Since 2011, Youth Villages has been a driving force in the lives of more than 5,000 children, young adults, and families across Oregon. A nationally recognized nonprofit organization, Youth Villages brings innovative and effective mental and behavioral health services to youth and their families in Oregon. With locations in Portland, Bend, and Salem, Youth Villages Oregon offers a range of community-based programs designed to keep children safe, families together and young people on the path to independence.

In Washington County, the Intercept^® program provides in-home support for children involved in child welfare or juvenile justice, helping reduce out-of-home placements and encouraging family stability.

Youth Villages offers two programs to help young people who have experienced foster care become successful adults. Through LifeSet^TM and the Independent Living Program (ILP), young people set and reach goals they need to navigate adulthood. In LifeSet, specialists meet face-to-face with young people ages 17-22 at least once a week for nine to 12 months, providing guidance designed to help them navigate the transition to adulthood. Specialists help the young adults identify and accomplish their goals which might include housing, career preparation, money management, personal growth, and transportation. Young adults are eligible for ILP at age 14 and may remain in the program until their 24^th birthday. Participants engage directly with an ILP specialist at least once a month, working on their goals and a long-term transition plan through caseworkers, foster parents, and others.

Youth Villages Oregon offers hope, healing and a fresh start for children and families who need it most. Their outcomes speak for themselves: one year after receiving services, the vast majority of participants are living at home or independently, are in school or employed, and are staying out of legal trouble.

Youth Villages is always looking for community members to be a part of our work. Here are some ways you can get involved: Partner with us by joining Youth Villages as a corporate partner to provide much needed financial and volunteer support to our programs. Our partnership opportunities include ways to connect your employees with our mission, while also growing public awareness. Attend an event. Youth Villages events are a great way to support young people in Washington County and have a great time while doing it. Save the date for the annual Fall Celebration Thursday, Sept. 25. This event brings together our diverse community of supporters to raise funds for youth aging out of foster care in Oregon and showcases how you can support their journeys. Donate: Your one-time or continuing contribution goes directly to a young adult impacted by foster care and gives them the chance they deserve.

Learn more at youthvillages.org/Oregon or contact Shauna Lugar at Shauna.Lugar@youthvillages.org.