FAMILY VICTORIES FROM YOUTH VILLAGES
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: FUTURE
FOCUS: Exploring pathways to vocational careers
• GROUP MENTORING BUILDS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
• DONOR SPOTLIGHT: LISA ASHBY
• YOUTH VILLAGES TURNS 40
UPDATE
FROM YOUTH VILLAGES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“Thank you for what you do.”
This was the overwhelming comment I received from guests at the Seventh Annual Jam for Janie GRAMMY Awards® Viewing Party, held in Los Angeles in early February. Each year, Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler hosts this event benefiting Janie’s Fund and Youth Villages. I was impressed and truly moved by the heartwarming sentiment from the entertainment industry and the support for girls’ well-being — and girls doing well.
Nicky, Edana, Diamond and Michalann, young women served by Youth Villages’ programs, shared their stories, and I watched as our guests leaned in to deeply listen. Some guests brought their children, and I saw beautifully tender moments of generations moved to tears, taking to heart what the young women had endured in their traumatic pasts and the importance of prioritizing mental health.
These ladies embody resilience. By sharing their lived experience, they created a collective understanding: mental health issues are human issues. Youth Villages’ mission is to help children and families live successfully, which by extension also helps the collective.
Their stories remind us why it is essential that our work extends beyond awareness into tangible scenarios for growth, including two new programs for children in our care that you will learn about in this newsletter:
• Inner Harbour’s vocational training program, which expands our youth’s worldview and gives them real-time experience in training for workforce development success.
• Group mentoring, an innovative approach that builds healthy relationships while also building community.
Whether you are engaged as a mentor, community partner, vendor or donor, we appreciate how you giving back helps the whole. While we start with individual healing, it impacts the collective, and we thank you for the work you do to support Youth Villages.
Tanya Anderson EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GEORGIA
tanya.anderson@youthvillages.org
770-852-6238
GEORGIA ADVISORY BOARD
Paul Zachos, Board Chair
Amy Baillie
Don Crampton
James Harper
Bruce Hein
Brian Holloway
Lauren Hunter
Nicole Langley
Dara Mann
Robert L. Rearden III
Matthew Tarkenton
Elevate Campaign
Steering Committee
Elizabeth Rose, Campaign Co-Chair
Lisa Ashby
Marifred Cilella
Dalia Racine
Allen Post
Sara Ray
Matthew Tarkenton
David Tyler
Bo Wilkins
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. Last fiscal year, our 5,000 employees served more than 47,000 children and young adults in more than 120 locations in 29 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.
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STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
GROUP MENTORING EMPOWERS YOUTH THROUGH CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY
In late 2025, Youth Villages Georgia launched a new group mentoring experience for young people in residential care at Inner Harbour, an inaugural session that proved both powerful and unforgettable.
Group mentoring was created to expand mentoring access while still honoring the relational needs of youth on campus.
“It allows us to provide consistent mentorship opportunities that support social skills, emotional growth and positive peer interactions, even when a one-to-one mentor isn’t immediately available,” said Ah’Lexis Daniel, mentor liaison for Youth Villages Georgia. “Youth gain increased access to mentors, opportunities to practice communication skills, peer modeling of positive behaviors and a sense of shared experiences.”
The first session took place in one of the campus’ newly opened cottages, where mentors and mentees spent an afternoon on the front porch overlooking the lake. Music played softly in the background as the group passed around pizza, paint and pre-formed masks.
They received a simple but meaningful assignment:
• On the outside of the mask: depict how the world sees you.
• On the inside of the mask: depict how you see yourself.
What followed was creative, honest, and at times, heart-wrenching. Many of the girls expressed feelings of being judged, misunderstood or labeled. Some designs revealed the weight of assumptions others placed on them. Yet the inside of the masks told a different story, full of hope, humor, longing and resilience.
Every mask told its own truth. And every mask was beautiful.
As the painting continued, conversations naturally opened. There was laughter, curiosity, reflection and connection — the kind that happens when young people feel safe enough to be themselves.
When the group gathered to share their masks, the vulnerability was real.
“Discussing together what the outside world expects versus what we know to be true about ourselves opened the door to reflection, empowerment and encouragement,” said Katrina Word, mentor program supervisor. “It reminded mentors that impact doesn’t only happen one-on-one. Group mentoring builds relationships, community and confidence even when individual pairing isn’t possible.”
The youth were proud of their creations, and the porch buzzed with energy. One participant shared, “It felt good to create something and talk about who I really am.”
This first session marked the beginning of a growing effort. Group mentoring is emerging as a powerful tool — a place for youth to belong, express themselves, question, reflect and be truly seen.
“Our goal is to use group mentoring as a bridge to individual mentoring when available and as added support for youth who aren’t paired yet,” Daniel said. “We’re excited to host more sessions across campus and build a community willing to show up for our young people.”
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MENTOR, CONTACT
OPENING DOORS TO OPPORTUNITY
INNER HARBOUR’S NEW VOCATIONAL PROGRAM GIVES YOUTH HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN SKILLED TRADES
Inner Harbour recently launched a new vocational program providing a structured pathway for career exploration and skill development for the youth in our residential care.
Makayla Harrison, vocational program manager, is leading the charge to provide more hands-on, experiential skill-building opportunities for the campus’ students who are 14 and older.
These opportunities include an on-campus visit from the “Be Pro, Be Proud” mobile workshop, and a week-long hair braiding camp, both of which took place during the first quarter of 2026.
Inside the “Be Pro, Be Proud” 18-wheeler parked outside the new administration building, youth experienced video simulators and virtual-reality stations that gave a taste of what it’s like to drive a big rig, operate a backhoe or try their hand at welding. The set up is similar to video game trucks that are popular at birthday parties and other events — except these activities have realworld applications.
“The kids get to experience and spend time with all the different simulations so they can be introduced to and learn more about careers and opportunities in those fields,” Harrison said.
VOCATION + EDUCATION
Based on the results of the CareerScope assessment, which identifies the teens’ interests and aptitudes, they receive a personalized list of potential careers while working with staff to create a customized vocational plan.
In addition to on-site activations, Inner Harbour’s vocational students have also visited some higher education campuses, including West Georgia Technical College, Georgia Highlands College and Atlanta’s Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School.
The program also offers opportunities
Inner Harbour teens explored various skilled trade simulators on the “Be Pro, Be Proud” truck.
for youth to earn industry-recognized credentials, such as the OSHA 10Hour General Industry course and the ServSafe Food Handler certification.
“I completed the courses to get my ServSafe and OSHA 10-hour while being at Youth Villages,” said vocational program participant Mackenzie. “I also completed my resume and the CareerScope assessment. I went to Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School and saw what my workspace would potentially look like. We went to DeNyse Signs and learned about
their process. We did gardening and built a garden trellis. It has been great learning about different jobs and being provided the resources to do so.”
Harrison and Vocational Coordinator Morgan Salinas are also working with Construction Ready to create a construction skills program for the Inner Harbour campus.
IF YOUR COMPANY IS INTERESTED IN SPONSORING A FIELD TRIP FOR OUR VOCATIONAL STUDENTS OR PARTNERING WITH OUR VOCATIONAL PROGRAM TO EXPAND THEIR WORLDVIEWS AND WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT MAKAYLA HARRISON AT MAKAYLA.HARRISON@ YOUTHVILLAGES.ORG.
As Backpack Heroes, we have the power to ensure every student starts the school year with the supplies and confidence they need to thrive. Together, we can make this year’s drive the most impactful yet.
Join us in spreading the joy of learning and supporting the next generation. Let’s build a brighter future, one backpack at a time.
Reach out to Shelly Francis at shelly.francis@youthvillages.org to learn how to make a lasting impact on students in need. Scan the QR code to visit our website.
SMALL START BECOMES BIG IMPACT
Youth Villages celebrates 40 years of service
In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan was elected president, the first 24-hour news network (CNN) launched, and the Winter Olympics featured an upstart hockey team that became “The Miracle on Ice.”
In Memphis, Tennessee, another miracle was beginning.
A juvenile court judge sent 24-yearold Patrick Lawler to a struggling residential campus near Memphis with these marching orders: “Fix it or shut it down.”
At the campus, Lawler found a handful of dedicated staff helping about 20 young people. It soon became apparent the children had nowhere else to go if the campus closed.
Donors and volunteers stepped up in support, and in 1986, that small campus grew to become Youth Villages in a merger of two small residential campuses.
Now, 40 years later, Lawler is still at the helm as CEO and Youth Villages is one of the leading children’s mental and behavioral health nonprofits in the United States, lifted by the passion and commitment of staff, volunteers and donors.
Setting the highest standard for residential services needed by children with the most severe needs will
always be a part of Youth Villages’ mission. However, most of the organization’s 5,000 staff members work in community-based programs: Intercept®, intensive in-home services, and in LifeSet, supporting former foster youth as they move to adulthood.
Implementing services that are proven help us achieve high success rates, children who complete their programs at Youth Villages are living successfully at home with their families, enrolled in school or working and not having trouble with the law.
The organization is planning for bolder impact in the future.
“We’re making an incredible impact on the communities we serve through the committed support of our staff, local and national boards, donors and volunteers,” Lawler said. “We’re taking what we learned over the past 40 years and focusing on deepening our services. I’ve never been more excited about what we can do together to heal families and give children and young adults their best chance at long-term success.”
To our donors, volunteers, mentors, foundations and everyone who has supported Youth Villages, we say thank you! As we celebrate this 40th anniversary, we are excited to continue our work to enhance child welfare across the country.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT LISA ASHBY
Known for her philanthropic leadership and volunteerism, Lisa Ashby serves on the Elevate Capital Campaign Steering Committee, helping raise the funds needed for the significant expansion and modernization of the Youth Villages Inner Harbour campus in Douglasville. Through her leadership and advocacy, she strengthens Inner Harbour’s ability to continue transforming lives for generations to come.
In this Q&A, we speak with her about her commitment, which reflects a deep belief in creating spaces where young people can heal, grow and thrive. We’re grateful to share her story and the passion that drives her involvement.
How did you become involved with Youth Villages?
Elizabeth Rose, the amazing chair of the Elevate Capital Campaign Steering Committee, recruited me. We met serving on the Emory Board of Visitors together.
On her first attempt, I told Elizabeth I didn’t have the capacity to serve, but to Elizabeth’s credit, she said she saw something in my eyes and asked again, sharing how I could be helpful. I’m so happy I said “yes.”
What impact do you hope your contribution and service through the Elevate Campaign will have on the children at Youth Villages?
It only took one visit to the campus, and I knew I wanted both the children and the staff to have a beautiful place to stay and work. The property is incredible, the staff is amazing and the children deserve the best of everything: a place learn, garden, ride horses, kayak and drum.
What do you think sets Youth Villages apart in its work with children and families?
Without a doubt, the love sets Youth Villages apart. To hear and see the interaction of the staff with the children is so genuine and beautiful. Everyone refers to the children as “their babies.”
During the Elevate Campaign’s Phase 1 ribbon-cutting event, I cried for the first 30 minutes in awe and admiration of the level of caring demonstrated. It’s indescribable.
Why should someone consider becoming more involved with Youth Villages?
Youth Villages embodies love in action in a natural healing environment. There are over 300 passionate staff members who welcome support and even more children who need your help. One visit to campus, and you’ll be ready to sign up.
Lisa Ashby serves as a member of the Elevate Capital Campaign Steering Committee.
An aerial view of the four new youth cottages (white roofs) currently under construction as part of Phase 2 of the Elevate Campaign.
Cottage 2 (white roof) is located adjacent to Cottage 1 and will house 20 youth. All four new youth cottages will have views of the campus’ beautiful lake.
This aerial view shows cottages 3 and 4 under construction in the foreground. The new beds added in the Elevate Campaign will replace the 52 beds in the Hewell Building shown in the immediate background and increase the campus’ service capacity to 172.
YOUTH VILLAGES GEORGIA DONORS
JULY 1 – DEC. 31, 2025
INNOVATOR
$100,000+
David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund*
Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.*
The Rich’s Foundation*
The Rose Foundation*
VISIONARY
$50,000 to $99,999
Cummins, Inc.
PILLAR
$25,000 to $49,999
Matthew and Elizabeth Rose*
LEADER
$10,000 to $24,999
Anonymous
Atlanta Charity Clays
The Denyse Cares Foundation, Inc.
The John and Mary Franklin Foundation
Truist Financial Corporation
PROTECTOR
$5,000 to $9,999
Anonymous
Rick and Harriet Barger*
Clark and Ruby Baker Foundation
Glen P. and Laura Mae
Robinson Foundation
GreyStone Power Foundation
J.C. Kennedy Foundation, Inc.
Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation
Kiwanis Foundation of Atlanta, Inc.
Oguntebi Generosity Fund
Allen and Katie Post*
Paul and Lori Vetter*
BUILDER
$1,000 to $4,999
Atlanta Foundation
Bright Wings Foundation
Don and Jennifer Crampton*
Douglas County Water Sewer Authority
Dr. James Harper
Bruce Hein
Douglas Jay
Jeannie and Matt Beckett Family Fund
Shawn Lawson
Xavier and Dara Mann
Mitchell Family Fund
Nations Electric
Bill and Leslie Nunn
Darren Pinson
Tonja Pitts
Publix Super Markets Charities
Richard C. Munroe Foundation
Kevin Schroder
Jasmine Smith
Bob and Paula Snelling
Matthew Tarkenton*
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Thornton
FRIEND
$250 to $999
Kathy Arnold
Kathy and Chuck Candler
Jeffrey Collins
Dr. Jocelyn Cox
Stacy Fisher
Carl Hein
Lauren Hunter
Marilyn Kaufman
Kimberly Clark Matching Gifts
Jill Kirchgatter
Knights of ColumbusDouglasville
Debbie McCullough
Scott Mclain
Adrienne Mittons
Sean Palani
Mark Rasmus
Heather Rivera
Wayne Roberts
Kitsy Rose
Diya Sandeep
Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Stewart
Marsha Taylor
Richard J. Taylor
Vicki Wysocki
Paul and Dee Dee Zachos
If you made a contribution during this time (above $500) but are not listed, please call 678-978-0520. *Denotes Elevate Capital Campaign donation or pledge payment
JOIN OUR EFFORTS
YOUTH VILLAGES
4685 Dorsett Shoals Road
Douglasville, GA 30135
(Address Service Requested)
Youth Villages is a private nonprofit that serves more than 47,000 children and their families each year from offices in the following cities:
Alabama: Auburn
Arizona: Phoenix
Arkansas: Fayetteville, Little Rock
Florida: Lakeland
Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville
Indiana: Bloomington, Indianapolis
Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville
Louisiana: Baton Rouge
Maine: Biddeford
Massachusetts: Boston, Marlborough, Springfield, Raynham, Woburn
Mississippi: Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Jackson, Tupelo
New Hampshire: Manchester
North Carolina: Asheville, Boone, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Hickory, Jacksonville, Louisburg, Murphy, Raleigh-Durham, Waynesville, Wilmington
Ohio: Cincinnati, 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
Heights Georgia is published by Youth Villages
678-978-0520.