Mental health is often seen as a personal struggle, —but what if healing could happen in living rooms, libraries and community spaces, not just clinics?

No child dreams of being in foster care. A loving, stable family is the standard we all hope for. But not every child is born into ideal circumstances.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about this epidemic affecting our communities. According to a 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, suicide became the second-leading cause of death in the United States for teens and young adults ages 10-34

For many families served by Youth Villages, the back-to-school season brings more worry than joy: Do I pay rent or buy school supplies? Fill the gas tank or purchase a new backpack? For caregivers already stretched thin, the growing list of school supplies can feel overwhelming.

In an era where technology is at our fingertips 24/7, it’s no surprise that many people are turning to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for advice and emotional support.

National nonprofit Youth Villages, a leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, has been awarded a $112,500 multi-year grant from the KPMG U.S. Foundation.

Over the past two years, Youth Villages supported eight nonprofit organizations led by individuals with lived experience in child welfare systems who are improving outcomes for transition-age young people through programming, advocacy and systems reform.

Despite some advances in support, young people who leave foster care at 18 continue to face critical challenges, including barriers to stable housing, access to basic assistance, opportunities for quality jobs and consistent educational support.

Youth courts in Bolivar, Marion, Harrison, Hancock and Jackson counties in Mississippi will be able to provide a range of innovative supports and evidence-based services to families through funding from New Allies, the consulting and technical assistance initiative of Youth Villages.

Researcher Fred Wulczyn doesn’t have a crystal ball, but he believes a new initiative with Youth Villages may help child welfare leaders see a better future for their systems – and chart a course to get there.