As former Mayor of Memphis, as well as Shelby County, I have a deep love for this city, and so does i-bank. They’ve proven to me, time and again, that they’re invested not only in my financial well-being, but also in the community that I love and serve. There’s a special bond between i-bank and Memphis.
A
C Wharton, Jr.
Attorney
Former Mayor, Shelby County, Former Mayor, City of Memphis
Start your story with i-bank today, and find out why being proudly independent is the most rewarding way to bank. i-bankonline.com A C, proudly independent for 9 years.
COLLECTED BY ELIZABETH MALMO - COTTON TAILS - DINSTUHL’S
EAST MEMPHIS ATHLETIC CLUB - FLEET FEET SPORTS
FROST BAKE SHOP - GOETZE ART & DESIGN - HIGHTEE - HOT YOGA PLUS J. MCLAUGHLIN - JAMES DAVIS - J. JILL - JOSEPH - JOSEPH MEN
KING FURS AND FINE JEWELRY - KITTIE KYLE - LIBRO
LISA MALLORY · SARAH SPINOSA INTERIOR DESIGN - LORI JAMES
NOVEL - ORVIS - PANERA BREAD - PAVO SALON
PIGTAILS AND CREWCUTS - RESTAURANT IRIS - SACHI
SECOND LINE Coming in '26! - SISSY’S LOG CABIN
STOVALL COLLECTION - ZÜPMED
30A Coastal Retreat
41 LONGUE VUE DRIVE | INLET BEACH
4 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 2,066 SQFT
• South of 30A in gated Longue Vue, walk to the beach
• Between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach
• Recently renovated with modern coastal finishes
• Four bedrooms accommodations
• Open-concept living designed for entertaining
• Resort-style pool and spa with outdoor lounging
• Private neighborhood beach access
• Strong second-home or rental investment potential
• Close to dining, shopping, golf, and entertainment
MarchCelebrate Home
The dust was still settling as the moving truck backed out of the driveway on my first day as a Memphian. Even though I was exhausted, I agreed to attend a book club I had been invited to by a friend from college. That was 26 years ago, and I am still attending that monthly book club with many of my very best friends. I was welcomed with loving arms and have consistently found Memphis to hold many of the warmest people I’ve ever known.
For that reason and many more, I am a fiercely loyal devotee to our hometown. I unabashedly love Memphis! We have embraced many of the traditions passed down from my husband’s family and been given the opportunity to spread our wings and develop new ones. We live in the home where my husband grew up, and our children attended the same schools that his family attended. But we paved our own way. And even though my in-laws built our home, we were able to make it our own.
Making a home is about so much more than furnishings and art, of course. In our March Home issue, we highlight local interior designer Allison Ann Klawinski, who understands that every family has different needs. Whether she is consulting on a small project or designing an entire home, her process highlights the personal touch and warmth that defines Memphis.
We share inspiration from Art by Design, which supports our city’s talented designers and artists. We look at how simple additions like houseplants can elevate a room, and take a peek into the studio of local artist Allyn Fraser (AllynMakes), known for her matchbook art series featuring Memphis establishments. Anna Gsanger, local expert, walks us through the language of wine and provides the tools necessary to select options you will love. We’re also proud to spotlight Youth Villages, a Memphis-headquartered nonprofit that has spent 40 years strengthening families and improving outcomes for children and young adults nationwide.
Memphis is more than a spot on the map; it’s the art on our walls, the wine we share with friends and the local nonprofits that keep our spirit strong. Whether you are fluffing your own nest or looking for a new way to engage in our community, we hope this issue provides the spark you need to celebrate the place we all call home.
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
inside the issue
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Comfort When it Matters
ARTICLE BY LINDSEY
TONKIN
Lush Living
WENDY
SMITH OF AC & ME DESIGNS SHARES TIPS FOR BRINGING GREEN INTO YOUR HOME
From statement plants to thoughtfully arranged containers, houseplants offer beauty, balance and a sense of calm. Few understand this better than Wendy Smith of AC & Me Designs, whose passion for plants has grown into a thriving design business rooted in creativity, care and connection.
“I have always had an interest in anything home design related,” Wendy says. That passion began 26 years ago, when she and her husband purchased their first home and focused first on the yard. New to landscaping, Wendy relied on her aunt, an accomplished master gardener, as both mentor and collaborator. “She quickly became my personal landscaper,” Wendy recalls. “That first project got me hooked. It was such an accomplishment, with a lasting sense of satisfaction.”
“It’s my goal to leave every space better than when I arrived.” - Wendy Smith
Aunt Carolyn (“AC”) continued to guide Wendy through each new home and garden project, sharing her knowledge and the joy that plants can bring. When Wendy decided to help others five years ago, the name of her business, AC & Me Designs, was an obvious choice—a heartfelt nod to her aunt, Carolyn Alvey, and their shared love of growing things.
She began by focusing on indoor and outdoor containers, projects that she could manage independently. As her client base grew, so did the scope of her work. Heavier containers and larger installations required extra help, leading her to partner with a trusted father-and-son landscaping team. Today, she offers everything from container arrangements to complete landscape transformations. “It’s my goal to leave every space better than when I arrived,” she says.
One of the biggest challenges is finding the right mix of plants and containers for each space, considering light, water and scale. “My job is to create beautiful, practical solutions that set clients up for success,” Wendy says. For busy clients, she chooses low-maintenance options, provides care guidance and ongoing support. Drainage is essential. “No plants like their roots sitting in water,” she says. “With proper drainage and light, you’ll love your plants—and they’ll love you back.”
When it comes to spring containers, color often takes center stage. Wendy prefers natural, understated containers that complement a space without overpowering it. Metals, concrete and neutral tones are among her favorites. For blooms, she gravitates toward soft pastels: lavender, blush pink, pale green and white. “They’re fresh, timeless and easy to work with,” she says. Blooming branches and small ornamental trees are among her favorite spring additions, bringing both height and movement into a design. “There’s a calming effect with fresh green in a space,” she notes. “Lush green moss is always on trend. It keeps containers looking full and happy.”
For Wendy, houseplants are more than décor, they are tools for connection, comfort and creativity. Her journey from novice homeowner to sought-after designer reflects the power of patience, mentorship and genuine passion. “Plants bring joy and peace,” she says. “When you surround yourself with them, you’re creating a home that feels alive.”
Amanda Farmer & Shade Sullins
Pictured here at The Brass Door
Home MIMOSA
Allison Ann Klawinski is making layered, livable luxury feel attainable.
ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT
Allison Ann Klawinski’s design sensibility is rooted in Memphis but shaped by a deep curiosity and years of hands-on immersion in every corner of the design world. Long before founding Mimosa Home, she was rearranging rooms, restyling bookshelves and gravitating toward art
and interiors with an intuitive ease. That instinct eventually led her to Parsons in New York for coursework, followed by work at the Atlanta markets, an internship with ADAC in Atlanta and roles with Laura Park Designs in Charlotte and Elizabeth Malmo back home. Once back in Memphis, she rolled up her sleeves alongside her brother at Gusmus Construction, learning the ins and outs of building and remodeling firsthand. “My goal during and after college was to immerse myself in every side of the design world, so when I was prepared to start my own business, I understood who and what was involved to move a project from start to finish,” she says. “It was especially cool to work with my brother, who taught me so much about the building and remodeling side of the design business.”
When Klawinski welcomed her first son, Welby, at the start of 2024, everything shifted. “I decided to pursue my dreams of having my own interior design business,” she says. Over the past year, Mimosa Home has been built on warmth, flexibility and the idea that good design should feel personal, livable and within reach.
That philosophy comes to life in a recent project centered around a French-influenced residence designed by Tulsa architect Jack Arnold. “Jack Arnold is a pro at creating timeless spaces. This house is 25 years old and has a unique feel that will stand the test of time. The use of old beams in five spaces adds to the old, European energy.” Rather than overhaul the architecture, Klawinski saw the home as an opportunity to layer, enrich and honor what was already there.
When the clients moved in, almost every room was reimagined. “We touched nearly every space. The entire house was one color when we started the project. We used wallpapers in seven spaces, painted nine rooms, added custom rugs to every room and used a mix of florals, plaids, geometrics and animal prints to add beautiful layers to a well-designed home.” Structural changes were made where they mattered most. “We gutted the powder room and created a gorgeous skirted quartzite vanity.” Art also played a meaningful role. “We commissioned or found several pieces of art from local Memphis artists for four of the spaces.” Throughout the process, trust was key. “The client was open to new and creative ideas and trusted me to design each of the rooms with thoughtful consideration to their love of color but desire to honor the French architecture of the home.”
Klawinski’s favorite spaces are the ones where beauty and comfort meet. The living room, with its two custom green velvet sofas, is made for gathering—a spot where a
big family can settle in, with room for eighteen. The sun room is a quieter retreat, painted blue from floor to ceiling and inspired by the gardens just outside. The grandchildren’s bedroom shines with charm and practicality, with three beds (not just two), bold patterns and tiny ottomans for climbing in and out. Every detail is designed for real life and for making memories.
At Mimosa Home, accessibility is at the heart of everything. Klawinski set out to make design accessible to everyone, with an hourly rate and a flexible approach. Some clients want a little advice, while others dream big and build from the ground up. “Some clients want to do one room at a time, and some hire me to build and design their entire home. It makes every client, every meeting and every day a little different and a lot of fun.” As she puts it simply, “I firmly believe that there is a tremendous market of people who want to love their home but are working within a budget and timeline. Oftentimes, people already like what they have but need a few touch-ups.”
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Klawinski’s style is all about contrast and character. She loves to mix old and new, layering patterns, colors and textures so every room feels full of life. She’s not afraid to break the rules, either—sometimes a space comes together one step at a time, and a bookshelf can be styled like an outfit, with a little high and a little low. But there are a few hard no’s: no shiny gold, no fake plants or flowers and no decor with words. It’s all about creating spaces that feel thoughtfully layered, not contrived. When it comes to where to invest, her advice is unwavering. “Buy good, custom drapery rods even if you hang inexpensive drapes on them,” she says. And, “make sure all of your furniture sits on your rug.”
Looking back on her first year helming Mimosa Home, the projects that linger most are those rooted in emotion. “I helped two clients this year who had lost a spouse. I wanted to create spaces for them that brought them joy.” For Klawinski, the reward is deeply personal. “The biggest joy this year has been watching my designs bring people newfound happiness and transform the way they feel about their home.”
Find Mimosa Home on Instagram @mimosahomeid.
Pictured from left to right: JEANNE BILLINGS, HOLLY JAMES, SEAN BLANKENSHIP, LAURA CLARK, ANGIE WARE, TAMMY DAVIS, REBECCA MAURY DICKEN, BILL MAURY, NANCY HUDDLESTON, PATTY GREER & ASHLEY GILLIHAN. Not pictured: LEXIE JOHNSTON
Speaking (of) Wine
At home, in a wine shop or at a restaurant
The language of wine is complicated. You know what you like, but it’s difficult to describe. If your Old Reliable isn’t available or you want to explore a new label, how can you express your preferences for an informed waiter or shopkeeper? With approximately 6,000 species of wine grapes, it’s critical to simplify this conversation into its base components: style, aroma/taste, body, acidity and tannin.
Style: Know the style of wine you like. Refers to the color, grape, region, dryness or blend you enjoy. Explore and have fun, but be specific.
Aroma and taste: Aroma and taste are intertwined; aroma is a prelude to taste. Flowers, fruits, nuts, herbs, spices and more waft from the glass. Notice what you smell and taste, then describe it in your words. Do you like red fruit or black? Orchard fruits like apples, pears, peaches? Spices and vanilla? Do you like mushrooms, forest floor, funky notes?
Body: This is the weight of the wine in your mouth. A simple way to understand the body is to use milk as a comparison point: light body wines have the consistency of skim milk; medium body wines are like whole milk; full body wines are similar to cream.
Acidity : Acidity is a critical characteristic of wine. There’s a simple trick to determine a wine’s acid. Swirl the wine in your mouth,
ARTICLE BY ANNA GSANGER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
swallow, and lean forward with your mouth closed. Count the seconds that saliva pools in the front of your mouth: one to two seconds is light acid; three to four is medium; five or more seconds is a high acid wine.
Tannin: Tannins are in all red wines, as well as “skin contact” white wines, and they come primarily from the skin and seeds. Tannin adds structure and body to the wine, and causes tactile sensations in the mouth. Tannin is assessed by bitter notes in the mouth, as well as leathery sensations on the gums, roof of mouth and back of tongue. Low tannin leaves a sensation on the front of teeth and gums. Medium tannin is felt on the lips, back of teeth, roof of the mouth and tongue. High tannin is felt all around the mouth, including cheeks.
The great thing about wine is that the learning never ends, and it’s delicious along the way. When you describe wine using the tools above, your local wine shop expert can help, and you can venture into new sections on the wine card in any restaurant. Cheers!
UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF WINE
Wine has been the beverage of choice for over eight millenia, the original ‘grab and go’.
If you’d like to better understand the wine you enjoy, create a cheatsheet on your notes app or notepad. Write down what you notice, using the terms in the article to guide you. If they don’t work, choose terms that make sense to you!
Think about what you enjoy. Does it change with the seasons or with foods you eat? Don’t worry about following “tried and true” rules; have red with fish, white with a steak, sparkling at any time with anything! Patterns will emerge, and you will find that your grasp of the language of wine improves.
If you’d like to learn more, follow Anna on Instagram @SommethingFun. Take your learning one step further: schedule an in-home tasting to learn more and test your burgeoning wine knowledge.
ALLYN FRASER: Made in Memphis
HOW A NATIVE MEMPHIAN TURNS LOCAL HISTORY INTO CONTEMPORARY ART
ARTICLE BY MORGAN ZANONE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT
In her own words, artist and native Memphian Allyn Fraser is “one of those annoying people who has always known what she wanted to do.” As it turns out, she also always knew where she wanted to do it. “Memphis is a huge part of who I am,” she says. Her family has lived here for many generations, and that deep sense of place runs through both her life and her work.
“I am really proud of Memphis. The nitty-gritty of it. That it’s not perfect.” While Allyn didn’t necessarily plan to return home after college, she can’t imagine building her career anywhere else.
Her creative path began early, right here in Memphis. As a child, Allyn often accompanied her mother, an interior designer, to client meetings around the city. While her mother worked, Allyn doodled in old daytimers, filling the pages with drawings from her imagination. Those sketches often became gifts for clients, an early sign that Allyn’s art was meant to be shared.
After high school, Allyn left Memphis to study art at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she “dabbled in a little bit of everything.” Though her focus was painting, she explored printmaking, photography and ceramics. That broad exposure shaped the way she works today. Blending techniques she learned in college, she now primarily paints in gouache, acrylics, and oil.
Allyn began mainly as a portrait artist, even back in high school. Over time, however, her approach shifted. Today, portraits make up just one part of her practice and are usually imagined rather than based on real people. She paints figures inspired by a feeling or vibe, like a cowboy clown or a little girl playing dress-up. While she will still paint portraits of real people, she prefers clients who welcome her whimsical interpretation.
After college, Memphis drew her back. Allyn returned home to study Art History at the University of Memphis and Art Education at Christian Brothers University. While completing her post-graduate studies and later working at an architecture firm, she continued making her art on the side. Eventually, she began “live painting” at weddings, first creating traditional portraits of the bride and groom, then expanding to paint guests as well. Though speed painting can be hectic, Allyn enjoys the challenge, describing it as “a high-end photo booth.”
she says. “You’d have to buy them secondhand.” A few years ago, she began painting the matchbooks as a way to preserve that nostalgia, debuting the series at the Cooper-Young Festival in 2024. Their popularity proves that these images resonate with others who share memories of Memphis’s past.
Allyn sells both matchbook prints and the original paintings, though she only paints each matchbook once. Her work is available at Collected by Elizabeth Malmo and Paradox at PeCo, and you can also “build your own matchbook collection” on her website. Some of her other pieces hang at Fawn Restaurant in Cooper-Young, and she regularly participates in local events such as the CooperYoung, Double Decker, Crafts & Drafts and Soul & Spirits festivals.
“The creative community is so homey and welcoming. It doesn’t feel competitive. I wouldn’t want to do this anywhere else.”
— Allyn Fraser
One of the most distinctly Memphis elements of her work is her matchbook series. Beginning in the 1970s, Allyn’s mother collected matchbooks from local restaurants and bars, creating an archive of the city’s nightlife. Allyn loved sorting through the collection and became obsessed with it. “It’s not something you can really collect anymore,”
Like many artists, Allyn measures success in more than one way. She considers herself luckiest to be a mom. “I am finally a full-time working artist. And momma,” she says. “My son will always be the greatest thing I have ever made.” When talking about her family and her hometown, she notes that her son is a sixth-generation Memphian. “I can be an artist here, and people care about it,” Allyn says. “The creative community is so homey and welcoming. It doesn’t feel competitive. I always feel supported when I step out with my art. I wouldn’t want to do this anywhere else.”
To see more of Allyn’s work, visit allynmakes.com
DESIGNER PREVIEW ART BY DESIGN:
March 25th - March 29th
ARTICLE BY RIVER CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
GCD Interiors. Photography by Sarah Voigt
ARTSmemphis and dozens of creatives will reimagine Agricenter International as a series of stunning vignettes and immersive events that highlight Memphis’s vibrant design and art community.
Art by Design is a curated series of events and presentations designed to highlight Memphis and the Mid-South’s interior design community and simultaneously support the local arts community.
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Kimberly Perry. Photography by LaToya Nash
Hathaway Atelier. Photography by Andrew Welch
Whitney Joiner - Story Interior Design. Photography by Ross Group Creative
Ann Prince Interiors. Photography by Ross Group Creative
Kyle Taylor Art
Caleb Sweazy Woodworking
Anna Lattimore Interior Design. Photography by Ross Group Creative
Anne Canale Designs with Tim Disalvo + Co. Photography by Rebecca Cestaro
B. Murckson Interiors. Photography by TL Murckson Photography
Ashley Brewer Interiors. Photography by Ross Group Creative
Centered around vignettes and arts activations in a gallery showroom format, this production was founded in 2016 by Greg Baudoin and has raised nearly $1M in support of ARTSmemphis grantmaking to artists and arts groups. Led this year by co-chairs Audsley Carr and Elizabeth Malmo, the event is expected to attract over 2,000 attendees from across the Mid-South.
Art by Design includes special ticketed events and general admission and runs March 25th – March 29th. Be among the first to experience Art by Design at the exclusive Preview Party, discover the fun in entertaining at A Screaming Blast with Rebecca Gardner, experience the magic of Art by Design at Evening in the Garden, and Bourbon in the Wild. Support artists and makers during Morning at the Marketplace, and don’t miss a chance to party from room to room during Cocktails by Design.
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Sarah Spinosa Interior Design. Photography by Sarah Voigt
Lisa Mallory Interior Design. Photography by Sarah Voigt
Cameron Howell Interior Design. Photography by Sarah Voigt
DESIGNERS
A.Shaw Interiors, Ann Prince Interiors, Anna Lattimore Interior Design, Anne Canale Designs with Tim Disalvo & Co, Ashley Brewer Interiors, B. Murckson Interiors, Bonds Interiors & Chasington and Co Interiors, Cameron Howell Interior Design, Cui le Chen, Colin X Chapman, The Designery, GCD Interiors with Hathaway Atelier, Haynie Interiors, Houghton House Interiors, Kitchens Unlimited & Lindley Martens Design, Kyle Taylor Art + Caleb Sweazy Woodworking, Lisa Mallory Design & Sarah Spinosa Interior Design, Miller and Company with California Closets, Meg Johnson Design, Onix Interiors & Designs, Story Interior Design, Tara Felice Interiors, Three by KPD | Kimberly Perry Designs
RETAILERS
Collected by Elizabeth Malmo, Heirloom House, Paradox at PeCo, Whitney Winkler Art
GALLERIES
David Lusk Gallery, Goetze Art & Design, Sheetcake Gallery, Studiohouse on Malvern
A. Shaw Style. Photography by Sarah Voigt
Haynie Interiors
Colin X Chapman
Houghton House Interiors. Photography by Annabelle Charles
Cui le Design, Emerging Designer
Onix Interiors & Designs, Emerging Designer
Heirloom House
Chasington & Co Interiors
Bonds Interiors
Art by Design: Events
Preview Party
Wednesday, March 25, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
An intimate cocktail party reserved for sponsors, vignette participants, artists and VIP ticket holders. An exclusive first peek at the stunning showroom!
A Screaming Blast with Rebecca Gardner & Decorative Arts Trust
Thursday, March 26, 10:00 am Reception, 11:00 am Talk, 12:00 pm VIP Lunch
Spend a lively morning at this special event in partnership with Decorative Arts Trust. A riveting presentation from Rebecca Gardner, founder of House + Parties, an events, interior design and retail collective based in New York and Savannah, Georgia.
Evening in the Garden with Tricia Hunt of Millstone Market & Nursery
Thursday, March 26, 6:00 -8:30 pm
Food, florals, & fizz! Enjoy a presentation by the talented Tricia Hunt of Millstone Market & Nursery. Guests will also enjoy an exclusive look at the Art by Design showroom, surrounded by the scent of fresh blooms.
Bourbon in the Wild
Thursday, March 26, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Enjoy an evening of smoky flavors and smooth spirits at our Bourbon & BBQ event in the Art by Design 2026 showroom. Guests will enjoy BBQ and exclusive bourbon tastings.
Morning at the Marketplace
Friday, March 27, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Start the morning with mimosas and delicious brunch bites, while enjoying exclusive shopping opportunities and fashion among the Art by Design showroom.
Cocktails by Design
Friday, March 27, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Celebrate the intersection of creativity and style as you sip and mingle with fellow design lovers and ARTSmemphis supporters. A high-energy evening with design, art and music.
YOUTH VILLAGES: FORTY YEARS OF BUILDING STABLE HOMES AND FUTURES
ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR
Four decades ago, Youth Villages was founded in Memphis, a city that has served as a vital social laboratory for the organization’s mission. Programs and services developed and proven here are now utilized to support children and families across 29 states and Washington, D.C. While the organization has grown into a national entity, its heart and leadership remain firmly rooted in Memphis. This local connection is bolstered by a stable core leadership group with Patrick Lawler, founder and CEO, at its helm.
Patrick Lawler speaking at the employee conference
Lawler began his journey at age 24 when he was named director of Dogwood Village, a small residential program helping children with severe behavioral challenges. “Money and resources were scarce,” Lawler says. “But through dedication, perseverance and a strong belief in the work being done, we found our footing.” Due to that same hard work, Youth Villages has grown into one of the most successful children’s mental health nonprofits in the country. “What motivates me today is the same as it was 46 years ago: helping children and young people overcome their greatest challenges.”
At the center of the mission is the firm belief that children are best raised by their families. By providing the right services at the right time, Youth Villages works to strengthen and restore households, achieving success rates around 90%. These success rates mean that children remain at home, attend school and avoid trouble with the law. As Youth Villages’ executive director of West Tennessee community-based programs, Stephanie Pugh explains that Memphis families often navigate complex challenges that impact child well-being, stability and long-term mental health. Pugh notes that many families live in single-parent or multigenerational households with significant financial strain. According to Pugh, this environment “reduces their capacity for consistent supervision, engagement and academic support,” which can expose children to negative peer influences or academic struggles.
To meet these urgent needs, Youth Villages utilizes a family-centered, strength-based approach that connects parents to essential resources and increases their understanding of trauma. The impact of this work is best illustrated through individual success stories like that of Kauna, who grew up in Memphis foster care and residential programs. She eventually became
a participant in the LifeSet program, which serves as a bridge to adulthood for those turning 18 in foster care. With the support of her LifeSet specialist and the Youth Villages Scholars Initiative, Kauna earned a degree as an esthetician and later enrolled in nursing school at Baptist Health Science University. Today, she serves in the Lived Experience Corps, advising leaders on policy and volunteering at the Bartlett Youth Villages campus where she once received help. Kauna has even traveled to Washington, D.C., to address policymakers about the systems that once served her.
Kauna’s journey from foster care to policymaking reflects the broader evolution of the organization. As Youth Villages celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, the organization remains focused on its roots. Lawler says, “Memphis will always be our hometown, and we work to create lasting solutions to some of our community’s greatest challenges. From supporting families and young people through our community-based support groups to breaking ground on capital expansion projects at our residential campuses, Youth Villages has been a part of Memphis’ story for 40 years, and we remain committed to helping to shape Memphis’ bright future.”
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Family adoption ceremony
LifeSet program is a bridge to adulthood
That commitment to a bright future for our city recently led to the 2022 launch of Memphis Allies, an initiative designed to curb gun violence by bringing community groups together. Since its inception, the program has served 1,409 adults and youth, with 91% of participants avoiding additional gun charges while in service. “We all know a safer Memphis is a stronger Memphis,” says Lawler, “and that is why we’re so deeply invested in our work through Memphis Allies to reduce gun violence. And our results give me real hope: seeing people turn away from violence and towards a more productive future for themselves, their families and our city.”
With over 5,000 employees helping more than 47,000 children and young adults nationwide last year, the mission continues to be driven by the expertise and experience gained in Memphis. Marcie Mulhern, Youth Villages’ director of West Tennessee development, says, “We are incredibly grateful for those who get involved, from individuals to foundations to companies to partners, who donate their time and dollars.”
Through decades of work, Youth Villages has proven that strong families make Memphis stronger. While there will always be a place for residential care and temporary foster care for those with the most serious challenges, the organization remains committed to high-quality programs in those areas while striving for success in the least restrictive setting: the home. The culture created by a stable leadership group and the dedication of frontline workers ensures that the organization stays true to its roots. As they move forward, the commitment to meeting local needs and finding innovative solutions remains as strong as it was forty years ago.
For more information about Youth Villages and how you can get involved, visit youthvillages.org
Memphis Allies works to curb gun violence
DAVID
PINKNEY HERBERT Fountain oil, acrylic on canvas, 2026, 50 x 43”
