FAMILY VICTORIES FROM YOUTH VILLAGES FALL
• DESTINATION THEATRE PROVIDES WORKSHOP FOR YOUTH
• INTERCEPT ® HELPS SOLVE THE PUZZLE
• DONOR SPOTLIGHT: STALLINGS INSURANCE AGENCY ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
UPDATE
FROM YOUTH VILLAGES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As the weather begins to shift and the cooler months approach, I have been reflecting on all the changes that have happened in 2024 so far. This year marks 15 years of Youth Villages having programs in the state of Georgia, and we are infinitely proud of how we have evolved since 2009. With the growing needs for children and families in our state, Youth Villages Georgia is committed to their well-being and we are thankful for the support you provide as a member of our Youth Villages community.
In this newsletter, you’ll hear about our campus elevation and where we are in the multi-phase project to transform the Inner Harbour campus. I am incredibly proud of our two newest buildings, including a brand-new administration building, which will house the majority of our staff, and a new residential cottage, which will house 16 children in our residential program. We hope you will join us in the months to come to tour our new facilities and see first-hand how our campus is transforming.
You will learn about our amazing partnership with Destination Theatre, a local nonprofit providing theater arts programming to the youth on our campus. You’ll get a glimpse of how therapeutic the performing arts can be and how this partner is helping our students trust their minds, bodies and hearts — all while having fun!
In this edition, you will read about one of our most consistent community partners, Stallings Insurance Agency, who has supported our Backpack Heroes initiative for years. The enthusiastic support their team provides helps our youth get the school year started right, and we are grateful for their on going participation supporting the youth in our care.
May the season ahead bring you and yours much peace and joy. Thank you for all the ways you continue to stay connected with Youth Villages. We are glad to have you as a part of the Youth Villages family, and we are happy to be growing with you!
Tanya Anderson EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GEORGIA tanya.anderson@youthvillages.org 770-852-6238
GEORGIA ADVISORY BOARD
Paul Zachos, Board Chair
Amy Baillie
Don Crampton
Robb Dillon
James Harper
Bruce Hein
Brian Holloway
Dara Mann
Robert L. Rearden III
Matthew Tarkenton
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 4,500 employees serve more than 43,000 children and young adults in more than 100 locations in 27 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.
THE PLAY’S THE THING
Theater has long been an experiential modality for seeing new perspectives. Did you know that it also has therapeutic benefits? This past year, we were fortunate to receive a grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts to implement performing arts in the programming offered at Youth Villages. This opportunity allowed us to partner with Destination Theatre, a local performing arts nonprofit committed to creating excellent and imaginative touring productions for people of all ages, backgrounds and demographics. This partnership provided the opportunity for Destination Theatre staff to engage with students on the Inner Harbour campus and help them explore their creativity by using their mind, voices and imagination in a multitude of ways.
Our youth participated in hour-long theater workshops, where they played games to help them understand the fundamentals of theater: using the mind, voice, body and imagination. These skills are transferable for students to use in their daily lives. Our youth learned how to be respectful of their peers and their choices and the exercises challenged them to get outside their comfort zones, in a safe way, and explore their own creativity. Many of the experiences they may have had to date may not have afforded them the option of trusting themselves,
and ‘this program gave them the tools of trusting themselves in their daily lives.
The youth also participated in a week-long immersive playwriting camp, where they were able to create their own plays. For five days, our youth explored different topics and the art of storytelling, creating characters, plots and dialogue. The camp culminated in a live readthrough of their plays by local actors and gave the students the chance to see what they created come to life. One of our youth shared, “I liked the camp because I got try something new and work with my peers to create a play. It was cool to see the actors perform it and see what the other groups created.”
Additionally, our youth experienced two interactive performances, A Christmas Carol and The Fairytale Performance, where they were audience members in an interactive way. As audience members, they watched the performances then participated in a “talk-back” session post-production, to ask questions and further explore the topics of the plays in an educational way.
At Youth Villages, we are mindful that the youth in our care only have one childhood, and we get to be an informative
Play continues on page 10
Destination Theatre engages youth at Inner Harbour by fostering use of their mind, body and imagination
A Piece Piece of the Puzzle Puzzle
Intercept Program gives Jay a voice.
For a long time, Stacy had worried her 12-year-old son, Jay, would be removed from her home. Despite Jay being very social, active among his peer group and good at engaging with other kids his age, he was often physically aggressive at home, struggled with substance use, general delinquency and was destroying items in his home.
Jay struggled daily to regulate his emotions. As Stacy watched his dysregulation progress, she also watched her family deteriorate. Although the family had multiple providers in place to help, Stacy felt none were making progress.
When Stacy and Jay were enrolled in the Youth Villages intensive in-home services program, Intercept, the first thing Jay’s clinical supervisor, Roberto, did was create a safety plan for his aggression. He taught the family the ‘exit and wait’ strategy which helps families identify their child’s triggers and warning signs before they become dysregulated so caregivers can intervene proactively and empower him to take space to self-regulate. The exit and wait strategy also is family focused so Stacy; his father, Jay Sr.; and his sister all participated in planning and identifying their warning signs, triggers and safe spaces.
As the family learned to employ their safety plan, they recognized although they could now successfully prevent Jay’s escalations, they were struggling to communicate about problems as a family. Family Intervention Specialist Melissa worked with the family on Collaborative Problem Solving, a strategy that focuses on building skills like flexibility, frustration tolerance and problem solving. They made a concentrated effort to discuss their concerns with Jay and provide him with a voice when they discussed incidents. They included him in the planning when they felt he needed appropriate consequences. Jay responded incredibly well to this. Feeling like his parents finally gave him the voice he was missing, Jay learned to appropriately speak up and share his concerns in an effective way.
“Youth Villages has been the missing piece of the puzzle to our family,” Stacy said. “They have brought us more happiness in the last month of working with them than I ever could have imagined.”
Since participating in the Intercept
program, Jay has not had one incidence of physical aggression, and the family collectively has a better understanding of everyone’s needs and concerns.
“They gave us the tools we needed to help our son,” Stacy said.
Stacy has been fighting and advocating to get Jay the help and support he needed since he was 5 years old and was relieved when she was offered Youth Villages services. Stacy felt that having someone who would see Jay in his home, in his own environment and on his schedule, was critical to his success.
“Without Youth Villages our lives would be chaotic,” Stacy said. “Youth Villages kept my son in the home.”
When Stacy dreams of Jay’s future, she hopes for him to graduate from high school and become a productive part of society. She wants him to have friends and spread positivity and kindness everywhere he goes. After working with Youth Villages, Stacy finally sees this as a possibility.
Jay (far left) and his parents discuss his progress at school with his family intervention specialist and supervisor.
Lived experience experts from across the country are part of the National Collaborative for Transition-Age Youth.
AN EYE TOWARD THE FUTURE
Youth Villages, APHSA and Foster Club support a new collaborative to influence better help for young people.
Imagine it’s 2034. What will the world look like for transition-age youth leaving foster care or other children’s services?
The newly formed National Collaborative for Transition-Age Youth hopes to influence the answer to that question.
The group is bringing together young adults, lived experience experts, national stakeholders and state/ federal policymakers to co-design a playbook to improve services across the country. The effort is sponsored by Youth Villages, Foster Club and the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA.)
Recently, the Collaborative held its first convening after the APHSA National Human Services Summit 2024 in Arlington, Virginia.
“This gathering represents a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to ensure the well-being and success of transition-aged youth in the child welfare system,” said Nick Henderson, a child welfare leader from Stearns County, Minnesota. “We are privileged to bring together
Young adults participated in activities and discussions with child welfare leaders and transition-age youth advocates.
insights from young adults with lived experience, state and local child welfare leaders and national stakeholders to illuminate the path forward.”
The Collaborative includes 10 lived experience experts from across the country: Knowledge Grant of Florida, Jasmine Green of California, Jeremiah Vivekanandan of New York, Brina Williams of Michigan, Charissa Keebaugh of Washington, Shayne McCrae of Kansas, Kari Robles of New York, Natalie Clark of Utah, Maddie LeMay of New Hampshire, and Dina Santos of Florida.
At the first convening, the young adults led panel discussions with child welfare leaders from California, Colorado, Minnesota, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Texas and Virginia who are a part of the Collaborative.
Clark, from Utah, had some advice for state leaders and stakeholders.
“Start paying close attention to what the young people are saying, typically we’re onto something when we’re sharing with you,” she said. “Question under-utilization of the resources that currently exist, and invest in lived experience positions within your areas of influence.”
Everyone agreed effective services to families were needed to reduce the number of young people aging out of care in the future. Services that strengthen and support families can help children safely avoid any out-of-home or foster care placement.
Young people suggested some actionable steps states and agencies can take immediately:
• Provide cultural competency training for staff and caregivers.
• Implement anti-discriminatory practices to ensure access to appropriate services regardless of a young person’s background or identity.
• Recruit more diverse foster families, so families can be found to match with a young person’s needs and goals.
• Foster community connections and allow youth to engage in decision making.
The Collaborative has two additional virtual meetings and will conclude with an in-person meeting at the Achieving Success Convening in Las Vegas, Nevada, in November.
For more information on the Collaborative:
Shaquita Ogletree shaquita.ogletree@youthvillages.org
Ivy-Marie Washington ivymarie@aphsa.org
Celeste Bodner systemchange@fosterclub.com
The Elevate Campaign finishes Phase 1 of construction and gets ready to begin Phase 2 this fall.
PHASE 1 COMPLETE ELEVATING THE INNER HARBOUR CAMPUS
A new 9,000-square-foot youth cottage and state-of-the-art administration building will now welcome children, families, staff and visitors to the Inner Harbour campus! The completion of Phase 1 construction for the transformational Elevate campaign, also falls on the 15th anniversary of Youth Villages’ service in the state of Georgia!
The impact of these two new buildings will be immediate and profound. The new cottage, which overlooks the Inner Harbour campus lake, will house 16 adolescent girls and will increase the overall Inner Harbour census capacity to 144. Inner Harbour consistently operates with a lengthy waitlist for youth, as the need for our lifechanging programs and services continues to be in high demand. These warm and inviting cottages will feel bright and airy, taking advantage of the campus’ natural beauty.
The 17,000-square-foot administration building will consolidate our administrative workforce. It will also offer additional meeting rooms, training facilities and a breakroom with an open-air patio for staff to enjoy during lunch breaks and social time. Positioned near the front of campus, this building will serve as a friendly and welcoming first impression for families and youth coming for admission or visiting campus for the first time.
Fundraising efforts are already underway for Phase 2 of the project, which includes four additional youth cottages and a beautiful new school building positioned on the lake. A number of volunteer leaders have already stepped forward to lead the Elevate Campaign Steering Committee: Elizabeth Rose (Committee Co-Chair, Caiola & Rose), Allen Post (Post Loyal Architecture), Matthew Tarkenton (Tarkenton Financial), David Tyler (Grant Thornton LLC), Rob Douglass (Corbet Capital Advisors), Dalia Racine (Douglas County District Attorney), Lisa Ashby (Truist)
and Sara Ray (Douglas County Chamber of Commerce). We are incredibly grateful for these generous leaders who are engaging the community in support and awareness around this transformational project.
Scan to learn more
For more information, or a tour of our new facilities, contact Director of Development Matt Jarrard at matthew.jarrard@ youthvillages.org or 678-978-0520.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
STALLINGS INSURANCE AGENCY
With consistent, annual contributions through the Backpack Heroes campaign, Melissa Stallings supports Youth Villages in helping our youth be prepared for a great year ahead. Stallings, owner of Stallings Insurance agency, is a positive and generative leader in the Douglasville community and is an enthusiastic champion for children. She shared with us why she chooses to support Youth Villages and the importance of charitable giving for her company.
How did you become involved with Youth Villages?
I was introduced to Youth Villages through my Douglas County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Douglas class. Then, we toured Youth Villages as an insurance team, and we were hooked in supporting! Many of us have children, and Youth Villages pulled our heart strings. Whitni, my agency manager, also worked in a similar field prior to working with me. I try to find charities that resonate with my team also.
Your company has supported Backpack Heroes in Georgia consistently for the last several years. What impact do you hope your contribution will have on the children at Youth Villages? Why is it important for Stallings Insurance Agency to give back?
The youth are our future! Providing them with the NEW tools to succeed in school is very important to me. A fresh start and feeling prepared will go a long way. I remember how felt as a child with a sharp new No. 2 pencil, a new book bag, crisp fresh paper and clean shoes. There is no reason these kiddos should not feel the same way when they start a new school year. God has blessed us with Stallings Insurance. We love to find ways to give back locally. It is in our mission statement, so we are committed to give. It is truly an honor, however, and not an obligation.
What do you think sets Youth Villages apart in its work with children and families?
The part of Youth Villages that most resonated with me is the therapy for
mental health that does NOT include medication, including the brain-based services, West African drumming therapy, equine therapy, fishing, cooking and tending to the garden. I am passionate about health and wellness in and outside of schools and the workplace. I love natural remedies and Eastern medicine. This aligns with that, and these therapies are treating the cause not just the symptoms.
Why should someone consider becoming more involved with Youth Villages?
Every human matters and every life matters. Children have a very special place in my heart and in our world. Everyone should care about their future and the future of the lives on earth, both on a national and global level.
Melissa Stallings
YOUTH VILLAGES GEORGIA DONORS
JAN. 1 – JUNE 30, 2024
LEADER
$10,000 to $24,999
Paul Vetter
PROTECTOR
$5,000 to $9,999
Clark and Ruby Baker Foundation
Rick and Harriet Barger Charitable Fund
Georgia Council for the Arts
Rotary Club of Vinings Cumberland
Thorpe Family Fund
BUILDER
$1,000 to $4,999
Adrienne Mittons
ATS Waypoint
Betsy Herold
Bob and Paula Snelling
Donald Crampton
Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.
Heather Rivera
Jennifer Pendergast
Lauren Hunter
Robert Rearden, III
Southwire Company
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
United Way of Greater Atlanta
Morris Family Charitable Fund
*If you made a contribution during this time (above $500) but it is not listed, please call 678-978-0520.
FRIEND
$500 to $999
Bruce Hein
Cummins CSSNA
Cushman and WakefieldAtlanta
Win Cook
FRIEND
$100 to $499
AT&T
Christie Sires
Debbie Shiflett
Diya Sandeep
Hannah C. Munro
Jeff Reed
John Brooks
Barbara H Caldwell
Kai Senviel
Kevin Schroder
Matt Swift
Charmaine Martin
Jolanda Walther
Myra Kucera
Post Loyal Architecture
Robb Dillon
Scott Johnson
Sean Sinisgalli
Synopsys Inc. and The Synopsys Foundation
Tanya Anderson
Tom and Christina Blum
Wendy Courtade
and impactful part of their journey. Our partnership with Destination Theatre supported that belief and reminded us that every positive experience our kids have makes a deposit into their memory banks and becomes a part of their lived experience, which they can draw on for years to come.
CELEBRATING CHILDREN SERVED IN GEORGIA
YOUTH VILLAGES
4685 Dorsett Shoals Road
Douglasville, GA 30135
(Address Service Requested)
Youth Villages is a private nonprofit that serves more than 43,000 children and their families each year from the following cities and states:
Alabama: Auburn
Arizona: Phoenix
Arkansas: Fayetteville, Little Rock
Florida: Lakeland
Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville
Indiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Indianapolis
Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville
Louisiana: Metairie
Maine: Portland
Massachusetts: Boston, Marlborough, Springfield, Raynham, 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: Dayton, Worthington
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City, Tulsa
Oregon: Bend, Portland, Salem
South Carolina: Columbia, Rock Hill
Rhode Island: Providence
Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, Paris
Washington, D.C.
New Heights Georgia is published by Youth Villages
Prefer not to receive a printed newsletter? Email matthew.jarrard@youthvillages.org or call 678-978-0520. To also receive a digital copy of our newsletters and join our email list, sign up at youthvillages.org/stay-informed.