SPRING 2026
FAMILY VICTORIES FROM YOUTH VILLAGES
AT 2ND ANNUAL
IMPACT HOUR
LIFESET YOUNG ADULTS TAKE THE STAGE
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
• HOLIDAY HEROES SET NEW RECORD
• COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS
ADJUST DURING ICE STORM
• YOUTH VILLAGES TURNS 40
UPDATE
FROM YOUTH VILLAGES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends,
I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones doing well and enjoying a full recovery from the brutal winter our region faced. The widespread power outages disrupted daily life for tens of thousands of families, including many across our programs. This created immediate challenges around basic needs such as heat, food access and safe shelter.
Our teams quickly shifted focus to address those urgent needs. Staff members with power took on additional cases. Crisis teams across the state provided telehealth support, and leadership ensured any family or staff who needed a warm place to stay had hotel rooms. All three of our Nashville therapeutic group homes lost power, but generators recently donated from Jackson®, Piedmont Natural Gas, R.C. Mathews Contractor and Dodd Electric allowed youth and staff to remain safely in place.
We are also grateful to the donors who stepped up with additional contributions to help cover emergency lodging and other immediate expenses. Your support provided continuity of care during a challenging time and ensured the disruption did not create larger issues for the families in our services.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to the young people and families of Middle Tennessee.
Sincerely,
Brittany Farrar EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MIDDLE TENNESSEE PROGRAMS
brittany.farrar@youthvillages.org 615-250-7322
YOUTH VILLAGES
MIDDLE TENNESSEE
ADVISORY BOARD
Jason Egly, Chair
Chuck Banker
Elaina Brintnall
Tom Corridon
Meredith Forehand
Rodney Lunsford
Ben Madonia
Dianna Maher
Sarah Mickle
Adam Nickas
Katy Phillips
Tony Sharpe
Robert Strobel
Carson Thoma
HONORARY BOARD
Bill Hamburg
Nate Kenney
Lisa Small
Betsy Walkup
ADVISORY BOARD INTERNS
Aggie Riley
Meredith Rich
Francesca Rutherford
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.
How are we doing?
We’d love to hear feedback from you, so we can continue to improve and give you content you enjoy.
our survey.
The Klassen family gathered to celebrate Lexi’s adoption.
LEXI GETS HER FOREVER FAMILY
Matt and Kim Klassen of Spring Hill, Tennessee, were inspired to become foster parents after their daughter became a social worker. When they learned that some teenagers age out of the system alone, they decided to open their home to those who were unlikely to reunify.
“When kids age out of the system, they don’t have a place to go home for Thanksgiving,” Kim Klassen said. “Where is [home]? Where’s Christmas? Who are their people?”
The Klassens now have five children and young adults who call them ‘mom and dad.’ They adopted three teens, the most recent being 13-year-old Lexi, whose adoption was finalized in October.
The family emphasized how much the support of Youth Villages helped them become trauma-informed and ease the transition for Lexi. They plan on remaining respite foster parents for the foreseeable future.
IMPACT HOUR HOSTED AT THE PARTHENON
Four young adults, who aged out of foster care at 18 years old, joined a panel to share their experience transitioning to adulthood during the Impact Hour hosted in February.
The second annual event provided an opportunity for 125 donors and community members to learn more about these young adults’ life goals, the barriers they faced along the way, and LifeSet’s role in earning their trust and supporting their success.
Bridgestone Americas
Capital Resource Group Dedicated Advisory Board Member Eco-Energy HCA Healthcare Jackson® PMC
(Parking Management Company) Piedmont Natural Gas
Another panelist, Jessica, is studying aesthetics in hopes of one day owning her own salon. She emphasized that while she missed some opportunities in foster care, LifeSet has helped her catch up to her peers. The third panelist, Logan, entered foster Second annual Impact Hour provides platform for LifeSet participants
One panelist, Elizabeth, is in community college and plans to attend nursing school at Tennessee Tech University.
“I am proud of how far I have come, and I recognize that none of this would have been possible without the support of DCS and LifeSet,” Elizabeth said. “Their guidance not only helped me navigate aging out of foster care but also empowered me to build a future grounded in stability, purpose and lifelong learning.”
care at 17 and was soon on his own, navigating adulthood. With LifeSet support, he found stable housing, bought a car and started an electrician apprenticeship.
Abby, the final panelist and a former participant, returned to share the long-term impact of a strong support system. She earned a master’s degree and is now married and teaches in Metro Nashville Public Schools.
To open the event, LifeSet participant and Austin Peay University student Dimarco shared a powerful speech, which you can read on the next page.
DIMARCO SHARES HIS MESSAGE OF HOPE
I know what it feels like to pack your life into a trash bag. I know what it feels like to walk into a new house and not know if you’re staying two weeks or two years. I know what it feels like to pretend you’re okay at school when your whole life feels unstable.
There were nights I felt unwanted, moments I questioned my worth, and I would wonder, “Why me? Why did my life start like this?”
Foster care can make you lose your sense of belonging and feel like you need to become more guarded. You learn to be strong because you have to, not because you choose to.
But let me tell you something I wish I understood earlier: We are not broken. We are not disposable. We are not our placement. We are powerful — even if we don’t feel like it yet.
Then life hit me again, and I lost my best friend. I was angry, hurt and felt alone all over again. But losing him taught me something. It taught me that life is too short to believe the lie that we don’t matter and have no purpose.
Some of us have experienced more pain before 18 than some people experience in a lifetime, and that’s not fair. But I’ve learned that pain can either make you bitter, or it can make you better. Being in foster care didn’t end me. It built me. Losing my friend didn’t destroy me. It deepened me. It gave me empathy, drive and a reason to want to change things.
That’s why I am in school to be a social worker. I know what it felt like to need somebody, to need just one adult to show up and stay, and I want to be that to foster kids.
Our stories are not done being written. We can be the first in our family to graduate. We can build the life we didn’t see growing up. We can become the stability we never had.
I stand here today not as a victim of my circumstances, but as proof that you can go through it and still grow through it. We are not what we’ve been through. We are who we decide to become.
Thank you, LifeSet, for helping us build the lives we deserve, and thanks to everyone here for taking the time to hear our stories.
HOLIDAY HEROES SERVE OVER 2,800 YOUTH ACROSS MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Youth Villages serves more families in Middle Tennessee every year, and we rely on our community to step up and ensure they have a magical holiday season, regardless of their home circumstances. Thanks to everyone who shopped, donated, volunteered and spread the word about Holiday Heroes, every child in our programs had their wishes come true.
The TechnologyAdvice team took a day away from their desks to fulfill 200 wish lists. They also provided funds to host our first-ever community shopping event, where volunteers gave their time purchasing gifts for children’s wish lists. We are excited to grow our volunteer opportunities even more next year. Thanks to our wrapping party sponsors and volunteers who spent an evening wrapping over 1,000 presents, LifeSet young people got to open exactly what they wanted at their bowling holiday party, hosted by Jackson®!
Our community showed incredible generosity and love to the families in our programs, and we are so thankful for each of you!
YOUTH VILLAGES SCHOLARS
33%
NATIONAL FOUR-YEAR GRADUATION RATE FOR PUBLIC COLLEGES
53%
NATIONAL FOUR-YEAR GRADUATION RATE FOR PRIVATE COLLEGES
51%
YOUTH VILLAGES SCHOLARS GRADUATION RATE
92%
YOUTH VILLAGES SCHOLARS GRADUATED ON TIME
Studies show that about 70% of foster youth express a desire to attend college, but only about 3% to 10% ultimately earn a degree.
The Scholars’ graduation rate only strengthens our belief that youth who experienced foster care do not lack ability or desire; they lack opportunity, resources and sustained support.
THE READY, LIFESET, GO! CAMPAIGN IS AN ONLINE GIVING EVENT TO ENSURE YOUNG ADULTS IN LIFESET CAN BUILD THE FUTURE THEY DESERVE.
DRIVING AWARENESS IN YOUTH VILLAGES’ 40TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR
As Youth Villages celebrates its 40th anniversary, there’s a simple, everyday way Tennesseans can help amplify our mission: the Youth Villages specialty license plate. More than a tag, it’s a powerful marketing tool that turns every car into a moving message of hope and support for the young people and families we serve.
Over the past five years, this specialty plate has raised nearly $100,000 for LifeSet, our nationally recognized program helping young adults successfully transition from foster care to independent living.
Every plate on the road increases visibility for Youth Villages. It sparks conversations, builds trust with youth and families, and strengthens
NO NEED TO WAIT UNTIL RENEWAL — YOUR NEW PLATE WILL BE PRORATED! HOW TO GET YOUR LICENSE PLATE:
Renewing your plate? Request the Youth Villages specialty plate at any Tennessee county clerk’s office.
Switching plates? You’ll receive credit for the remaining months on your current registration and pay a prorated fee for the rest of the year.
Vehicle class: Passenger
recognition of our work across the state. That awareness matters. When more people know who we are, it becomes easier to recruit foster parents, attract mission-driven staff, and connect families and young people with the support they need. In many ways, these license plates function as mobile billboards — advocacy in motion.
Lyndsay Wilkinson, assistant director of development in Middle Tennessee, shows just how meaningful that visibility can be. Her immediate and extended family proudly display six Youth Villages plates. Each one represents a commitment to spreading our message and championing the young people we serve.
As we honor 40 years of strengthening families and helping youth build successful futures, the specialty license plate is a small choice that creates a big ripple. When you drive with our mission on display, you help move Youth Villages forward, one mile at a time.
CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN
JULY 1 – DEC. 31, 2025
INNOVATOR
$100,000+
Anonymous
Yarbrough Family Foundation
VISIONARY
$50,000 to $99,999
Anonymous
Anonymous
Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation
TechnologyAdvice
The Scarlett Family Foundation
PILLAR
$25,000 to $49,999
Amazon Operations Center of Excellence
Anonymous
Nashville Ready Mix
The HCA Foundation
LEADER
$10,000 to $24,999
AHEAD
Mr. and Mrs. Carsen Berger
Bridgestone Americas, Inc.
Carlson Family Foundation
Carolyn Smith Foundation
FirstBank
Maximus Foundation
Phoenix Club of Nashville
Ryman Hospitality Properties Foundation
Mrs. Laura Stasko
The Arbor Rouge Foundation
United Way of Maury County
Elizabeth Washko
PROTECTOR
$5,000 to $9,999
Dutch Bros Foundation
Farmers Insurance Exchange
Fishel Family Foundation
Mr. Ronnie Frost
Genesco, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. William Hamburg
Shannon and Ryan Millen
Piedmont Natural Gas
Speedway Children’s Charities - Nashville
Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Speyer
Mr. Kevin Thompson
Target – Rivergate
BUILDER
$1,000 to $4,999
Advance Financial Foundation
Anonymous
Anonymous
Mr. Kevin Baker
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations
Allyson Callahan
Valerie Callahan
Susan and Matt Clarke
Karen Clary
Corinne H. Dale Family Foundation
Cross Point Community Church
Dell, Inc.
Linda Douglas
Eco-Energy, LLC
Fridrich & Clark Realty, LLC
Stelle Francis
Kelley Gary
Dr. and Mrs. John Greer
Gutterglove, Inc
Chris and Mary Haines
Horatio B. and Willie D. Buntin Foundation
Hunt Brothers Pizza/DBH Distributing LLC
Inga Casha Interiors
Eva and Ricky Johnson
Matt Layne
Lifepoint Health
Dianna Maher
Clayton McArthur
Michael Mettee
Mrs. Aylin Ozgener
Pella Windows & Doors TN
Robert Penick
Jason Plunkett
Reliance Heating and Air
Reynolds Family Giving Fund
Rogers Group, Inc.
Ms. Rhoda Ann Scherer
Schmidt Family Foundation
Silicon Ranch Corporation
Lisa and Stephen Small Steelcase
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Stuart
Mr. and Mrs. Van Swofford
Symphony CUSO
Kendra Teasley
The Churchill Foundation
The HCA Foundation
Thomas & Company
Ticket to Dream Foundation
George Tomlin
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Townsend
Dr. David Trenner
Truist
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Wallace
Susan Warner
Katherine Woods
Ms. Tommye Working
Emily and Charles Yingling
THERE ARE NUMEROUS WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN YOUTH VILLAGES PROGRAMS.
JOIN OUR EFFORTS. Become a force for families.
Mentor, foster, volunteer or financially donate to our programs. Your support can have a direct impact on the future of the hundreds of children, families and young people we help every day in Middle Tennessee.
Get involved
DONATIONS, GIFT DESIGNATION
Rae Ryan, Dir. of Development rae.ryan@youthvillages.org | 615-250-7207
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, FAMILY/YOUTH NEEDS
Greg Schott, Asst. Dir. of Development greg.schott@youthvillages.org | 615-250-7262
FUNDRAISING EVENTS, SPONSORSHIPS, CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS, MAJOR GIFTS
Lyndsay Wilkinson, Asst. Dir. of Development lyndsay.wilkinson@youthvillages.org | 615-250-7278
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, HEROES PROGRAMS
Julie Abbott, Community Development Mgr. julie.abbott@youthvillages.org | 615-250-7266
STEWARDSHIP, MAJOR GIFTS
MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFT TO HELP THE YOUTH WE SERVE!
Your contribution will support the children and families we serve and help make an impact throughout the year.
1. Give a one-time or monthly gift online at youthvillages.org/middle-tennessee
Check to see if your employer will match your gift!
2. Send a check in the envelope included or mail to:
Youth Villages
Attn: Rae Ryan, Director of Development 3310 Perimeter Hill Dr. | Nashville, TN 37211
3. Recommend a grant from your donor advised fund through your fund administrator!
When granting through your DAF, use this information: Tax ID: 62-1652079
Mailing Address:
Youth Villages | Attn: Middle Tennessee 3320 Brother Blvd. | Memphis, TN 38133
Please contact Rae Ryan if you make a DAF gift.
4. Give a gift of stock
Youth Villages Fidelity DTC Number: 0226
Account Number: Z7388858 Attn: For Middle Tennessee
Have your stock advisor notify Rae Ryan about your gift at rae.ryan@youthvillages.org.
5. From your IRA
If you are 70½ or over, you can give any amount (maximum up to $100,000) per year from your IRA directly to a qualified charity such as Youth Villages Middle Tennessee without having to pay income taxes on the money. Gifts of any value of $100,000 or less are eligible for this benefit and you can feel good knowing you are making a difference. This popular gift option is commonly called the “IRA charitable rollover,” but you may also see it referred to as a “qualified charitable distribution” or QCD.
Bailey Saunders, Development and Stewardship Mgr. bailey.saunders@youthvillages.org | 615-250-7263 STAY IN TOUCH ONLINE instagram.com/youthvillages facebook.com/youthvillages youtube.com/youthvillages linkedin.com/company/youth-villages
Have your stock advisor notify Rae Ryan about your gift at rae.ryan@youthvillages.org.
YOUTH VILLAGES
3310 Perimeter Hill Drive
Nashville, TN 37211
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
(Address Service Requested) New Heights Middle Tennessee is published by Youth Villages Prefer not to receive a printed newsletter? Email Lyndsay.Wilkinson@youthvillages.org or call 615-250-7278. To also receive a digital copy of our newsletters and join our email list, sign up at youthvillages.org/stay-informed.