Though these are unprecedented times for us, there is a continued need for foster families to provide homes for children we serve. In response to new CDC guidelines, the Youth Villages Foster Care team will be holding virtual and in-person training sessions with prospective foster parents. We are available by phone or email. Reach out today to learn more about how you can become a foster parent.
For updates on COVID-19, please click here.
Though these are unprecedented times for us, there is a continued need for foster families to provide homes for children we serve. In response to new CDC guidelines, the Youth Villages Foster Care team will be holding virtual and in-person training sessions with prospective foster parents. We are available by phone or email. Reach out today to learn more about how you can become a foster parent.
We Are A Force For Families®
Request Additional Information
Fostering a child is a big decision and one you should not take lightly. Our staff is here to help. If you have additional questions about fostering a child, please fill out our inquiry form and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
Foster Care Info Sessions
Have questions about fostering? Youth Villages Foster Care program Info Sessions across Tennessee for anyone interested in learning more about foster care. We are temporarily offering TN KEY Informational Session via webinar. Please see scheduled times below or contact that trainer recruiter to schedule an individual Info Session via webinar.
Informational Sessions offer a two-hour, structured presentation about the benefits of fostering and the criteria for becoming a foster parent. Anyone is welcome to attend.
West Tennessee
WEBINAR INFO SESSIONS:
Memphis
For more information please contact:
Tiffany Lane at tiffany.lane@youthvillages.org or La’Tava Chandler at latava.ford@youthvillages.org
Rural West
Dyersburg
For more information contact:
Esther Hugueley at Esther.Hugueley@youthvillages.org or 731-288-4613.
Paris
For more information contact:
Kerry Zeiss at Kerry.Zeiss@youthvillages.org, or 731-641-4148 for more information
Jackson
Thursday, October 15 & Tuesday, October 27 at 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Youth Villages’ Jackson Office
24 Weatherford Square, Jackson, TN 38301
Contact Donna Goodman at Donna.Goodman@youthvillages.org or 731-660-6760 for more information.
Middle Tennessee
WEBINAR INFO SESSIONS:
For an individual session, please contact:
Clarksville – Shelby Ortner at 931-552-5246 or shelby.ortner@youthvillages.org
Columbia – Jeff Mason at 931-560-4250 or jeff.mason@youthvillages.org
Cookeville – Sarah Dowd at 931-525-6905 or sarah.dowd@youthvillages.org
Nashville – Wendy Lundsford at 615-250-7282 or wendy.lundsford@youthvillages.org or Samantha Mlekush at 865-209-2278 or samantha.mlekush@YouthVillages.org
East Tennessee
WEBINAR INFO SESSIONS:
We are temporarily offering TN KEY Informational Session via Skype or Adobeconnect.
Please see scheduled times below or contact that Trainer/Recruiter to schedule an individual Informational Session via Skype or Adobeconnect.
Knoxville
Monday, October 5th at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, October 29th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Please RSVP:
Jenny Wade @ 865-560-2558 or Jenny.Wade@youthvillages.org
Jenna Bailey @ 865-560-2568 or Jenna.Bailey@youthvillages.org
Morristown
Monday, October 5th at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, October 29th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Please RSVP:
Lia Perry @ 423-522-2171 or Lia.Perry@youthvillages.org
Johnson City
Monday, October 5th at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, October 29th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Please RSVP:
Jessi Bernardini @ 423-283-6527 or Jessi.Bernardini@youthvillages.org
Chattanooga
Monday, October 5th at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, October 29th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Please RSVP:
Michele Freeman @ 423-954-8866 or Michele.Freeman@youthvillages.org
Social News
Sabrina hopes to one day become a foster parent because she wants to share her story with children like her! Until then, she is looking to find her forever family. A simple share could be the first step in Sabrina finding a family of her own.
www.youthvillages.org/Profiles/sabrina/
“By strengthening and restoring families, we can give them the best chance for success, and I’m hopeful this award will shine a light on the most effective solutions." - Patrick Lawler
Last night, many outstanding people and organizations were honored at this year's Multiplying Good Jefferson Awards for their passionate work not only in the communities around them but around the country. It is an honor to stand with so many who are actively changing our world for the better. We wouldn't be who we are without our dedicated team who continue to put the needs of our youth and families first. Congratulations to our leader Pat Lawler and ALL Jefferson Award honorees for such an inspirational night. #CelebrateGood
Congratulations Pat. You are awesome 👏♥️
Hey Pat Lawler that’s awesome....you are a wonderful person and thanks for all you do...
Patrick Lawler I am so proud of you!
Congratulations!
Congratulations
❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️
♥️♥️♥️♥️
Today our CEO, Pat Lawler will receive the distinguished National Jefferson Award for Outstanding Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged. Thanks to The Daily Memphian for beautifully sharing Pat's story. bit.ly/2G3DqVV
Reserve your seat for tonight's Jefferson Award Show:
www.multiplyinggood.org/what-we-do/jefferson-awards/attend-the-jefferson-awards/2020
Youth Villages leader to get award, but he's not done yet
bit.ly
Pat Lawler has run Youth Villages for 40 years, and has made the program so effective that it has led to a national model.Pat rocks! I’m so proud to work for him and this wonderful organization!
Congratulations Pat! A visionary and amazing Leader so 😆👏🏽Deserving
Congratulations 💥👏
Fabulous Pat!
Congratulations Pat! Very well deserved.... 💕
Congratulations, Pat! Well-deserved!!
Awesome job Pat!
Congratulations
Congratulations!
Every year, approximately 20,000 young people, like Ary, age out of the child welfare system. Turning 18, she was proud to have achieved high school graduation; completed the broadcast and video production course at Frances Tuttle Technical Center; and enrolled at Oklahoma State University to major in entrepreneurship. But obstacles began to hit fast and led Ary to being connected to one of our LifeSet specialist.
“My LifeSet Specialist, Hannah Bluege, really took the time to build a relationship with me,” Ary said. “I have so much to talk about, but I don’t like to let people in all the time. She took the time to let me work at my own pace. She’s persistent and caring and that means a lot to someone who doesn’t have anyone.”
Though some obstacles, including Covid-19, have paused her work, Ary continues to be an advocate for other transition-age youth. She’s looking forward to getting back to work and saving money to return to college. Read Ary's full story: bddy.me/3mLBPoG
How does it feel to “age out” of foster care? | Youth Villages
www.youthvillages.org
Every year, approximately 20,000 young people turn 18 in child welfare systems without ever being reunited with their biological family. Ary, a young woman receiving help in Youth Villages Oklahoma’s LifeSet program experienced the ups and downs of that big birthday.When Covid-19 first hit earlier this year, there was panic, hysteria and confusion. In spite of it all, our staff, like Kendra Dzingle, did not hesitate to leap into action! Kendra knew that with schools and businesses closing, families would be under incredible stress and, in some cases, worrying how to feed their children without school. Kendra created an internal document full of resources for her families and even got her colleagues involved. They added to the list when a new resource was found, allowing everyone an easy way to share information. This meant families had access to more resources than they might otherwise through a single specialist. "Kendra said, let’s figure it out – they need resources,” said Christina, a Youth Villages Program Representative. “Families are now laid off, and let’s think about how can we help them more.” Visit the link for Kendra's full story.
bddy.me/2FO1tsd
This is awesome!!!!
