Youth Villages spends a Day on the Hill ... 3

Gardens in the Gulf program ‘growing’ ... 6

Get involved! Ways you can help Youth Villages ... 7

Family Victories from Youth Villages Mississippi Spring 2013

A clear missionTransitional living program supports most vulnerable population: Mary can attest ... page 4

A message from our director

2 Spring 2013 n New Heights n Mississippi

Imagine just being discharged from state

custody – no longer a foster child, you’re an

adult and expected to do what adults do.

Get a job. Pay your way. Do it yourself.

Most of us look forward to that time as one

of independence, trying new things and tak-

ing advantage of all opportunities. But what if

you didn’t know anything about how to be an

adult. Being in state custody or some other

form of care, you never had the opportunity

to learn about getting a job, filling out ap-

plications for jobs or school. You don’t know

how to get insurance or an apartment. It’s

all very daunting, which is why statistics

show many young adults exiting foster care

do not succeed.

Today we highlight two young women who are succeeding in their own

right because of Youth Villages’ transitional living program, which pro-

vides support for teenagers during that vulnerable period of beginning

independence.

In addition to Mary and Adrienne, we have 30 young people statewide in

the program being served by four specialists. This program is supported

entirely through donations, the majority of which come from our own

employees.

In addition to this valuable service to young adults, we continue to serve

young people and families in our Mississippi Youth Programs Around

the Clock program. Through our ongoing partnership with the Division

of Medicaid, the MYPAC program is now available as a service under the

mental health state plan, and we are proud to continue to provide these

needed services across the state to about 250 young people every day.

It’s through your support that we will be able to help more young adults

like Mary and Adrienne become not only adults with jobs and contributors

to society, but loving parents able to provide a future for themselves and

their children.

Thank you for giving children in Mississippi that chance.

Many children entering adulthood are at their most vulnerable stage: Our TL program helps ensure they’ll be ready

Katja Russell

YOuTh ViLLagesbOard Of direcTOrs

Mike Bruns, Chairman

Bryan Jordan, Vice Chairman

Jimmy Lackie, Secretary

Paul Bower, Treasurer

Jim Barton Jr.

Eric Bolton

Marietta Davis

Judith Edge

Nicholas R. Ehlen

Jack A. Eiferman

Joanna Jacobson

Rev. Robert Earl Jones

Karole Lloyd

Mark Medford

Johnny Pitts

Ray Pohlman

Ronnie Randall

Pat Ritz

Michael Rose

Richard W. Talkov

Matthew F. Tarkenton

Scotland Thede

David Tyler

Patrick Lawler, CEO

Mississippi

Tupelo

Jackson Meridian

HattiesburgMcComb

Columbus

Hernando

Biloxi

Greenwood

Katja Russell

Executive Director of Mississippi

katja.russell@youthvillages.org

601-572-3727

Stay in touch online

www.facebook.com/youthvillages

www.twitter.com/youthvillages

youthvillages.wordpress.com

www.youthvillages.org

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News and events

Spring 2013 n New Heights n Mississippi 3

Program SuccessAs a national leader in the field of behavioral health, Youth Villages has measured

outcomes of children and families participating in its programs since 1994.

OutcomesAt One-Year Post-Discharge

0

20

40

60

80

100

87% 79%

87%

At hom

e with fam

ily

No involvem

entw

ith the law

In school or graduated

*82.7% of youth were in state custody at admission to the program.

The graph above represents the status of Mississippi youth at one year after dis-charge through March 2013. Figures include only youth who received at least 60 days of service and reflect a response rate of 59 percent.

Microsoft has awarded a grant of more than

$7.4 million in software and technology to

Youth Villages, one of the nation’s largest pro-

viders of help to children with emotional and

behavioral problems and their families.

The grant is part of Microsoft’s YouthSpark

initiative, which is designed to create opportu-

nities for 300 million youth around the world.

It will provide software and support on Youth

Villages’ residential campuses, supply technol-

ogy for young adults being helped through its

transitional living program and improve the

organization’s internal and external commu-

nications systems.

MicrOsOfT granTs MOre Than $7.4 MiLLiOn TO YOuTh ViLLages

a daY On The hiLLYouth Villages staff

and youth meet, greet Mississippi

state legislators

Staff and youth from Youth Villages Mississippi recently met with Mississippi legislators to let them know how Youth Villages helps children. Fred, pictured at right and above, participates in Youth Villages’ transitional living service and is a YV Scholar. Fred is majoring in computer engineering at Jackson State. At left, Katja Russell, executive director of Mississippi, speaks with State Rep. Bill Kinkade. In addition to TL services, which are funded through private and employee donations, Youth Villages Mississippi also partners with the state for intensive in-home and foster care services.

or more than a decade, Youth Villages has been working to help foster teens entering adulthood. Through a grant from The Day Foundation, Youth Villages began offering a voluntary transitional living program in

1999, specifically designed to help young people at their most statistically vulnerable point: beginning life as an independent adult after aging out of foster care or other children’s services.

Transitional living

4 Spring 2013 n New Heights n Mississippi

With children in state custody and another

on the way, Adrienne didn’t have answers to

the questions most children entering adult-

hood already know.

She didn’t have a job or a home and stayed

with friends or family members when she

could. She’d lost custody of her children and

was leery of counseling and social services.

On top of that, she’s painfully shy and quiet.

“It was hard for her in the beginning,” said

Natalie Thompson, Youth Villages transitional

living specialist. “But she came around and

started to get things going.”

Before, there was no talk of earning a GED or getting a job. But now, she regularly visits a nearby job center and researches jobs. She’s found an apartment and has enlisted family support for transportation and other needs.

Adrienne was referred to Youth Villages’ TL program

through the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

Transitional living helps teenagers transition to adulthood

and meet the requirements of being an adult. While in TL,

she became pregnant again and worked on parenting skills

and what she needed to do to maintain custody of her child.

“We worked on budgeting money and time and finding

resources to make sure my son is taken care of,” Adrienne

said. “It was slow going at the beginning, but things are get-

ting better.”

Adrienne has a way to go, but she has taken charge of

her life and is working toward a better future. She dis-

charged from the program in December and is looking for

a job. She wants to make a home for all of her children.

“She’s completely different now,” Natalie said. “By the time discharge rolled around, she’d taken the lead on getting things for herself and her son. Something woke up inside her, and I’m confident she will do what she needs to do to succeed for her family.”

Adrienne, above, worked with Transitional Living Specialist Natalie Thompson to find a place to live, budget her money and begin looking for a job. Adrienne’s also taking steps toward earning her GED.

adrienne needed sOMe heLp

F

outh Villages’ outcome data show that the pro-gram significantly reduces the risk of homelessness,

poverty and illegal behavior among the young adults served. Based on outcomes through June 2012, of those who had completed the TL program:

Transitional living

Spring 2013 n New Heights n Mississippi 5

A lot has changed for Mary during

the past few years – new baby, new

school, new home and state. But she

remains as determined as ever to

achieve her goals.

Mary entered Youth Villages’ transi-

tional living program in 2011, and the

young mother learned simply how to

get things done.

The first year in TL, Mary learned

how to budget money and manage her

time between college and her child.

She learned how to step out and try

things to improve her life. Her nega-

tive outlook on life was turning inside

out. In her words, TL helped her “work

to make my life the way I want it to be.

“I was struggling with my personal

situation and I had negative influences

holding me back. Getting in the TL

program was a turning point in my

life.”

But that was more than a year ago,

and Mary has made quite a few chang-

es since then. For one, she relocated

to a new state and started a new life.

She’s still in school and in good stand-

ing in the YV Scholars program, which

helps her pay for school provided she

meets and maintains academic and

community service requirements. But

as Mary has gained confidence and

ability in navigating adulthood, those

basic needs the TL program provides

aren’t necessary.

TL prOgraM adjusTs TO MarY’s new needs

• 86% lived idependently or with family.

• 77% reported no involvement with the law.

• 83% were in school, graduated or employed.

24 months after discharge

MarY enTered The TL prOgraM wiTh basic needs; TwO Years LaTer, hOw is The prOgraM heLping her?

Mary juggles her time between her daughter and family, work, school and personal time. The TL program has helped her for more than two years.

hOw is TL heLping nOw?

“It’s a little different with Mary,”

said Takashi McCoy, TL specialist.

“Since she’s already made significant

steps in her independence, we work

with more specific issues.”

The new focus is on things like

staying on top of finances and state

benefits. Mary explains the relation-

ship as an evolution.

At first, her TL specialist assisted

Mary in establishing a blueprint for

her future and pushing her to get out

and fight for what she wanted – first,

to see a future, then to begin the

process of making it happen.

“Now, Takashi’s more like a peer,”

Mary said. “I discuss things with her

and she advises me of my options.”

With a toddler at home and a job,

Mary is focused on creating a stable

home and getting through school. She

meets weekly with Takashi and com-

municates more often when needed.

She sets small goals that get her

closer to larger ones. She’s still set on

a career in the veterinary field. The

TL program helped her get through

a difficult past, and continues to push

her forward at 20 years old.

“Being in TL has shown me I can

do things,” she said. “But more

importantly, TL has my back. I’m not

afraid to try new things and strive

for something more because Youth

Villages is there.”

Y

Volunteers

6 Spring 2013 n New Heights n Mississippi

Captain Planet Foundation and Youth Villages recently teamed up to help

some of the Mississippi families in our programs learn the basics of organic

gardening along with healthy eating.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Captain Planet Foundation, Youth Vil-

lages staff and families were able to join Pascagoula High School and Martin

Bluff Elementary students and faculty to celebrate Gardens in the Gulf Day,

learn the science of organic gardening and construct a garden in the school’s

own courtyard. Several Youth Villages families attended one of the events

to learn organic gardening skills and take the newly acquired skills back to

their own yards, where they built organic gardens with the help of materials

provided by the Captain Planet Foundation grant.

Tending the gardens can also be therapeutic for the families and youth,

leading to better communication and problem-solving skills. The grant has

already helped enhance an existing organic vegetable, herb and flower gar-

den at the Youth Villages-Inner Harbour Campus in Douglasville, Ga.

capTain pLaneT: gardens in The guLf

Donors

Spring 2013 n New Heights n Mississippi 7

Become a force for families There are numerous ways to help. Mentor, foster parent, volun-

teer or financially donate to our programs. Your support can have a direct impact on the future of the more than 327 children we help every day in Mississippi. Please call or e-mail Youth Villages to find out how to help.

The following donors made gifts of $50

or more to Youth Villages between Jan. 1,

and Dec. 31, 2012. The board of directors

and staff of Youth Villages gratefully ac-

knowledge these thoughtful contributions.

If you made a contribution during this

time but it is not listed, please call the

Youth Villages Development department

at 601-572-3750.

spreading hOLidaY cheer

“Having the opportunity to be an employee for YV as well as be able to play ‘Santa’ was a gift for me this year. I loved having the chance to truly make a difference in someone’s life without ever having to see the rewards myself. There is a joy in giving to oth-ers- that’s why I do what I do as an employee here, but I was able to extend that this year by giving to others in a different way.”

Ashley Teague, Youth Villages MYPAC supervisor, Hattiesburg

Interested in becoming a 2013 Holiday Hero? Contact André Conway at 601-572-3750.

YV Builder Best Buy Children’s Foundation

Friend of Youth Villages Mr. Armstead Brown

Mr. and Mrs. James ButlerCapitol Resources LLCMs. Dianne Coleman

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.Ms. Jennifer Downey

Mr. Jim ErvinDr. Michael ForsterG & S Tax ServiceMs. Mary GarnerMs. Claire GiffinMs. Ina Graham

Dr. M. Lewis GrubbsMrs. Jane Heineke

Mr. Clay HiettMr. and Mrs. G. Douglas

HigginbothamLandmark Data Systems Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McCormickMr. and Mrs. Clyde McIntyre

Rev. Wilbur MooreMs. Frances Morrison

Mr. Jeffrey NorrisPileum Corporation

Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling HallMrs. Betty Sanders

Skeltons Wine & Spirits Inc. DBA Reservoir Wine & Spirits

N. StewartMrs. Emily Whitaker

MemorialsMs. Dottie “Nana” DanleyMr. and Mrs. Paul Johnson

HonorariumsMs. Lynda Drake

Mrs. Lynettee Magee Pryor

Mr. Ronnie RandallMs. Heather LeflerMrs. Haley Moffitt

Mr. Lee RoneMs. Frances Morrison

Youth Villages Mississippi had hundreds of children and families who needed someone to become their Holiday Hero. More than 40 individuals and corporate partners stepped up to help, raising more than $3,500 to provide holiday gifts for more than 125 children in Youth Vil-lages programs.As a Holiday Hero, you can make sure the children receiving help at Youth Villages get to share in some wonderful experi-ences and build memories that will bring smiles to their faces for life.

YOUTH VILLAGESThe Atrium Building805 South Wheatley StreetSuite 240Ridgeland, MS 39157(Address Service Requested)

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDYOUTH VILLAGES

Please e-mail Carl.Conway@youthvillages.org or call 601-572-3750 to have your name removed from our mailing list.

New Heights Mississippi is published by Youth VillagesManaging Editor: Katja Russell

Associate Editor: Chris Pennington

Founded in 1986, Youth Villages is a leading national nonprofit dedicated to providing the most effective local solutions to help emotionally and behaviorally troubled children and their families live successfully. We help more than 20,000 children and families each year from more than 20 states and Washington, D.C. Youth Villages’ Evidentiary Family Restoration™ approach involves intensive work with the child and family, a focus on measuring outcomes, keeping children in the community whenever safely possible, and providing unprecedented accountability to families and funders.

A private nonprofit organization, Youth Villages serves more than20,000 children and their families from offices in the following cities:Alabama: Auburn, Birmingham, DothanArkansas: Jonesboro, Little RockFlorida: Lakeland, MiamiGeorgia: Atlanta, DouglasvilleIndiana: Bloomington, Columbus, Jasper, Jeffersonville, MadisonMassachusetts: Arlington, Lawrence, Plymouth, Springfield, Woburn, WorcesterMississippi: Biloxi, Greenwood, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Jackson, TupeloNew Hampshire: ManchesterNorth Carolina: Asheville, Boone, Charlotte, Concord, Greensboro, Greenville, Pinehurst, Raleigh-DurhamOregon: PortlandTennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City,Knoxville, Linden, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, ParisWashington, D.C.