Youth Villages | NC Newsletter | Spring 2023

SPRING 2023

New HEIGHTS

PART OF THE CREW

JEREMY GETS THE CHANCE OF A LIFETIME TO MEET HIS FAVORITE DRIVER

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

• GROWING STRONGER TOGETHER: 20 YEARS OF IMPACT

• ANDREIA FINDS NEW MINDSET THROUGH LIFESET ™

• DONOR SPOTLIGHT: SARAH & TAYLOR VAUGHN

FROM YOUTH VILLAGES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Spring is here! And, with every spring, we see new growth happening all around us. That growth always brings a renewed sense of hope and inspiration.

We, too, are excited here in North Carolina to continue to watch things grow. In 2005, Youth Villages responded to North Carolina’s efforts to reform mental health care, and since then has worked tirelessly to become a leader in children’s mental and behavioral health within our state. We grew from offering one in-home treatment program in 2005 to providing an array of services today using proven treatment models that strengthen the child’s family and support systems dramatically to improve their long-term success.

Now, as we approach our 20th anniversary in 2025, we know Youth Villages can help improve the lives of youth who face challenging circumstances. Youth Villages addresses an immediate social, economic and moral imperative, while also representing a striking opportunity for tremendous social impact and philanthropic investment.

That is why we are excited to announce the launch of our two-year campaign, Growing Stronger. Over the next two years, we will focus on increasing our community support in order to sustain what we have created over the last 18 years through tremendous partnerships, while also continuing to find innovative ways to change lives.

We hope you will join us in Growing Stronger because, by growing stronger families, we can break generational cycles of trauma and ultimately make our communities stronger in North Carolina for everyone.

NORTH CAROLINA ADVISORY BOARD

Taylor Vaughn, Board Chair

Sarah Bell

Sarah Boehm

Bradley Curelop

Erika Carney

Price Litton

Robert Mansfield

Kelly McKinnon

Ross Pope

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

GROWING STRONGER TOGETHER: 20 YEARS OF IMPACT

ANNOUNCING THE LAUNCH OF A TWO-YEAR CAMPAIGN IN NORTH CAROLINA!

It is a very exciting time for North Carolina because, in 2025, we will celebrate 20 years of service across the state. There is no denying the last few years have brought a multitude of challenges, but we held strong to persevere for the youth and families we serve. Each year, we serve thousands of children, families and young adults through our programs to help every one of them live successfully, no matter their circumstances. However, there is still much more work to be done.

More than 16,000 children languish in North Carolina’s foster care system each year, and thousands more who suffer from severe mental and behavioral health issues are on the verge of being displaced from their homes. Countless organizations, state agencies and child

advocates have fought to improve the system, and still our children who are most vulnerable and at risk continue to have inadequate care. The most at-risk youth will turn 18 and quickly find themselves discarded, living alone without the support, resources or guidance from a stable family or network of caring adults in their lives.

We are a state that has a rich history of innovation, and Youth Villages offers an advanced approach to transforming the child welfare system. Our incredible data and outcomes have gained the support of national and local leaders like Blue Meridian Partners, The Duke Endowment, Phillips Foundation, The Joey Logano Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. All these partners provided us with the seed money needed to grow at a rapid rate and prove our impact in North Carolina over the last 18 years.

As we look to our future, we know that we must broaden our community support in order to sustain what we have created and continue to find innovative ways to change lives. A village is not created with a few changemakers, it is a collective community that comes together. By growing stronger families, we can break generational cycles of trauma and ultimately make our communities stronger in North Carolina for everyone.

The red kite has long stood as a symbol for Youth Villages.

Fun fact: Ripstop is the process that weaves smaller fibers with larger fibers creating a stronger fabric that reinforces a kite, allowing it to fly higher.

ANDREIA FINDS NEW MINDSET THROUGH LIFESET

Andreia had rough beginnings. Her mother had a substance abuse problem and went to jail, sending Andreia and her older siblings to kinship care. One after another her siblings left home.

Andreia felt alone and a little abandoned. After her aunt died, she entered foster care at 17.

“When I was moving from 17 to 18 years old, everyone around me expected me to be more mature and step into adulthood,” she said. “How can you do that when you don’t have the tools, the understanding and no one is showing you the way or how to do it.”

Her frustration grew as she tried job hunting. She had no example to follow and was reluctant to ask for help.

“I started skipping school. It seemed like everything faded, and life got blurry. It was a dark time,” she said.

LifeSet was offered as an option for Andreia, and she accepted. “It started out as just another program for me,” Andreia said. “When in foster care, you don’t get your hopes up for anything. For me, LifeSet was ‘I’ll believe it when I see it.’”

For Andreia, LifeSet quickly proved its worth. “When I first started LifeSet, it wasn’t about what they said they could help me with, it was more of me getting away from the lifestyle I was living. LifeSet was a different atmosphere, and that drew me in,” Andreia said.

LifeSet helped Andreia remain on track to graduate high school, which she did in 2018. She secured housing and a job to support herself.

“My LifeSet specialist had my best interest at heart,” Andreia said. “That led me to start doing things differently and start thinking differently.”

Andreia was discharged from LifeSet a few months after graduation. Now, Andreia works in the nonprofit sector helping youth get connected with the LifeSet program in one of Youth Villages partnering states.

“It’s inspiring to be in this atmosphere,” said Andreia. “I work on getting young people engaged and letting them know what we offer. I get to advertise and advocate about how great the program has been for me.”

She credits her change to LifeSet.

“LifeSet was an outlet for me from being constantly in survival mode,” Andreia said. “They allowed me to share personal obstacles that hindered me. LifeSet is a great program that has genuine people.”

SARAH AND TAYLOR VAUGHN

Why do you support Youth Villages?

We are both fortunate to have come from close, strong, loving families that provided and continue to provide us with the support to pursue what we want out of life. As we’ve gotten older, we’ve come to realize that kind of love and support is what everyone wants, especially folks who don’t feel that they have that in their lives. Youth Villages—the staff, the counselors and volunteers—work daily to fill that void for kids, and the outcomes they achieve speak for themselves. When we were introduced to the organization in 2020, we knew immediately that we had found a cause we wanted to dedicate our time and resources to helping.

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

The first thing is focusing on the family unit versus just the individual child. In our experience, family and friends form the foundation for individuals to grow and thrive. Without a strong foundation and the tools to keep that foundation sound, no amount of effort or resources will be adequate. The second piece is the continuation of care. Humans aren’t done learning, growing or needing support at 18 years old. Unfortunately, the foster care system fails to address that fact. We think it is special that Youth Villages recognizes that reality and continues to provide youth with resources when they age out.

In your opinion, what makes Youth Villages’ mission unique?

The data. Youth Villages is one of the only nonprofits we’ve encountered that meaningfully tracks and quantifies both their actions and outcomes. The numbers speak for themselves. More importantly, we know that behind each number is a kid that is truly grateful for Youth Villages’ love and support.

What is one story or moment that sticks with you about Youth Villages’ work?

We keep flashing back to graduation time last spring. Youth Villages had more than 80 kids from its programs in North Carolina that graduated from high school and were heading off to college. We remember how nervous we were starting college. We were worried about getting the right shower caddy, laundry basket and all the other simple but anxietyinducing moments of preparing to go out into the world on our own for the first time. The thought of navigating that time in our lives without guidance or resources really tears at our heart strings. We’re super thankful that Youth Villages and the staff can help fill that void for some of the kids that they serve.

Why should someone consider becoming more involved with Youth Villages?

Youth Villages consistently takes on the challenge of serving the most at-risk youth in our communities—kids that were either never given a chance or need a second one. If you think that every kid deserves the chance to succeed in life, which we think most people inherently believe, then getting involved with Youth Villages is a no-brainer.

PART OF THE CREW

In the small town of Nebo, North Carolina, a young boy with a dark past and a passion for mechanics and cars had a lifechanging NASCAR experience thanks to Youth Villages and the Joey Logano Foundation.

Jeremy, 12, has been a NASCAR fan and auto enthusiast for as long as he can remember. His grandfather, Sam, has had an uphill battle to provide a stable environment for his grandson. Those years of challenges, however, faded for a moment they’ll never forget, as Jeremy became a JL Kids Crew member and received the NASCAR experience most racing fans never get to experience.

Jeremy’s early life was full of neglect and abuse due to his parents’ battle with addiction. Due to trauma, Jeremy spent time in-and-out of residential psychiatric facilities and therapeutic placements. Jeremy and his grandfather fought hard to overcome the behavioral health challenges associated with that trauma.

Now, Jeremy is living with Sam, but recently lost his grandmother to COVID-19. After this loss, Sam also suffered a stroke that left him partially blind and with physical challenges, leaving him unable to work. Nothing stopped Sam from striving to keep his grandson home.

After Jeremy started living with Sam full time, Youth Villages’ Family Support Partners stepped in. Family Support Partners go into underserved populations, providing support to families and helping them navigate many different systems. In

April of 2021, they met support partner Catherine, who has advocated and supported the two ever since.

It was then that Youth Villages learned of the passion Jeremy has for NASCAR and Joey Logano. Most impressively, Jeremy is extremely knowledgeable about NASCAR and its drivers. It was fitting to advocate for Jeremy to be a part of his favorite driver’s JL Kids Crew program when the opportunity presented itself.

The Joey Logano Foundation selected Jeremy for a special experience at the Bass Pro Shop Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway in September 2022. Catherine, along with the Joey Logano Foundation, worked tirelessly with Jeremy and Sam to make this day happen. The Joey Logano Foundation hooked Jeremy up with special souvenirs, including a custom-fitted fire suit to wear on the day of the race.

Jeremy and his grandfather were so excited for the special day they showed up several hours early. Jeremy said, “getting to meet Joey is what had me going.”

Jeremy’s day with Joey was jam-packed, with exploring the Speedway, walking out on stage with Joey when he was announced for the race, meeting crew members and watching the race from a suite.

“One of my favorite memories with Jeremy was going to the Driver’s Meeting together, where he was able to meet almost all my competitors and then we both walked out together on the

main stage for the Driver Introductions in front of 100,000 race fans,” said Joey Logano, twotime NASCAR Champion. “Jeremy had such a great positive, contagious attitude and I’m so glad he, and his grandfather Sam were able to come to Bristol.”

Catherine says all these efforts were worth it for just one simple reward: “Just to see the smile on Jeremy’s face was everything!”

Now, Jeremy says his dream to become a NASCAR mechanic is even stronger. He collects Hot Wheels and paints them like his favorite race cars, but number 22 will hold a special place in his heart.

“It’s always enjoyable to spend time with new JL Kids Crew members and watch them soak in such a special day,” said Michael Fawley, Marketing Manager of the Joey Logano Foundation. “The JL Kids Crew is a forever club and on behalf of the Joey Logano Foundation, it was an honor to welcome Jeremy into the group.”

Thanks to Youth Villages and the Joey Logano Foundation, these efforts gave one young man another shot at finding direction—all while keeping the child’s dreams at the forefront.

3,195

Youth Served Since 2009

92 %

in school, have graduated or employed

Over the next two years through our Growing Stronger campaign, we will focus on growing our sustainable community support by raising $2 million in critical, statewide funds. You can join us in this endeavor by becoming a part of our Champions for Children Circle in North Carolina. As a Champion for Children, you have an opportunity to invest in proven programs that showcase a high return on impact. With a three-year commitment, you ensure that every child and young adult served in North Carolina is taken care of by North Carolina now—and well into the future. Together, we will grow a stronger North Carolina.

*per year for 3 years

Those who have committed to being a part of our Champions for Children Circle with a three-year commitment are shown in our donor listing. Contact Erica Ellis at erica.ellis@youthvillages.org with any questions regarding our two-year campaign or the Champions for Children Circle.

2,340

Youth Served Since 2011

12 months post-discharge (FY20-FY22)

Schools play an important role in the lives of the children we serve, and their involvement in treatment is critical to the youth’s success.

PRESENTING ISSUES *

Abuse and neglect: 23%

Behavioral issues: 24%

Mental health concerns: 30%

Physical health issues: 47%

Legal issues: 25%

Education issues: 78%

Substance abuse: 24%

Suicidality/self-harm: 29%

Life skills issues: 91%

Other*: 35%

89 % living at home or independently

12 months post-discharge (FY20-FY22)

We meet families in their homes to remove the barrier of them needing to come to an office. Our treatment approach involves all the systems surrounding the youth, including the family, school, community and peer group.

PRESENTING ISSUES *

Abuse and neglect: 32%

Behavioral issues: 55%

Emotional issues: 47%

Legal issues: 31%

Education issues: 57%

Substance abuse: 13%

Suicidality/self-harm: 34%

Other*: 65%

*Other presenting issues include intellectual disability, medical issues, economic issues and other unspecified problems.

AS A CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN YOU CAN BECOME A COMMUNITY:

JOIN US MONTHLY FOR COFFEE AND DONUTS!

Visit the Youth Villages Charlotte or Durham office and learn more about our ongoing work across North Carolina. Feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in learning more about our work.

You can help advance our mission by spreading the word about our programs and services.

Contact Alysyn Brewer at alysyn.brewer@youthvillages.org to learn when the next visit takes place.

BE A BACKPACK HERO

Back-to-school time will be here before you know it, and you can be the difference in a child going to school fully prepared for the new school year!

A backpack full of school supplies can have a profound impact on a child’s learning experience, self-esteem and socialization in the classroom. Last year, we filled and provided 358 backpacks, and we expect to have more requests this year.

We hope you will consider becoming a Backpack Hero this school year. Every child deserves a great education, and you can play a part in giving them just that!

You can get involved by making a monetary donation; purchasing items from our wish list; or hosting a drive within your company, church, among community members or friends.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT ALYSYN BREWER AT ALYSYN.BREWER@YOUTHVILLAGES.ORG. OUR YOUTH THANK YOU!

A NEW ‘LINE’ OF HOPE, HELP

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the often-stigmatized topic and to educate others on the warning signs and how to get help. People, young and old, can be saved with knowledge and intervention.

Recent studies, though, show the U.S. still has a long way to go in this area. Reports reveal the declining mental health of the population in the United States, especially among children and teenagers. According to the Census Bureau, over two-thirds of Americans live in areas lacking mental health professionals. In addition, four in five teens who attempt suicide gave clear warning signs according to The Jason Foundation, which is dedicated to preventing youth suicide.

While warning signs are evident, family and friends may not know the direction to take—or number to call—to get help and care. Now, the way to access help for those struggling with mental health challenges has been made simpler.

In the summer of 2020, the U.S. began transitioning from its 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number to 988 to call or text for around-the-clock crisis care. By July 16, 2022, all telephone service and text providers were required by law to activate the 988 number.

“It was federally recognized that there was a need for people to more easily access services when experiencing a crisis and that led to 988 being rolled out on a federal level,” said Raquel Shutze, program director for Youth Villages Specialized Crisis Services.

Once a call or text is made, the individual is connected to a call center with crisis professionals who can assist and provide intervention at whatever level is needed. According to Shutze, the calls and texts—at times—are passed to a mobile crisis provider in the area.

The 988 number provides an access point for care no matter where the individual is in the U.S.

“The 988 number gives us a universal language across the country as a way to access help when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, much like 911 is used for emergency services,” said Brittany Farrar, regional director for Middle Tennessee programs. “If someone is in a different state from where they live, they don’t have to look up a local or state crisis number. Instead, 988 gives them an access point that no matter where they are in the United States.”

The 988 number is gaining traction in the U.S., as more are using it as a first step for mental health care. In turn, the increase in 988 calls brings in a Youth Villages community-based program—Intercept—that, according to Farrar, helps those in midst of a crisis to remain safe and stable in their home and community.

“It’s important that, as we increase those entry points to reach help, we also have more accessible community-based services like Intercept that are proven effective to work with this population,” Farrar said.

Check out the Youth Villages social media accounts in May for more about Mental Health Awareness Month.

NORTH CAROLINA CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN

JULY 1, 2022 TO DECEMBER 31, 2022

INNOVATOR

$100,000+

The Duke Endowment

$50,000 to $99,999

The New Hanover Community Endowment

PILLAR

$25,000 TO $49,999

Evergreen Foundation LEADER

$10,000 to $24,999

Sara and Brian Boehm

Heather and Daniel Bradshaw

Dominion Energy Foundation

Novant Health

Speedway Children’s Charities

Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation

United Bank

PROTECTOR

$5,000 to $9,999

Altar’d State Mayfaire

Town Center

The Bertsch Family Charitable Foundation

Deborah and Allen Campbell

Gastonia and Lake Norman

Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

The Junior League of Raleigh

Tracy and Doug Miskew

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 HOLIDAY HEROES SPONSORS!

Sarah and Taylor Vaughn

Vaya Health

BUILDER

$1,000 to $4,999

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

Altar’d State Crabtree

Valley Mall

Columbia Forest Products

Claire and Russ Ferguson

Andrew and Jenevieve Johnson-Carter

Rick Linville

Southern Criminal Justice Association

UCB Biosciences, Inc.

Chip Wade

Thank you to those who have already committed to the Growing Stronger campaign and joined our Champions for Children Circle!*

Sara and Brian Boehm

Heather and Daniel Bradshaw

Erika and Robert Carney

Giving with Grace Foundation

Kristy Kent

Tracy and Doug Miskew

Caroline and Ross Pope

Sarah and Taylor Vaughn

*as of December 2022

THERE ARE NUMEROUS WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN YOUTH VILLAGES’ PROGRAMS.

INVEST IN YOUTH VILLAGES

Your generous contribution will support the families and young adults we serve and help us grow our impact! There are many ways you can make a monetary donation.

1. GIVE A ONE-TIME OR MONTHLY GIFT ONLINE AT YOUTHVILLAGES.ORG/ DONATE

Select North Carolina from the drop down. Become a Champion for Children with a gift of $1,000 or more.

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

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: North Carolina 3320 Brother Boulevard Memphis, TN 38133

Please advise Erica Ellis if you make a DAF gift to ensure it directly supports youth in our state.

4. GIVE A GIFT OF STOCK

Have your stock advisor notify Erica Ellis about your gift at erica.ellis@youthvillages.org to ensure it gets properly designated to North Carolina.

5. 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.

Need instructions?

Designating a gift?

Erica Ellis, Director of Development erica.ellis@youthvillages.org or 704-510-5642

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO GET INVOLVED through volunteering individually or with a group, contact Alysyn Brewer at alysyn.brewer@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 36,000 children and their families each year from offices in the following cities:

Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, Mobile

Arkansas: Little Rock, Searcy, West Memphis

Florida: Lakeland

Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville

Indiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Indianapolis

Louisiana: Metairie

Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville/Jeffersonville (Indiana)

Massachusetts: Boston, Marlborough, Raynham, West Springfield, Woburn

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.