FAMILY VICTORIES FROM YOUTH VILLAGES SPRING
• DONOR SPOTLIGHT: CHANEL REID ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: LIFESET ™ HELPS TYRA FIND HER VOICE
LIFESET SCHOLAR USES PLATFORM TO ADVOCATE FOR OTHERS
• YOUTH VILLAGES GEORGIA CELEBRATES 15 YEARS
• PHASE 1 CAMPUS TRANSFORMATION NEAR COMPLETION
This year, we are celebrating 15 years of Youth Villages in the state of Georgia! We are one of 26 states that Youth Villages has a presence in, and it has been an honor to witness the growth we have experienced since 2009.
These last 15 years have been nothing short of amazing — a symbol of resiliency in both rare and true form. It’s not amazing because things have been easy or there has been an absence of worry and concern. It has been amazing because, whatever challenges we experienced (expected or unexpected), we have navigated through them as a family. We have done this time and again and with such tenacity. The commitment of our staff, combined with the unwavering support from our board and community partners, has resulted in transforming the lives of the many youth and families we have served, and there are so many great things on the horizon. I am overwhelmed with excitement about what’s to come.
In this newsletter, you will learn more about our 15-year anniversary and hear from several of our staff and board members who have been here prior to the merger and have watched our progress. You will read about the updates to the construction on the Inner Harbour campus and see how our campus is being elevated to serve more young people. You will meet Chanel Reid, a community supporter and champion of literacy who recently went above and beyond to share her love of reading with the girls at Janie’s House.
It is our privilege and joy to serve children and their families in a way that supports their healing and the success of their well-being. We know the power that collective care has on an individual, a group, a community and ultimately the world. We appreciate your care for our mission and your continued belief that the health of one is equal to the health of us all.
Tanya Anderson
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GEORGIA
tanya.anderson@youthvillages.org
770-852-6238
Paul Zachos, Board Chair
Amy Baillie
Edwin Cook
Don Crampton
Robb Dillon
James Harper
Bruce Hein
Brian Holloway
Dara Mann
Adrienne Mittons
Robert L. Rearden
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 other high-performing agencies and advocacy, we collaborate to bring positive change to child welfare, children’s mental health and justice systems. Our 4,000 employees serve more than 39,000 children and young adults in more than 100 locations in 26 states and D.C. 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 resultsoriented nonprofit organizations.
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In 2009, Youth Villages merged with Inner Harbour Hospital and brought Intercept®, LifeSet and residential services to Georgia. This transformed the landscape of mental and behavioral health services for children and families in the state and forever changed thousands of lives.
families as they navigate challenges their children are facing. Mental and behavioral health is arguably the most important factor in child welfare, especially as it relates to their development and laying the foundation for healthy living as adults. Since the merger, more resources and programs have expanded offerings to support the social, emotional, cognitive and physical well-being of the children in our care, and we have never looked back.
into our Douglasville campus and implemented more efficient business and operations practices, yet retained the character and experiential learning that makes Inner Harbour so unique,” said Matt Tarkenton, former Inner Harbour Hospital Board Member, current Youth Villages National Board member and Georgia
Celebrating continues on page 5
With the first of a multi-phase project underway, we are starting to see how the Inner Harbour campus is being elevated and how the landscape for serving children in Georgia is being expanded.
The first of a three-phase project to dramatically update and improve facilities at Inner Harbour is nearing completion. The anticipation on campus is rising, as we will soon announce the date for a ribbon-cutting celebration for the new Administration Building and the first of five new cottages that each will house 16 youth.
The new cottage will expand our campus census. When the other four cottages are completed, we will increase our number of beds from 128 to 156, allowing us to serve between 50-60 more youth in need of residential care each year. The new cottages will take advantage of the Inner Harbour campus’ vast natural beauty with outdoor covered porches overlooking our lake, multi-purpose/communal space, laundry, therapist and staff offices and hurricane-grade glass windows.
Mindful of the power of first impressions, the Administration Building will be a friendly first sight for families and youth as they arrive on campus for admission. The new 17,000-square-foot Administration Building sits at the front of campus and includes ample visitor parking which eliminates much of the vehicular traffic through campus and improves pedestrian safety. This building will house staff offices, a
breakroom area, meeting rooms and staff training facilities all in one location, fostering improved staff collaboration and camaraderie. Our current administrative offices and campus intake function are in the Hewell Building, which also houses 72 youth. Other staff offices are scattered throughout campus, creating inefficiencies and making collaboration difficult.
We look forward to welcoming the community to our campus to celebrate the ribbon cutting for these new facilities. We will continue to provide updates in this newsletter and on youthvillages.org as the next two phases of construction continue through 2026. We will also be providing information on how our community advocates and supporters can invest in this transformational project!
Celebration continued from page 3
Advisory Board member. “Merging organizations is always challenging when you combine two parties with similar but distinct cultures. Youth Villages has handled the transitions professionally and gracefully and has positioned Inner Harbour to serve more children in more effective ways in the years ahead.”
Within this growth, Youth Villages remains on the list of Great Places to Work, and that is evident with staff who were here prior to the merger and have watched the tremendous growth that has happened. Marsha Taylor, Director of Referral Relations, has been with Youth Villages for 18 years. When asked to share her thoughts about the growth, Taylor said, “As we approach the 15-year anniversary of the Inner Harbour campus becoming a part of the Youth Villages family, I have never felt more excitement about what is coming around the corner. I came to the Inner Harbour campus 18 years ago with full understanding that this was an unconventional and experiential environment providing optimal care to youth needing extensive behavioral healthcare support. The jaw-dropping upgrades to the living, treatment and work environments that are becoming a reality around campus will add visual proof to my long-standing belief that this is the absolute best place for families to find healing!”
The Inner Harbour campus renovations are evidence of our growth. Having served more than 6,000 children and families in the past 15 years, there is a constant need for our programs. The 2020 pandemic saw many children and families faced with food and job insecurity, housing deficits and other stressful life events. Although the pandemic is behind us, the need for mental and behavioral health services remains. While we wish it was different, there is still a tangible and specific requirement for the assistance we provide.
“When I think of our past, I feel like we were always in survival mode, working to just keep our heads above water. We had great people, a great mission, great service, but we were just surviving,” said Danny Bearden, Inner
Harbour campus facilities manager and a 30-plus year employee. “Since the merger, we still have great people and a great mission, and the need never goes away. Now we have a better sense of purpose. We are thriving much like a phoenix rising from the ashes to take flight for a new beginning. As I see the old buildings removed to make way for the future, I can’t help but say, ‘Wow, wow!’ I am proud to be a part of our organization. Never look at what is lost, but always look at what remains and is gained.”
In addition, we are fortunate to have a staff and community that supports the youth in our programs. “How we have shown up for youth and families is a direct reflection of how we have shown up for one another, and this has certainly been the most beautiful and impressive thing to see — and it’s been constant,” said Tanya Anderson, Executive Director for Youth Villages Georgia. “The level of care we provide is paramount to the future of the children and their families. We take that work very seriously, and we have a lot of pride in providing the avenues they need to heal, individually and collectively.”
For youth aging out of foster care without support, the future can be daunting. Some young people experience homelessness, poverty, domestic abuse and involvement with law enforcement.
Because of the trauma that she suffered as a child, Tyra struggled when she aged out alone at 18. She was referred to the Youth Villages LifeSet program.
With the help of her LifeSet specialist, Tyra graduated high school, earned her associate degree and will receive her bachelor’s degree in psychology science this spring. She’s started her own business, bought her first home and got married. Now, she mentors young people and tells her story for those who need help — and for those who can help. She was the keynote speaker at the Achieving Success: Partnering with Transition-Age Young Adults for Strong Mental Health Workshop
in Las Vegas late last year. She was also the featured speaker at the 5th annual Jam for Janie GRAMMY Awards® Viewing Party. The event raises donations for Janie’s Fund, the philanthropic initiative between rockstar Steven Tyler and Youth Villages that helps girls and young women who have experienced trauma.
ABUSE, CONSTANT MOVING PROVIDED NO SAFE SPACE, STABILITY
Her childhood was rocky. She was left with her grandmother when her mother moved away without knowing why.
While living with her grandmother, Tyra suffered physical, emotional and spiritual abuse, and feels as if she grew up on the streets.
Eventually, her behavior led her to involvement with law enforcement. “At 12 years old, I received my first juvenile legal charge and was sent to live with my mother who I never really knew,” Tyra said.
Tyra lived with her mother for eight months, and while there she suffered abuse from her stepdad. Her mother didn’t believe her story and sent Tyra off to live with her father with whom Tyra had no relationship. “By the time I was 16 years old, I was a meth addict and I attempted suicide for the first time in my life,” Tyra said.
Following the abuse, Tyra went to therapy, but she continued to struggle, and she was admitted to a mental hospital. A week later, she was in court for her pending charges and suicidal ideation.
Tyra was diagnosed with bipolar disorder PTSD, major depression and ADHD, and those manifested themselves in physical aggression, drug use, running away and negative relationships.
“The two years that I was incarcerated, I was in two mental hospitals, two juvenile detention
centers and multiple residential facilities,” Tyra said. “I was sent home, but after a few months, I was returned to foster care. While there, I relapsed on drugs, ran away from my foster home and went back into the system. Those long months changed my life and a lot more than I imagined.”
Tyra was referred to Youth Villages and began to work through her trauma with a therapist.
“She helped me make my trauma narrative and go through the process
of what had happened to me,” Tyra said. “That trauma narrative is the reason why I’m able to tell my story.”
Tyra had aged out at 18 but was able to still receive support through Extension of Foster Care (EFC). She was free and ready to start a new life; however, she faced another challenge. “I did not know this world. I was in
this new city, and I didn’t have any support, any family,” Tyra said. “I got so overwhelmed just two months after aging out that I attempted to take my life a second time. I was in ICU for 17 hours. This, though, was the last time I ever felt suicidal. I decided that I just wanted to live through whatever was coming.”
At around this time, Tyra was introduced to LifeSet and her specialist, Gladyn. With help from LifeSet, Tyra began to build her village — a network of support that led to her success.
LifeSet is an individualized, evidenceinformed community-based program where specialists meet with young people who age out of foster care face-to-face at least once each week. LifeSet stabilizes the toughest situations and helps young people build healthy relationships, obtain safe housing, education and employment.
Tyra faced another obstacle in late 2022 when she lost her home to a house fire. The fire brought more trauma for Tyra because the home had provided stability and permanency in her life. Despite the tragedy, Tyra remained strong.
“In this situation, I didn’t relapse into suicidal ideations because my life is so much different now,” Tyra said.
“If it weren’t for Youth Villages and other foster care programs being there, I don’t know what I would have done after losing everything and having to start over again.
“With the support, resources, therapists, treatment plans, coping skills, mentorships and ultimately my village, I can conquer anything. I’m still healing, I’m still on this journey, and I want to be able to be the advocate for kids in foster care or transitioning to adulthood now.”
Chanel Reid was introduced to Youth Villages through her engagement with the Rotary Club of Vinings Cumberland. Chanel immediately made the connection between her passion for literacy, the power of reading, the benefit of new books and a Free Little Library for the girls at Janie’s House on the Inner Harbour campus.
How did you become involved with Youth Villages?
I was introduced to Youth Villages by our Rotary Club of Vinings Cumberland President Matt Jarrard. He consistently commended Youth Villages as an exceptional organization dedicated to aiding children in navigating emotional and behavioral challenges, while simultaneously fostering resilience within their families. My past involvements include collaborations with various organizations that share a focus on enhancing the emotional well-being of families. Being part of the effort to build resilient individuals within a supportive community is both fulfilling and a source of joy for me, and I am delighted to contribute to this organization.
What do you think sets Youth Villages apart in its work with children and families?
In December 2023, our Rotary members were privileged to visit Youth Villages. Throughout our visit, we not only explored the facilities but also actively participated in a service project to support the Holiday Heroes program. We gained insights into the resources dedicated to providing restorative support for children. The organization extends
a diverse range of compassionate services to its residents, and we witnessed a dedicated team of experts delivering care and managing programs designed to assist children even beyond their stay. Youth Villages stands out through its unwavering commitment to empathy and the provision of unique resources, and I am proud to contribute to their efforts.
Your gift provided a Free Little Library and many books for the girls at Janie’s House. What impact do you hope that your gift will have on the children at Inner Harbour?
Rotary places a significant emphasis on basic education and literacy, and during my visit, I delved into understanding more about the young girls at Janie’s House and explored ways to support them. My aspiration is that the Free Little Library, along with carefully selected books, offers them a personal connection to valuable resources on their journey
toward emotional wellness. Books have played a distinctive role in my life, and it is my desire to impart the same sense of connection and support to them.
Why should someone consider becoming more involved with Youth Villages?
I feel grateful to have had a supportive ‘family village’ that played a crucial role in raising my siblings and me. Recognizing the impact of a caring support system, especially in the formative years, is invaluable for a young person. Youth Villages is instrumental in helping young individuals achieve success after facing challenging times. The belief that greatness can be achieved through service is a personal motto of mine. Youth Villages stands at the forefront of this mission, and they always welcome additional supportive hands to contribute to their goal of helping families thrive after utilizing their services.
JULY 1, 2023-DEC. 31, 2023
$100,000+
Anonymous VISIONARY
$50,000 TO $99,999
J. B. Fuqua Foundation
$10,000 to $24,999
Caiola & Rose, LLC
Matthew and Elizabeth Rose
$5,000 to $9,999
Anonymous
Atlanta Foundation
Mary Allen Lindsey Branan Foundation
The Denyse Cares Foundation, Inc.
The Dillon Family Fund
GreyStone Power Foundation
J.C. Kennedy Foundation, Inc.
Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation
$1,000 to $4,999
5K A Day Challenge
Anonymous
David Albano
Benning Construction Company
Dan and Merrie Boone Foundation
Custard Insurance Adjusters
The John and Mary Franklin Foundation
Garage Door of Atlanta, LLC
Metro Garage Door
Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.
Dr. James Harper
Ms. Lauren Hunter
Kiwanis Foundation of Atlanta, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Xavier Mann
Richard C. Munroe Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Leslie Nunn
Publix Super Markets Charities
Mr. Richard Reyle
Glen P. and Laura Mae
Robinson Foundation
Rotary Club of Vinings
Cumberland
Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Stewart
Mr. Matthew Tarkenton
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Thornton
Tull Charitable Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. David Tyler
Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Dee Dee Zachos
$500 to $999
Brad and Kimberly Ascar
AT&T
Mr. Justin Barry
Tom and Christina Blum
Mr. John Brooks
Dr. Victor Brown
Mr. Ian Byrnside
Barbara H Caldwell
Mr. Philip Clinch
Mr. Donald Crampton
David Crim
Adrienne Cowgill
Jeff Dato
Stanley Everett
Mark Feinberg
First Presbyterian Thirstquenchers Class
Stacy Fisher
Deborah Fuchs
Glover Park Brewery
Matt and Kait Goudreau
Don Harrison
Thomas Hamilton
Kristine Hampson
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hein
Dr. Dana Henderson
Drew Hook
Joyce Houser
Kayla Hunter
Jimmy James
Lisa Ellis James
Miss Abigail Johnson
Mr. David Jordan
J.M. Huber Corporation
Edward Keiser
Teri Love
Ms. Frances Lewis
Mr. Jay Latzak
Mrs. Amy Mock
Adele Morgan
Bill Mincey
Adrienne Mittons
Ms. Melinda Morris
Tripps Moog
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
Ms. Elizabeth O’Neal
Scott Patman
Perry Phillips
Pull A Part
Mr. Wendell Peete
Mark Rasmus
Mr. Diya Sandeep
Mrs. Christy Schuster
J Denton Shamburger
Matt Simonds
Christie Sires
Bubba Smedley
Mr. Matt Swift
Mrs. Marsha Taylor
Richard Taylor
Mrs. Jolanda Walther
INVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE WITH EXPERIENCE IN FOSTER CARE TO HELP IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR OTHER TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH
Youth Villages’ mission is to help children, families and young adults live successfully, and a critical part of achieving that mission daily is continuing to invest in foster youth aging out of care — both locally and nationally.
For this group of young people, the journey to adulthood is made with little or no support and can present many challenges. Organizations led by individuals with lived experience in child welfare systems provide an essential voice and partner in transforming that experience for those who come behind them.
As an extension of our work in this community, Youth Villages has developed a deep commitment to extending access to high-quality services for all youth aging out of care. Many young people who have experienced aging out go on to launch their own efforts to improve services for other transition-age youth. Investing in transition-age youth and the innovative programs they lead helps to improve outcomes for everyone through programming, advocacy and systems reform.
“We share a common goal of supporting young people as they make the transition to adulthood,” said Catherine Smith, Youth Villages managing director of business planning and policy. “We look forward to partnering with these organizations and their respective leaders who will bring invaluable lived experience and important perspective. Together, we will have an even greater positive impact on services and outcomes for transition-age young people.”
Many of these strategic partnerships are exploring even broader engagement with Youth Villages to include things like functional support, aligning in advocacy efforts and co-sponsoring events and activities in the future.
All of the work that occurs with young people in Middle Tennessee continues to inform Youth Villages’ national efforts and reinforces our belief in what is possible with this resilient group of fellow citizens who are working to become their very best selves and oftentimes break generational barriers in becoming amazing adults.
California Youth Connection/ Oregon Foster Youth Connection (Oregon statewide)
To establish OFYC as an independent, transition-age youth led advocacy organization to drive policy change.
Florida’s Children First/ Florida Youth SHINE (Florida statewide)
To launch the first phase of the youthled “YouthCanSHINE” campaign to drive greater change through advocacy and create statewide awareness of the supports that young people in care need to be successful.
Found Village (Cincinnati, Ohio)
To expand the support offered to transition-age young people in Hamilton County, Ohio by investing in staffing and program development to deliver the “Launch to Independence” program, which offers focused and intentional ageappropriate coaching, life skills training and career advancement opportunities for young people exiting foster care.
Freedom Forward (San Francisco, California)
To fund a guaranteed income pilot for transition-age young people aging out of foster care who are survivors of sexual exploitation in San Francisco.
Propelling into Triumph (Miami, Florida)
To expand a life skills coaching and mentorship program for transition-age young people in Miami, Florida.
SUN Scholars (Connecticut; nationwide project)
To build an AI-powered online education resource for transition-age young people graduating high school and the education professionals who support them.
Winston Rhea Scholars (New Orleans, Louisiana)
To serve transition-age young people in Louisiana and South Carolina through the expansion of a high-touch, intensive coaching/mentorship program that includes post-high school goal setting and financial support.
s (Des Moines, Iowa)
To provide workforce/professional development for child welfare and juvenile justice involved youth through a sustainable farming initiative.
THERE ARE NUMEROUS WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN YOUTH VILLAGES’ PROGRAMS.
Make a gift, mentor or volunteer to support our Youth Villages Georgia programs. Your support makes an incredible impact in the lives of hundreds of children we serve each day in Georgia.
Gifts of Cash, Appreciated Stock, Planned Gifts, Corporate or Foundation Donors
Matt Jarrard, Director of Development, Georgia
matthew.jarrard@youthvillages.org | 678-978-0520
Community Engagement, Events & Volunteering
Kimmy Yon, Community Engagement Manager kimmy.yon@youthvillages.org | 404-667-1334
Become a Mentor
Katrina Word, Mentor Program Manager katrina.word@youthvillages.org | 404-695-9159
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4685 Dorsett Shoals Road
Douglasville, GA 30135
(Address Service Requested)
Youth Villages is a private nonprofit that serves more than 39,000 children and their families each year from offices in the following cities:
Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, Mobile
Arizona: Phoenix
Arkansas: Jonesboro, Little Rock, Searcy, West Memphis
Florida: Lakeland
Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville
Indiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Indianapolis
Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville
Louisiana: Metairie
Massachusetts: Boston, Marlborough, West 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
Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis,
Morristown, Nashville, Paris
Washington, D.C.
