Issuu

SPRING

New

HEIGHTS FAMILY VICTORIES FROM YOUTH VILLAGES

2021

UPDATE

FROM TANYA ANDERSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GEORGIA Spring is the season of rebirth and new beginnings. As the weather turns warmer and the days grow longer, trees regrow their leaves, flowers sprout new blooms, and grass turns from brown to bright green. We see this annual transformation in our community garden at Inner Harbour, where our young people, staff and AmeriCorps members plant and harvest organic vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers. This renewal reminds me of the life-changing impact I see every month of the year for the young people in our care at Youth Villages. In this newsletter, we will introduce you to some of our heroes who are supporting our mission, individually and as our corporate community partners. We’ll share with you the life-sustaining work of our LifeSet program, which helps young people aging out of the foster care system. Our planting season - the preparation, planning and investments made during a challenging 2020 - is already showing its “blooms” in 2021. The successful growth of LifeSet we’re already seeing this year would not have been possible without the generosity of the individuals, families, foundations, businesses and community partners who supported us this past year. We are grateful to honor our contributing partners in this publication. Will you consider joining them by making an investment in Youth Villages to help children and families live successfully? Thank you for your interest and involvement in Youth Villages. I look forward to watching together our many buds and blooms as we continue through 2021!

Tanya Anderson EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GEORGIA tanya.anderson@youthvillages.org 770-852-6238

GEORGIA ADVISORY BOARD Edwin Cook, Chair Bruce Hein Brian Holloway Dara D. Mann Adrienne Mittons Robert Rearden Bob Snelling Matt Tarkenton Paul Zachos

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FINDING HER VOICE

Keona’s first few months at Youth Villages’ Inner Harbour campus were rocky. She was lonely, depressed, and aggressive toward herself and others. “I didn’t have a will to live at that time,” Keona said. “I was hurting myself and wouldn’t accept help. But my Youth Villages team stuck by my side and changed my life forever.” Inner Harbour is a residential treatment facility for youth with severe behavioral, emotional and mental health challenges, often due to trauma. In Keona’s case, she was abandoned by her... Story continues on page 4

AT HOME

WITH FAMILY

NATIONAL PROGRAM SUCCESS

LOCAL SUCCESS

NO TROUBLE

WITH THE LAW

IN SCHOOL

OR GRADUATED

The figures represent the status of youth at one year after discharge through June 2020.

Figures include only youth who received at least 60 days of service and reflect a response rate of 45% (2,482 out of 5,510).

B U I L D I N G S T R O N G FA M I L I E S

STUDIES SHOW EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERCEPT PROGRAM In 1995, Youth Villages began providing intensive help for children with emotional and behavioral issues and their families through Intercept, intensive in-home services. Over the years, the program has helped more than 43,000 children from birth to age 18 and demonstrated high success rates. Two important recent studies have further shown the program’s impact and allowed the program to receive a national rating that may make it available to more families who need it. The Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse announced recently that the Youth Villages Intercept program model is rated as “supported” after two studies from the Center for State Childhood Data at the University of Chicago’s Chapin Hall showed the program had positive impacts on the use of foster care. This means the program can be used by states through federal funding provided by the Family First Prevention Services Act passed by Congress in 2018. “This is a milestone for Intercept and Youth Villages,” said Youth Villages CEO Patrick Lawler. “More than 30 years ago, we made providing intensive help for families the center of what we do. We’re pleased that Intercept has been recognized as one of the first 10 In-Home/Parent-Skill programs in the country to receive a favorable rating.” Two separate evaluations of Intercept were conducted using data made available by the state of Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.

In the first, researchers found that Intercept reduces the chances of out-of-home placement by 53% following an abuse or neglect investigation. The effect of Intercept is sustained at six and 12 months after services end. In the second, the data showed the odds of achieving permanency were approximately 24% higher for children receiving Intercept than a comparison group. Intercept provides intensive in-home services and works in all the systems that surround the child: the family, school, neighborhood and peer group. The Intercept program was launched in Memphis and became an integral part of child welfare reform in the state of Tennessee. Youth Villages expanded the model, and it is now being implemented in 13 states. The Clearinghouse was established by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct an objective and transparent review of research on programs and services intended to provide enhanced support to children and families and prevent foster care placements. It determines what services can be funded under the Family First Prevention Services Act. “The Clearinghouse is helping states identify evidence-based interventions that really work to strengthen and restore struggling families,” Lawler said. “It is a transformational moment for child welfare in this country.”

Story continued from page 3 ...mother when she was younger and left in her grandparents’ care. “We worked a lot on Keona’s self-esteem, because she used to blame herself for her trauma and behavior,” said April Sawyer, Keona’s therapist. “Now that she understands how trauma can influence thoughts, emotions and behavior, she is more forgiving of herself.” April met with Keona twice per week for individual therapy. Together, they practiced coping skills and how to communicate emotions in a positive way. Keona participated in Youth Villages’ therapeutic drumming program and began meeting with her mentor, Jill, each weekend. “With all of this consistency and support, Keona has blossomed,” said Katrina Word, Youth Villages mentor coordinator. “We’ve always seen her potential, but now she’s seeing it for herself. It’s been amazing to see hope in Keona’s eyes.” Now, when Keona becomes frustrated by a peer, she walks away to calm down and take a deep breath. She even helps other youth practice their coping skills to make progress of their own. “I am so proud of the progress Keona has made,” April said. “She is smart, creative, and now, she’s a leader. I am going to miss that amazing young lady.” Keona graduated the eighth grade this year and is looking forward to beginning high school. She continues to work on her confidence and says positive affirmations to herself in the mirror every day.

“I am worthy, I am smart, I am beautiful,” Keona said. “Thanks to Ms. April, I believe these words now. Her positivity has helped me recognize that my life is worth living. Now, I can prove to my Youth Villages team that I can make it out there myself.”

YOUTH VILLAGES AWARDED $50,000 GRANT FROM COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER ATLANTA

Youth Villages Georgia received a $50,000 grant this January from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to support our mental health treatments and services for young people. Youth Villages was one of 63 metro Atlanta nonprofits selected for funding; aligning with the Community Foundation’s Strong Families pillar to help families of all shapes and sizes live healthy, fulfilled lives. This investment in Youth Villages was made possible through the Community Foundation’s commitment to increasing equity in the Atlanta region. In 2020, the Community Foundation spent much of the year engaged in raising and distributing emergency COVID-19 response funding. While the grants are provided through other funding programs, they were influenced by community knowledge and issues arising from the continued economic, educational and health impacts of the pandemic. “We are so grateful that the Community Foundation chose to invest in the important services we provide to children and families,” said Tanya Anderson, executive director for Youth Villages Georgia. “The funds will be used to support the life-changing work to help youth and families live successfully.” For more on the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, visit www.cfgreateratlanta.org.

HOLIDAY HEROES: ‘SILENT KNIGHTS,’ BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE FOR THE CHILDREN AT YOUTH VILLAGES GEORGIA During the holiday season in 2019, Darren Pinson, merchandising execution manager at The Home Depot Innovation Center, spearheaded a special effort with our community partners at The Atlanta Community Tool Bank, and our Youth Villages AmeriCorps Team by creating a special evening for some of the youth at our Inner Harbour campus.

The children went through a life skills class on dining etiquette and then Darren and his team coordinated a dinner for the youth so they could use their skills. In a banquetstyle set-up at the Tool Bank Training Center in Atlanta, the children enjoyed a threecourse meal and as a special holiday bonus, Darren and his team gave every child a duffel bag filled with goodies. From T-shirts, to books, to a new pair of shoes, the children were overjoyed with the generosity of our community for them.

2019 Holiday Dinner with CJ Clark from Atlanta Community Tool Bank, Darren P

“My goal is to make Christmas memorable for as many children as possible,” Darren said. Who knew that would be just the beginning? In 2020, we were unable to recreate the dinner and gift giving in person, though that did not deter Darren. He created a peer-to-peer fundraising group called The Silent Knights and set the goal at $5,000. Darren shared his passion for helping the youth at Youth Villages and he met his goal in just two weeks! “This was truly a group effort and could not have been done without the generous people in my life that care so deeply about others,” Darren said.

Pinson and team from Home Depot and Caroline Ledlie, Youth Villages AmeriCorps

It is friends like Darren who are committed to making an impact on the lives of the youth in our care. We are grateful to him and the Silent Knights this year for making the holidays memorable. We are fortunate to have numerous Holiday Heroes who support our efforts to make the holidays joyous for the children in our Georgia programs. On our Inner Harbour campus, we had 128 youth in residence with us this past holiday season. One of our heroes is Paul Zachos, our Youth Villages Georgia board vice chair and fierce champion for our children. Paul engaged support from his friend and vice president at Benning Construction, Anthony Zito, to make it possible for all our youth to have coats this winter! Working with our friends

Anthony Zito, vice president at Benning Construction and Paul Zachos, Youth Villages Georgia board vice chair

at Burlington Coat Factory, 141 coats were picked out especially for each child on our campus to ensure they stayed warm this winter. In addition, Paul annually works with Operation Christmas, a local Douglasville effort to provide toys to children in the community, to ensure our youth have board games, books and sporting equipment. This year, they also provided beautifully decorated self-care packages for each of the children in our care. Each box contained earbud headphones, socks, lotion, shampoo, gloves and more. We appreciate Paul and his care for our mission to help children and families live successfully – a true holiday hero!

Looking for an opportunity to empower and motivate a young person as they transition from foster care into the community? Help our young people in LifeSet get set up for a successful life! Become a mentor today! Scan our QR code with your phone’s camera for more information.

Youth Villages Georgia Mentoring Program Katrina Word, Mentor Program Manager katrina.word@youthvillages.org

IN GEORGIA Giving young people a good start Who were your encouragers when you were ages 17 – 23 years old? Who were the people that helped you navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood? Everyone deserves a good start, and Youth Villages’ LifeSet program provides a specialist to support young people who are transitioning out of the foster care system and helps them navigate becoming independent and empowered adults.

Aging out of the system, our youth are faced with a number of obstacles: lack of familial support, lack of financial and viable resources, and a lack of basic life and social skills, which all present challenges to healthy living. We often forget at times of great change in life, it is the people who show up and help us see the pathway forward who make it possible for us to believe in ourselves. Our LifeSet specialists provide emotional and tangible support for our youth, over the course of a year, and teach them how to advocate for themselves and to find the resources they need. In October of 2020, we were fortunate to partner with AmeriGroup to expand our LifeSet program in Georgia, which now serves 40 young people daily in multiple counties in the metro Atlanta area. With continued need for our services, we hope to double the number of young people we serve by the end of 2021 and see even more growth in the years to come. Our LifeSet program is supported through our contract with AmeriGroup and through philanthropic support from individuals, corporations and foundations. Your contributions will help us have more specialists to serve more young people and to strengthen our community. Will you be a champion for LifeSet? Make your gift today by visiting us at:

YOUTH VILLAGES GEORGIA: THANKFUL FOR OUR PARTNERS IN PURPOSE

INDIVIDUAL, CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION GIVING FROM JULY 1, 2020 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2020

VISONARY

50,000 - $99,999

Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

LEADER

10,000 - 24,999

Atlanta Foundation

PROTECTOR 5,000 - $9,999

Caiola & Rose, LLC

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Jones and Barbara Cleveland Kiwanis Foundation of Atlanta, Inc.

Mr. Hermien Sauermann Wellstar Health Systems Employees

100-$499

Ms. Esther Adegboye Ms. Iyiola Adegboye Mac and Kathleen Hodgson

Mr. and Mrs. Xavier Mann

Ms. Cecilia Andaluz

Leslie & Bill Nunn

Brad Ascar

Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts

Ms. Julia Babington

QuikTrip Corporation

Mr. Christopher Beck

Richard C. Munroe Foundation

Mr. Brian Biro

Mrs. Heather Rivera

Ms. Emilee Bloomer

Mrs. Elizabeth Rose

Mr. and Mrs. Ira Blumenthal

Mr. Matthew Tarkenton

Mr. Tyler Bridgers

Tull Charitable Foundation

Mr. Andrew Burnett

United Way of Greater Atlanta

Mr. Ian Byrnside Ms. Sarah Carter Ms. Lisa Carter

J.C. Kennedy Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Philip Clinch

Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation

FRIEND 500-$999

Benning Construction Company

David M. Albano

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Campbell

Ms. Brenda Ambrosius

Cobb EMC Community Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Cook

Ms. Leigh Ann Costley

Ms. Susan Deubel

The Denyse Cares Foundation, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Clark Dumas

Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Goodendorf

Frazier and Deeter Foundation

Ms. Lauren Hunter

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hein

1,000 - $4,999

Ms. Adrienne Mittons

Mr. Clay Lee

Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.

BUILDER

Mr. Robert Matsuishi

Mr. Jeffrey Collins Mr. Walter Cook Ms. Jeri Kim Covington Ms. Audra Crosby Ms. Jennifer Dempsey Peter DiFilippo Ms. Julie Doss Mr. Chris Etheridge Ms. Marti Fessenden Mr. Kelly Garrison Mr. Clifton Goolsby

Thank you for supporting Youth Villages. The following donors made gifts to Youth Villages between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2020. We gratefully acknowledge these thoughtful contributions. If you made a contribution during this time but it is not listed, please call Matt Jarrard, Director of Development, GA - 678-978-0520, 10

to have your gift recognized.

Ms. JoAnn Gotschall Ms. Helen Graham Mr. James Haddle Mr. Dustin Hall Mr. Jalal Hamad Ms. Holly Hastings Kathleen Hayes Mr. Bruce Hein Ms. Carla Hoffman Mr. Brian Holloway Mr. Clayton Huffman Mr. Jeffrey James Mr. Jeremy Jones Ms. Alexis Jordan Mr. Brad Kobetich Ms. Jana Korhonen Ms. Susan Koschewa Bob and Mary Kretschmar Mrs. Myra Kucera Ms. Terri Lawson Steve and Polly Losure Ms. Mary Kay McBrayer Mrs. Sharyn McCabe Mr. Eric McCrite Mr. George Mckerrow Mr. Rekeithen Miller Ms. Carol Mitchell Jeff Parker Scott Patman Mr. David Patton Mr. Matthew Pilgrim Mr. Jimmy Pinson Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Reed W L Reeves Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Rose Mr. Brian Ruppert Mr. Hermien Sauermann Mr. Richard P. Shaw Mr. Robert Snelling Mrs. Marsha Stewart Mrs. Murray Stewart Mr. John Szymanski Mr. and Mrs. Michael Vickers Laurie Walling Mrs. Jolanda Walther Ms. Camila Whalen Matt Williams Mr. and Ms. Mike Williams Ms. Sherrill Williams Harris Wilson Mr. Paul Zachos

YOUTH VILLAGES

4685 Dorsett Shoals Road Douglasville, GA 30135 (Address Service Requested)

PERMIT NUMBER 1324 U.S. POSTAGE PAID YOUTH VILLAGES

Youth Villages is a private nonprofit that serves more than 33,000 children and their families each year from offices in the following cities: Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, Mobile Arkansas: Searcy, West Memphis Florida: Lakeland Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville Indiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Evansville, Indianapolis, Jasper, Jeffersonville, Madison Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville Massachusetts: Marlborough, West Springfield, Raynham, Woburn Mississippi: Biloxi, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Jackson, Meridian, Tupelo New Hampshire: Manchester North Carolina: Asheville, Boone, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Louisburg, Pinehurst, Raleigh-Durham, Waynesville Ohio: Worthington Oklahoma: Oklahoma City, Tulsa Oregon: Bend, Portland, Salem Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, Paris Washington, D.C.

New Heights Georgia is published by Youth Villages Prefer not to receive a printed newsletter? Email cynthia.vanelli@youthvillages.org or call 901-251-5000. ©

2021 Youth Villages, Inc.