#USA #Charlotte #Youth Villages #Joey Logano Foundation #LifeSet

Youth Villages Awarded $100,000 from Joey Logano Foundation

Youth Villages has received a significant boost in its mission to support young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. With a generous $100,000 grant from the Joey Logano Foundation, the nonprofit organization is poised to enhance its efforts in empowering youth as they embark on the path towards independence.

Since its inception in 2016, the partnership between Youth Villages and the Joey Logano Foundation has been a beacon of hope for many youth in North Carolina, with contributions exceeding $900,000 previously. This latest funding aims to bolster the Youth Villages Scholars initiative, which plays a crucial role in assisting over 40 young adults participating in the LifeSet program—a specially designed service that guides individuals through the challenges of becoming self-sufficient.

Empowering Transition to Adulthood

The Youth Villages Scholars program offers a comprehensive suite of support. Beneficiaries receive monthly stipends, essential educational materials, technological resources, and direct mentorship from specialists. Brittany Logano, the Founding Vice Chairman of the Joey Logano Foundation and wife of three-time NASCAR champion Joey Logano, expressed her commitment to seeing these young individuals thrive. “We want to see youth who have been through the foster care system have a healthy chance at living independently and embarking on a path to a bright future,” she emphasized.

The LifeSet program stands out as one of the most robust initiatives aimed explicitly at easing the transition of youth from foster care into balanced adult lives. It pairs participants with specialists who provide personalized support to achieve goals in various vital areas such as education, employment, and stable housing.

Addressing Alarmingly Low Graduation Rates

In North Carolina, countless youth age out of the foster care system each year, often without the essential support and guidance necessary for success. Statistics reveal a significant gap; nationally, only 13% of youth who exit the foster care system obtain a college degree, in stark contrast to 48% of those involved in Youth Villages' Scholars program. This stark difference highlights the critical need for sustained support systems.

The impact of the Joey Logano Foundation’s partnership with Youth Villages extends beyond monetary support. The initiative effectively activates a remarkable 41 state match, meaning that for every private donation, additional public funding is secured to enhance both the LifeSet and Scholars initiatives. This leverages resources to create a sustainable support network for transitioning youth.

The Ongoing Commitment to Change

In a statement, Erica Ellis, the director of development for Youth Villages, praised the vital importance of the grant. “The Joey Logano Foundation is assisting us in ensuring these young adults can fully realize their potential,” she noted. The commitment of the foundation to foster change resonates deeply throughout the community, ultimately leading to brighter futures for these deserving young adults.

About the Joey Logano Foundation

Since its establishment in 2013, the Joey Logano Foundation has dedicated itself to investing in organizations that offer second chances to children and young adults experiencing crises. Through its efforts, the foundation has channeled over $6 million across the country, impacting more than 250,000 children and young adults, particularly within the foster care system.

About Youth Villages

Youth Villages champions mental and behavioral health services with a focus on transformative solutions. The nonprofit collaborates with various organizations to enact real change within child welfare and mental health systems. With a workforce exceeding 5,000 employees, Youth Villages serves over 47,000 children and young adults across more than 100 locations in 29 states and Washington, D.C. Recognized nationally for its efficacy, Youth Villages continues to pave the way for impactful change in the lives of those it serves.

For additional insights into LifeSet and the Scholars initiative, please visit youthvillages.org.