Lexington, Kentucky, January 9, 2026
Youth Villages, a nonprofit organization, is amplifying efforts in Kentucky to support families and prevent unnecessary foster care placements. Through partnerships with local libraries, initiatives focus on community ties, education, and collaboration. Additionally, the LifeSet program assists young adults transitioning from foster care to independence, ensuring they acquire vital life skills. These measures showcase a commitment to keeping families together and providing necessary resources for a successful transition into adulthood.
Lexington, Kentucky – Youth Villages Enhances Support to Keep Families Together
Youth Villages, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting children with emotional and behavioral challenges, is intensifying efforts in Kentucky to strengthen families and prevent unnecessary foster care placements.
Community-Based Initiatives
In November 2025, Youth Villages partnered with the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services and New Allies to launch pilot programs in four Kentucky libraries: Jackson, Johnson, Marshall, and Spencer Counties. These initiatives aim to provide accessible support services to families within their communities, focusing on:
- Connection: Building strong community ties to enhance family resilience.
- Education: Offering resources and programs to equip families with necessary skills.
- Community Collaboration: Engaging local organizations to create a supportive network for families.
Each library tailored its program to local needs, such as:
- Johnson County Public Library: Implemented a Community Navigator program to connect families with local services.
- Marshall County Public Library: Organized “Mom’s Night Out” sessions to strengthen family bonds.
- Jackson County Public Library: Launched “Roo’s Kindergarten Readiness Crew” to support early childhood education.
- Spencer County Public Library: Expanded mobile outreach to deliver resources directly to apartment communities.
LifeSet Program for Transitioning Youth
Beyond community initiatives, Youth Villages offers the LifeSet program, designed to assist young adults transitioning from foster care to independent living. This program provides:
- Intensive, individualized support: Weekly in-person meetings with a trained specialist available 24/7.
- Skill development: Focus on life skills, education, employment, and housing to ensure a successful transition to adulthood.
- Proven outcomes: Over 85% of participants are discharged to family or live independently, with more than 80% maintaining these outcomes one year post-discharge.
These efforts reflect Youth Villages’ commitment to keeping Kentucky families together by providing accessible, community-based support and comprehensive services for youth in transition.
What is Youth Villages?
Youth Villages is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting children with emotional and behavioral challenges, aiming to strengthen families and prevent unnecessary foster care placements in Kentucky.
What are the community-based initiatives launched by Youth Villages in Kentucky?
In November 2025, Youth Villages partnered with the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services and New Allies to launch pilot programs in four Kentucky libraries: Jackson, Johnson, Marshall, and Spencer Counties. These initiatives aim to provide accessible support services to families within their communities, focusing on connection, education, and community collaboration.
What is the LifeSet program offered by Youth Villages?
The LifeSet program is designed to assist young adults transitioning from foster care to independent living. It provides intensive, individualized support, focusing on life skills, education, employment, and housing to ensure a successful transition to adulthood. Over 85% of participants are discharged to family or live independently, with more than 80% maintaining these outcomes one year post-discharge.
Key Features of Youth Villages’ Initiatives in Kentucky
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Community-Based Programs | Partnerships with local libraries in Jackson, Johnson, Marshall, and Spencer Counties to provide accessible support services focusing on connection, education, and community collaboration. |
| LifeSet Program | Intensive, individualized support for young adults transitioning from foster care to independent living, emphasizing life skills, education, employment, and housing. |
| Proven Outcomes | Over 85% of LifeSet participants are discharged to family or live independently, with more than 80% maintaining these outcomes one year post-discharge. |
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