Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Children’s Services Commissioner Jennifer Nichols joined in on Friday, Oct. 3, as Youth Villages announced its commitment of $14 million to support young people as they turn 18 in foster care.
The announcement focused on Youth Villages’ continued public-private partnership with the state of Tennessee to provide support for young people aging out of state custody and participating in the YVLifeSet program.
“Youth Villages is excited to continue the partnership with the state of Tennessee, matching its funding with $14 million in private philanthropy over the next four years,” said Patrick W. Lawler, CEO of Youth Villages. “This includes a new grant of $9 million by The Day Foundation.”
In 2013, Tennessee became the first state in the U.S. to make effective services available to every young person aging out of care. The state became a national model for other jurisdictions around the country with its user of LifeSet. Through its partnership with Tennessee, Youth Villages’ LifeSet program has helped more than 10,000 young adults ages 17 to 22, and, because of the positive results shown here, has grown to partner with other states across the country.
“Every young Tennessean should have the opportunity to reach their full potential and become successful and happy adults,” Lee said. “I’m proud that our state continues to lead the nation in serving those who age out of foster care. It’s an honor to continue this partnership with Youth Villages and our Department of Children’s Services.”
The Department of Children’s Services partnered with Youth Villages in the largest randomized clinical trial for a program helping these young people. The five-year study involved more than 1,300 young Tennesseans.
The study showed that young people receiving LifeSet support had higher earnings and employment levels, increased housing stability and economic well-being, and improved mental health. The results propelled the program model’s growth, and now LifeSet is offered in 14 states and the District of Columbia through Youth Villages’ direct services and partners.
“Children who experience foster care in Tennessee are just like all of our children – deserving of the same opportunities to reach their dreams,” Nichols said. “Our partnership with Youth Villages and its LifeSet program has proven an important way that our state’s Department of Children’s Services can help young people transition into adulthood. We are pleased to continue our work in this area and appreciative of the continued financial support from Youth Villages and The Day Foundation.”
Earlier this year, Youth Villages added a new component to its work helping young people through the state’s Extension of Foster Care program. The organization also began a pilot in partnership with Memphis-based law firm Lewis Thomason called the Legal Education and Assistance Project (LEAP) to help LifeSet participants navigate legal issues and needs.
For more information about LifeSet, visit youthvillages.org/yvlifeset.
Youth Villages is a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health. Founded in 1986, the organization helps tens of thousands of children annually through programs that involve intensive work with the child and family, as well as a focus on measuring outcomes; keeping children in the community whenever safely possible; and providing accountability to families and funders. With locations across the U.S., Youth Villages’ continuum of programs includes intensive in-home services; residential treatment; foster care and adoption; LifeSet for transition-age youth; mentoring; and crisis services. The organization 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. Learn more at youthvillages.org.
