Youth Villages | NC Newsletter | Fall 2021

FALL 2021

New

HEIGHTS FAMILY VICTORIES FROM YOUTH VILLAGES

LARGEST NC YVSCHOLARS CLASS WE’RE EXCITED TO WELCOME 17 NEW YOUNG PEOPLE TO THIS SPECIAL PROGRAM

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

• MY JOURNEY FROM FOSTER CARE TO SUCCESS • DONOR SPOTLIGHT: BOEHM FAMILY • YOUTH VILLAGES AWARDED GRANT FROM THE DUKE ENDOWMENT

UPDATE

FROM YOUTH VILLAGES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR This is my favorite time of year. Fall always has me thinking of kids going back to school, gathering with family and reflecting on all that I am grateful for.

As I look over the last fiscal year which ended in June, I am proud of Youth Villages North Carolina and all we were able to accomplish in growing our services. Last year we served over 5,200 youth and families through all the pandemic obstacles.

We also worked with the State of North Carolina to increase their public match of our LifeSet™ program. That is a true testament of the impact you are helping us make.

Your generosity and compassion improve the outcomes for kids and young adults and allows them to achieve the successful futures that they deserve. We are incredibly grateful for the difference you make in the lives of those we serve.

In this edition of New Heights, we highlight some of our amazing supporters, like you, along with showcasing Elina’s incredible story of reaching her dreams in our Scholars program. We are proud to announce that 17 young adults will join us as Scholars this year—our largest class to date!

NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE LOCATIONS Asheville Boone Charlotte Fayetteville Greensboro Greenville Louisburg Raleigh-Durham Waynesville Wilmington

STAY IN TOUCH ONLINE

Please continue to look for ways to make a difference this holiday season.

You can find out information about our Holiday Hero campaign or make your end of year donation at www.youthvillages.org/north-carolina.

twitter.com/youthvillages

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

instagram.com/youthvillages

Forever Grateful,

linkedin.com/company/ youth-villages

facebook.com/youthvillages

youtube.com/youthvillages

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.

YOUTHVILLAGES.ORG

2

© 2021 Youth Villages, Inc. All rights reserved.

MEET THE NEW YVSCHOLARS

NORTH CAROLINA WELCOMES 17 NEW YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE YVSCHOLARS PROGRAM TO GIVE THEM THE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT THEY NEED WHILE PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION. Youth Villages created YVScholars to support qualifying youth in our LifeSet program in achieving their educational, vocational, or technical skill goals.

These young people have exited the child welfare system without any support and face many challenges including the cost of post-secondary education. The goal of the program is to provide a path for these young people to graduate from higher education and vocational training programs.

More than 95 percent of young people who have

experienced foster care never even enter college and only about 3% of youth who age out of the foster care system ever graduate from a four-year university.

This program aims to improve these outcomes by providing support and assistance to ensure these young people have the resources they need to be successful.

Once accepted into the program, YVScholars commit to: • Participate in the program for a minimum of two years to successfully complete educational, vocational and service goals.

• Maintain at least part-time employment (15 hours per week) and submit a monthly budget.

• Enroll for a minimum of 12 credits each semester and maintain at least a passing C grade average during each grading period.

• Complete a total of 20 community service hours every six months YVScholars continues on page 8

3

THANK YOU BACKPACK HEROES SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE WHO DONATED A BACKPACK OR FINANCIALLY

4

YOU ARE ALL HEROES!

Become a Holiday Hero HOLIDAY DRIVE

Looking to make a difference this holiday season?

Help make the holiday joyful for the youth in the Youth Villages North Carolina programs by becoming a Holiday Hero today! Individual, group and corporate supporters all welcome.

Everyone can be a hero!

Erica Ellis, Director of Development erica.ellis@youthvillages.org | 704-510-5601

youthvillages.org/holidayheroes 5

When things get hard, many of us turn to the closest things to help us escape. I was lucky. School was a refuge from the violent turbulence I felt at home, and it was my most significant source of validation. It was the first and—for a long time—only place where I heard “good job, Elina,” or “well done!”

I knew what college was, but I never thought it was something I could achieve. When I got placed into foster care for a second time, college felt even further away for me. Until, a teacher at my new school encouraged me to apply and offered to write my recommendation letters.

MY JOURNEY FROM FOSTER CARE TO SUCCESS

By Elina Morrison, Youth Villages Advisory Council

In North Carolina, less than 3% of youth who age out of foster care will complete a four-year degree from a university.

Elina Morrison defied these odds in June 2021 when she graduated from the University of North Carolina – Asheville with dual bachelor’s degrees in English Literature and International Studies and double minors in Human Rights Studies and Economics. Last month, she began attending the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan on full scholarship.

6

I looked at going to college differently than my peers.

College was a place where I would have access to a bed, hot meals, and a health center within walking distance for four years. So I took the chance to apply and found myself at the University of North Carolina – Asheville.

At first, it was hard to find my groove. I was still stuck in a survival mindset. [But] soon, I caught fire, [not only] accomplishing my education goals, [but also holding] multiple leadership positions in organizations both on and off campus over four years.

I know my story is an exception, not the norm. I was put in the driver’s seat and given access to support when I needed it.

I had mental health care access to allow me to face the root trauma of my childhood. I found a core group of friends and mentors outside of the classroom. I worked with Youth Villages as a participant in the LifeSet program and as a YVScholar, where my team listened when I spoke, challenged me to grow and always shared new opportunities with me.

That I am choosing to pursue a career that is synonymous with service comes as no surprise. I can’t think of another demographic other than foster youth who sit so perfectly at the intersection of all other public policy issues that impact our livelihood —from transportation to food, from employment to education, from housing to health care, and everything in between.

I am grateful for everyone who has helped me along the way, and of course, I am proud of everything I have accomplished. But I am equally excited about the youth around me, who are carving out their paths from situations that seem impossible.

I see you. I celebrate you, and I cannot wait to see how we change the world together.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT What is one moment or story that sticks with you about Youth Villages?

I was at a North Carolina Youth Villages outreach event two years ago and a young woman shared the story of her life in and out of foster care. She broke down in tears midway through and her Youth Villages counselor jumped up without a moment of hesitation to comfort her. You could see the wave of peace come over her as this person hugged her— the only person in her life who has shown up for her time and time again. I will never forget that moment, watching them embrace. This young girl attends college now. Just 3% of youth from foster care will obtain a college degree.

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

The dedication the organization has for the families and children they serve is what sets them apart. They take a holistic approach, and their support does not stop once a few milestones are achieved. The counselors and case managers become family to people without one.

SARA BOEHM AND FAMILY Sara and Brian Boehm have become steadfast supporters of Youth Villages. Sara currently serves on the Charlotte Board and has helped on different event committees throughout the years. Brian and Sara love showcasing the importance of giving back to their children by getting them involved with our Backpack and Holiday Hero campaigns.

Why does your family support Youth Villages with a philanthropic investment?

We give to Youth Villages because we believe in the mission.

The data and results speak for themselves. When there is infrastructure in place to lift our children up, our community thrives, and our nation becomes stronger. But more importantly, lives are changed daily because of the work being done by people who are passionate about our most vulnerable population.

What would you say to encourage others to financially support Youth Villages?

Donating to Youth Villages North Carolina is easy. You can send a check, donate online, make a gift from your Donor Advised Fund or donate stock. Last year, we donated by stock and it was super simple. No matter how you decide to donate you will know that your gift is making a true impact.

7

YVScholars continued

Currently, Youth Villages has 135 scholars across the country and more than 37 of these scholars are enrolled right here in North Carolina schools.

Donations to the program ensure that every scholar has 24/7 access to a counselor; educational resources, such as technology devices and school supplies; and guidance in learning the life skills needed to succeed as an adult. If you are interested in learning more about supporting the YVScholars program in North Carolina, contact Erica Ellis, erica.ellis@youthvillages.org.

Congratulations to all our YVScholars.

We wish them an exciting year at college!

Riddle – UNC Asheville Tiara – Wake Tech CC Estephanie – Caldwell Voc. CC Breanna – UNC Pembroke Makayla – Less-McRae Makyaha – Costal Carolina CC Dylan – East Carolina Elliot – AB Tech Myracle – Wayne CC

8

Emil – Fayetteville State Alexis – UNC Charlotte Brianna – Fayetteville State Kaile – Winston Salem State Jennifer – NC A&T Laniya – Alexandria Ryder Shamora – Winston Salem State Tiffany Barret – Haywood CC

LIFESET PROGRAM SUCCESS ONE YEAR AFTER DISCHARGE

796

TOTAL YOUTH SERVED LAST YEAR

AT HOME

NO TROUBLE

IN SCHOOL

WITH FAMILY

WITH THE LAW

OR GRADUATED

94%

95%

88%

INCREASE IN STATE MATCH: 4:1 FOR EVERY DOLLAR RAISED FOR LIFESET THROUGH PRIVATE DONATIONS, THE STATE WILL MATCH IT WITH AN ADDITIONAL FOUR DOLLARS.

ERICA ELLIS NORTH CAROLINA DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT WITH MORE THAN A DOZEN YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN FUNDRAISING, ERICA ELLIS JOINED YOUTH VILLAGES AS THE NORTH CAROLINA DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR THIS PAST MAY.

What attracted you to Youth Villages?

If you looked at my career you would see that my passion lies with helping children in need whether that was a need to be protected, a need to be found, a need for better health, or a need for support. Ultimately, though, all of them have needed hope. I believe that every child should be able to dream and hope for a brighter future, and Youth Villages gives that to struggling children and those aging out of our public systems.

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

Youth Villages is way ahead of the industry curve when it comes to putting analytics behind the mission. When they expanded into North Carolina in 2005, they brought with them their research and evidence-based services. These programs have earned them the trust of the State of North Carolina, which now offers a 4:1 match for gifts to the LifeSet program, which helps young adults aging out of foster care and other public systems. That is the kind of innovation that will truly change lives!

Not all of us are parents, but all of us have been a child and a teenager. Think about who was there for you when you were in trouble or having a rough time. Many of the kids we serve are alone and have no natural supports like family.

Youth Villages provides that support system: a collective of staff, community members, public officials, and donors.

I can’t wait to be a part of growing this collective support system, because together we can give these kids hope and the ability to dream of a brighter future.

What are you passionate about outside of your work? Will you get to engage in this passion over the next year?

I believe in family and the power of family. I grew up with all my extended family right down the road, and the furthest was only a few hours away. I want my four children (5, 6, 21 and 22) to know their entire family and have those meaningful connections. After the hard two years we all have had, I am eager to travel to Michigan and Pennsylvania to visit with all our family members we haven’t seen in over a year. There will be no better vacation! Oh, and seeing the Michigan lakes will be an extra bonus.

What are you most excited about in taking on this role?

What am I not excited about?! I love getting back to the mission and I love being able to share with donors the ways they are helping change the lives of these children.

9

YOUTH VILLAGES AWARDED GRANT FROM THE DUKE ENDOWMENT YOUTH VILLAGES AND THE DUKE ENDOWMENT COME TOGETHER FOR A THIRD TIME TO BE A FORCE FOR FAMILIES In the state of North Carolina, more than 15,000 young people are currently in the foster care system and/or state custody. Today, many of these youth who age out of foster care are faced with some harsh realities: one in four eventually becomes homeless, and half will find themselves unemployed or involved in the criminal justice system. Moreover, there has been an increase in the number of youth entering state custody during the last six years (+6.2%) with expectations for that trend to continue.

By working closely with the Department of Social Services and other service providers, the Intercept® program can help strengthen these families and ensure better longterm outcomes.

“We have worked with The Duke Endowment two other times to grow additional programs in North Carolina, and we are honored to work with them in expanding our Intercept program,” states Youth Villages North

10

Carolina’s Executive Director Paul Enderson. The three-year partnership will expand Youth Villages’ Intercept program into Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Davidson, Chatham, Forsyth and Rockingham counties. Last year, Youth Villages served over 500 youth and families in the Intercept program in North Carolina, and it is predicted that this partnership will help double the reach.

Intercept is appropriate for families with children of all ages who have emotional and/or behavioral problems, have experienced abuse or neglect, or are at risk of entering

“We are proud to help Youth Villages give more families access to this effective evidence-based therapy model.”

Phil Redmond, Jr. Director of The Duke Endowment’s Child and Family Well-Being program foster care or other out-of-home placements. Intercept can change a family’s trajectory with intensive support, a focus on building parenting and communication skills, and evidence- and strengths-based mental health intervention services. The ultimate goal is to keep families together, increasing the child’s chances for long-term success.

To learn more about Youth Villages’ Intercept program go to youthvillages.org/intercept.

NORTH CAROLINA DONORS JANUARY 1 TO JUNE 30, 2021

INNOVATOR $

50,000 to $99,999 The Duke Endowment

MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE YEAR-END GIFT TO HELP THE YOUTH WE SERVE 1 GIVE A ONE- TIME OR MONTHLY GIFT ONLINE YOUTHVILLAGES.ORG/DONATE Select North Carolina under the “Donate To” drop down

2 SEND A CHECK IN THE ENVELOPE INCLUDED OR MAIL TO: Youth Villages North Carolina Attn: Erica Ellis, Director of Development 8604 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 152, Charlotte, NC 28269

VISIONARY

$

50,000 to $99,999

The Joey Logano Foundation

$

PILLAR

3 RECOMMEND A GRANT FROM YOUR DONOR-ADVISED FUND THROUGH YOUR FUND ADMINISTRATOR!

25,000 to $49,999

When granting through your DAF, use this information:

Kim Covington | Foundation for the Carolinas Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation

LEADER

10,000 to $24,999

$

Tax ID: 62-1652079 Mailing address: Youth Villages | Attn: North Carolina 3320 Brother Boulevard | Memphis, TN 38133

4

Youth Villages | Fidelity DTC Number: 0226

Merancas Foundation | Pacific Western Bank

Account Number: Z7388858 | Attn: For North Carolina

PROTECTOR 5,000 to 9,999

$

GIVE A GIFT OF STOCK

Have your stock advisor notify Erica Ellis about your gift.

$

The Mansfield Family | Truist Bank

BUILDER

1,000 to $4,999

$

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina [matching gift program] Cardinal Innovations Healthcare | Laura Crago Drake Enterprise, Ltd. | Betty Forrest | Kristy Kent Stephanie and Paul McDonald | PMC Commercial Interiors

FRIEND 500 to $999

$

Hobart Cheyne | Samuel Jordan | Will Miller

5

FROM YOUR IRA If you are 70 ½ or older, you can give any amount (up to a maximum of $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 $100,000 or less are eligible for this benefit and you can feel good knowing that 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.

Need instructions? Designating a gift?

Erica Ellis, Director of Development erica.ellis@youthvillages.org | 704-510-5601

11

YOUTH VILLAGES

NONPROFIT ORG

8604 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 152 Charlotte, NC 28269

U.S. POSTAGE PERMIT 1324

(Address Service Requested)

YOUTH VILLAGES

Youth Villages is a private nonprofit that serves more than 32,000 children and their families each year from offices in the following cities: Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, Mobile Arkansas: Jonesboro, Searcy, West Memphis Florida: Lakeland Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville Indiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Evansville, Indianapolis, Jasper, Jeffersonville, Madison Louisiana: Metairie Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville Massachusetts: Boston, Marlborough, West 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: 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 Prefer not to receive a printed newsletter? Email cynthia.vanelli@youthvillages.org or call 901-251-5000.

To also receive a digital copy of our newsletters and join our email list, sign up at youthvillages.org/stay-informed.