly and Banana, her two cats, Nicky is building a life entirely on her own — one stitch, one class and one sale at a time.
Lived experience expert Marlia speaking at our 2025 Fall Celebration gala.
AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION
More than 230 supporters joined us at our Fall Celebration, raising crucial funds for youth aging out of foster care in Oregon.
Together, we raised more than $225,000 for Youth Villages programs serving these young adults. We are immensely grateful to our community of supporters who made this evening a success.
Thank you to our sponsors!
LEADER SPONSOR The Standard, Ritz Family Foundation
PROTECTOR SPONSOR OnPoint Community Credit Union, NW Natural
BUILDER SPONSOR iQ Credit Union, Kaiser Permanente, ZoomInfo
MEDIA SPONSOR FOX 12 Oregon
RAFFLE SPONSOR Alaska Airlines
BEVERAGE SPONSOR Winderlea
DESSERT SPONSOR Fifty Licks
TABLE SPONSOR Nick Ball/Blake Howell, Boly:Welch, Brittani Pomeroy/Brown & Brown NW, CFM
Advocates, Terry & David Durocher, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Jim Mitchell & Elise Legère, JPMorganChase, Maps Community Foundation, Multifamily NW, Marcus and Samantha Santangelo
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.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
FROM AUDITOR TO ADVOCATE
SCOTT LEARN GIVES BACK
How did you become involved?
As a former reporter and state performance auditor, I saw firsthand the substantial gaps in the child welfare and foster care systems. I also learned about organizations working to fill the most crucial gaps. My wife, Teresa, and I began as a donors. I later volunteered, which was easy and interesting, and recently joined the board.
What sets Youth Villages apart in its work with children and families?
The leadership and staff are so dedicated to providing effective services. Through Intercept, a Youth Villages program, staff work directly with families to help keep children safely at home — a crucial approach,
as removing youth from their families often leads to poor outcomes and the trauma of removal. Youth Villages also supports young people aging out of foster care as they enter adulthood. Staff walk alongside them through many challenges such as securing housing, paying rent, continuing their education, navigating court cases and, for some, managing pregnancy and parenting. After seeing a recent staff case review, I can testify the support is highly targeted and intensive.
Why do you support Youth Villages with your philanthropic investment?
As an Oregon resident and former performance auditor, I value that Youth Villages tracks outcomes and
demonstrates strong results. The nonprofit also uses client feedback to improve services and support staff through tested protocols, which are two keys to its success. That commitment to continuous improvement gives me confidence that my donation is making a difference.
What would you say to encourage others to financially support Youth Villages?
This is a tangible way you can support people facing serious challenges with services that truly really work.
JAN. 1–JUNE 30, 2025
OREGON CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN INNOVATOR
$100,000+
The Heatherington Foundation for Innovation & Education in Health Care, Inc
Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund
VISIONARY
$50,000 to $99,999
Marie & Dennis Gilliam Charitable Fund
PILLAR
$25,000 to $49,999
The Cousens Trust
The Healy Foundation
LEADER
$10,000 to $24,999
Clark Foundation
Karen J. Fishel Fund of Oregon Community Foundation
Byron & Cynthia Grant
Nancy Horstkotte Memorial Fund of Oregon Community Foundation
Nike Community Impact Fund of Oregon Community Foundation
OnPoint Community Credit Union
Pat & Trudy Ritz - Ritz Family Foundation
Darci & Charlie Swindells
PROTECTOR
$5,000 to $9,999
First Tech Federal Credit Union
Hoover Family Foundation
NW Natural
Oregon Community Foundation
Elva Tokarski
Ron & Tammy Witcosky
BUILDER
$1,000 to $4,999
Christopher Andersen
Mary Lang Bishop
Boly:Welch
Terry & David Durocher
Ivan Gold & Grace Serbu
Marlow & Denice Hornberger
Brad Kastner & Darby Ellison
Mary Lago
Scott & Teresa Learn
Liberty High School - Community 101 Fund of Oregon Community Foundation
Anita & Gerald Lindsay
Gary Maffei
David & Dolorosa Margulis
MAS Family Charitable Foundation
Mal & Janeen McAninch
Jeff Mengis
Gary and Kary Myers Fund of Oregon Community Foundation
Jon & Lesli Owens
Steve Reinisch
Peter Richter
Stoll Family Fund: Robert and Barre Stoll
Suzanne Lang Younge Community Fund of Oregon Community Foundation
TE Connectivity
Johanna Thoeresz
MONTHLY CHAMPIONS
Erika Aboites
Alliance Counseling Center
Andrea Barney
Susan Boman
Sarah Cantor
Tyree Cooper
Robert Dettmer
MJ Dunne
Kathleen Faherty
Jonathan Faloon
Jake Fisher
Jennifer Fortmann
Ian Galloway
Harold Goldstein
Robert Hankins
Robin van der Hoest
Alex Hutchinson
Devin Johnson
Aimee Keeney
Luke Lesh
Lou Junior Mariette
Mary Neal
Allison O’Reilly
Rachel Parrott
Janice Phillips
Fred Roach
Charlene Rogers
Gina Silva
Kelle Summerfield
Beth Wilhelm
Brayden’s getting ready for community college this winter. He’s working with Noah to register for classes, apply for aid and get set for a strong start.
to start classes at community college in the upcoming winter term, and today’s session is focused on getting him registered, applying for grants and budgeting for school.
“We’re working on getting him a computer,” Gerber said. “He’s applied for FAFSA, but he needs more hands-on help with registration and connecting with school counselors.”
Brayden’s interests are wide-ranging: creative writing, philosophy and alternative medicine. Noah helps him explore course options and funding opportunities, while also reviewing his monthly budget for fuel, bills and other essentials.
“It’s about building a foundation,” Gerber said. “Brayden’s ready to take the next step, and I’m here to help him do it with confidence.”
From early morning sessions to emotionally complex case planning to hands-on academic support, no two days are the same.
“Every young person has a different story,” he said. “My job is to listen, adapt and walk alongside them, wherever they are and wherever they’re going.”
Ways to donate using a QCD or IRA
FACTS ABOUT QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION
• You must be 70½ or older to make a QCD.
• QCDs can only be made from traditional or Roth IRAs, not 401(k)s or other qualified retirement plans.
• You can give any amount up to $108,000 this year. (Those still contributing to an IRA will need to reduce any QCD by the contributed amount. The maximum QCD amount will be indexed for inflation in future years.)
• Transfers can be made only to public charities, not donor-advised funds or private foundations.
• QCDs can count toward any required minimum distributions (RMDs) for the year. This year, RMDs begin at age 73.
• Although no charitable deduction is allowed, you can reduce taxable distributions from the IRA by making the QCD, resulting in tax savings.
If you are thinking of making a gift to Youth Villages from your IRA, please let us know so we may provide the proper receipt and express our sincere thanks. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
• Distributions must be made from the IRA custodian or trustee directly to charity. Otherwise, income taxes are owed if the distribution is made to the IRA owner, who then makes a gift to charity. (Note: If you have an IRA checkbook, you may use it to make your QCD, but you cannot endorse a check from your IRA administrator to charity as a QCD.)
Visit youthvillages.org/plannedgiving or email shauna.lugar@youthvillages.org for more information about making a QCD.
YOUTH VILLAGES OREGON
5331 S. Macadam Ave., Ste. 287
Portland, OR 97239
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.
Heights Oregon is published by Youth Villages