Aszelee’s plansAfter 10 years in foster care, she’s ready to do her own thing page 4

Life of serviceKnoxville foster family continues helping children after cancer tragedy page 5

Family  Victories  from  Youth  Villages  East  Tennessee Fall 2011

Searching for families ... 3 Sharing stories of success at CEO breakfast ... 7

Charting Youth Villages’ successful outcomes ... 3

2

Memphis

Jackson

Dyersburg

ParisClarksville

NashvilleCookeville Johnson City

Morristown

KnoxvilleColumbia

Dickson

Linden Chattanooga

Memphis

Jackson

DyersburgParis

ClarksvilleNashville

Cookeville

Columbia

Dickson

Linden

Johnson CityMorristown

Knoxville

Chattanooga

A  message  from

Our  director

Committed to improving the lives of children

We all know people from our past who changed our life.

It’s the person who leaves an indelible impression on us, causing us to change

our focus and accelerate toward an achievement or goal. Sometimes that im-

pression is very specific. Other times, maybe he or she created an environment

where we were comfortable and secure enough to pursue an interest.

Larry was one of those people, and he left an impression not only on the

youth he helped, but also on those of us who worked with him.

East Tennessee recently lost a fierce advocate for children. Larry Plaisance is

highlighted in this edition of our newsletter. A foster parent for teenage boys,

Larry and his wife, Nancy, didn’t shy away from difficult youth. They embraced

them, and provided a safe home for more than 30 youth during the past decade

or so. Ironically, it was Larry’s cancer diagnosis that led to the family becoming

foster parents. And in this time of grief, the family, including the three youth

living in the home, has become closer.

Foster parents will tell you being a good foster parent isn’t easy. Foster youth

remember the bad homes, but thrive in the good ones. And Nancy and Larry’s

home was just that. It was a place where youth were comfortable being them-

selves, a place where the past didn’t matter, only the present and the future.

Larry and Nancy were committed to helping children. There was doubt

whether Nancy would continue as a foster parent after Larry’s death. But Nancy

and her biological son are committed to continuing what was started years

before.

Nancy told her youth, “When you’re family, you stick together.”

In that spirit, the legacy of Larry continues in this family and these youth, who

pursue their future knowing first-hand the love, respect and commitment that

one can give to another. And that giving can change lives.

Amanda Tillman

Director of East Tennessee

865-560-2550

amanda.tillman@youthvillages.org

YOUTH VILLAGES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CONTACT US

Mike Bruns, ChairmanRonnie Randall, Vice ChairmanJimmy Lackie, SecretaryPaul Bower, TreasurerJim Barton Jr.Eric BoltonKenneth CampbellTerry CrossMarietta DavisNicholas R. EhlenLewis Holland Sr.John HutchinsJoanna JacobsonRev. Robert Earl JonesBryan JordanKarole LloydMark MedfordJim ParrishJohnny PittsRay PohlmanJennifer QueenPat RitzMatthew TarkentonScotland ThedeDavid TylerBetsy WalkupGeorge WhitePatrick Lawler, CEO

Chattanooga5741 Cornelison Road6400 BuildingChattanooga, TN 37411phone: 423-954-8890 fax: 423-954-8880

Johnson City3915 Bristol Hwy #101Johnson City, TN 37601phone: 423-283-6500 fax: 423-283-6550

Knoxville9111 Cross Park Drive, Suite E475Knoxville, TN 37923phone: 865-560-2550 fax: 865-560-2580

Morristown225 West First North Street, Suite 302Millennium Square BuildingMorristown, TN 37814phone: 423-522-2200 fax: 423-522-2180

3

STATEPROGRAM SUCCESS

ChristieCare of Oregon and Youth Villages cel-

ebrated their merger June 1 during ceremonies at the

organization’s Lake Oswego campus.

The new organization, called Youth Villages-Chris-

tieCare of Oregon, offers intensive in-home services to

families in Clackamas and Washington counties, while

continuing ChristieCare’s 150-year history of providing

residential and other services to troubled children and

youth.

“What we need in Oregon are proven, cost-effective

alternatives to more expensive foster care and residen-

tial services, as well as prevention services that allow

us to preserve and strengthen families before they fall

apart,” Saxton said. “That’s exactly what we are now

able to offer to Oregon’s children and families.”

YOUTH VILLAGES MERGES WITH OREGON’S CHRISTIE CARE

MORE THAN $4,000 RAISED FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES

OutcomesAt One-Year Post-Discharge

0

20

40

60

80

100

85% 84%92%

At home w

ith family

No involvem

entw

ith the law

In school or graduated

Program  Success

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

The graph above represents where children are one year after being dis-charged from Youth Villages’ programs, including residential treatment, group homes, foster care and/or intensive in-home services. Youth may receive multiple services while enrolled. Figures include only youth who received at least 60 days of service and reflect a response rate of 55 percent.

While most schools start in August, July in Youth Villag-

es’ East Tennessee offices is a busy time helping ensure

children in our programs have the supplies they need to

return to school.

Because of the support of area individuals and orga-

nizations, Youth Villages’ Back Pack Heroes Program

was once again successful, with $4,325 raised toward the

purchase of school supplies and backpacks for 169 East

Tennessee youth. Many donors chose to to shop for the

supplies themselves then donate the filled back pack.

A special thanks to the many Youth Villages team

members who shopped for the supplies on behalf of our

donors, and an additional thanks to our donors:

Sam & Jerry’s Market &

Deli – Jerry Hinson

Mary Lewis

Chelsey Snider

Katie Bondurant

Mary Sharp

Taking IT Home – Leonard

Knight

Ben Grace

Digital Consultants - JR

Charles

Entrepreneurial

Transitions - Robert Wilson

Fay Bailey

Lori McKelvy

Martin & Loretta Brown

Sarah Hicks

Karen Wooten

Rony Gracious

Anne Teasley

Cross Park Realty

Partners - Konda Burnett

Broyles Florist, Inc. - Sara

Engel

Acadia Healthcare – Clay

McCoy

Bailey Insurance - Mike

Bailey

Knoxville Association

of REALTORS©

Michelle LaRose

Ashley Hollendar

Ashley Brooks

Greenbank - Joel Crippen

Fleenor Security Systems -

Beth VanDyke

Whitney McKee

Melissa Jackson

Nathan Johnston

Valeria Smith

Katherine Reynolds Bible

Study Group -

Alison Anderson

Katie Connell

Caty Hodges

Julia Landreth

Lindsay Frazier

Aszelee’s working things out.

It’s a long process, but not one she’s

unaccustomed to – she likes to be pre-

pared. And she’s positive; she keeps

reminding herself that in the end, her

efforts will pay off.

Not long ago, Aszelee turned 18

and closed out 10 years in foster care

throughout East Tennessee. In late

May, she graduated from high school.

Months before, she faced the question

most foster children face as they age

out of state custody.

Now what?

“When I was 17, it hit

me that I was about to

get out of foster care

and I didn’t have any

options,” she said. “I had

to find a place to stay,

get insurance, a job, and

I had to finish school. I

didn’t know what was

available. I was a little

overwhelmed.”

She was also angry. Aszelee was

placed in foster care in 2001. She was

physically aggressive and had difficul-

ty coping with frustrating situations.

“Before, I used to lash out in anger,”

Aszelee said. “But now I keep remind-

ing myself that I have a plan and I

have to remember that I’ve got to

make things better for me.”

After many foster homes, she was

referred to Youth Villages’ transitional

living program in September 2010. She

relocated to the Knoxville area.

“It was into the school year, so we

first worked toward finding a school,”

TL Specialist A’lana Rodgers said.

“Before I met Aszelee we spoke on the

phone and I knew I would enjoy work-

ing with her.”

Aszelee did the research and found

housing and transportation resources

she could use. She came up with a

plan that started with finishing high

school and then getting into college.

She’s working on applications and

financial aid now. She would like to

pursue performing arts in college.

Youth Villages began transitional liv-

ing for youth aging out of state custody

in 1999. Through a grant from The Day

Foundation, Youth Villages helps these

children get a good start on adulthood

in the crucial years between age 17

and 22. Transitional living special-

ists help young people learn to deal

with the minor and major problems

that come with adulthood. They help

participants find housing and health

services, learn how to access trans-

portation, meet their basic needs and

work through educational and career

goals.

“She’s so resourceful,” A’lana said.

“When we meet, she thinks things

through, comes up with a plan and

says, ‘Here’s what we’re going to do.’

It’s unusual for someone to be that

focused.”

Aszelee’s drive to better her situ-

ation included a summer visit to ex-

tended relatives out of state. Aszelee

has a network of friends and former

foster parents for support. She had

some good, but many bad experiences

in foster care.

“Foster care was difficult,” she said.

“It didn’t prepare me for anything. I’m

probably more driven sometimes be-

cause of my situation, but I had to find

resources myself. I had to get out and

look around to find out what to do.”

She wants to teach and also be a

foster parent in the future. She wants

youth to know what’s available so they

don’t find themselves in the same situ-

ation at 17.

Aszelee said she’s “keeping her eyes

on the prize,” as she works toward her

goals – getting out, getting a degree

and helping others.

And in the future, should another

youth much like her be placed in her

care as a foster child? They shouldn’t

worry.

They’ll have a plan. They’ll work

things out.

AFTER 10 YEARS IN FOSTER CARE, ASZELEE’S READY FOR INDEPENDENCE

4

Azelee’s graduated high school and is focused on college and beginning an independent life.

5

LEGACY OF CARING LEFT FOR FAMILY AND FOSTER YOUTH“Whatever happened before, it won’t

happen here.”

Larry was a salesman for more

than two decades when he was

diagnosed with cancer. He wasn’t able

to keep his job through the treat-

ments. Unable to work, he confessed

to his wife, Nancy, that he would go stir

crazy if he didn’t find something to do.

Nancy, a medical coder, heard a spot

about Youth Villages and the need

for foster parents on a local Christian

radio station.

“I told him about it and he called,”

she said. “I guess the rest is history.”

There are three boys in Nancy’s

home, ages 16, 17 and 18. They all have

difficult pasts. They’re just three of the

more than 30 teenage boys Nancy and

Larry have fostered over the years. Lar-

ry, the oldest of eight children, wanted

to help the toughest ones. Larry and

Nancy’s biological children didn’t mind.

“The teenage boys, that’s who Larry

wanted to help,” Nancy said. “They

seemed to be the best fit for us. We

fostered juvenile justice children for

a very long time. Some of them were

very difficult.”

Devan, their youngest biological son,

was more succinct.

“We got the kids nobody else want-

ed,” he said. “Dad was strict, but he

was fair and honest.”

Larry told the youth when they first

came to the house that everyone was

treated the same. The first priority

was safety and security.

“I’d show them their room and

sometimes they’d come right back

out, sometimes they’d stay in there

for a while,” Nancy said. “Then we’d

tell them, ‘You’re safe here. Whatever

happened to you is in the past, and it

won’t happen here.”

“When you’re family, you pull

together.”

Larry passed away last summer. His

last years were spent helping foster

teenage youth and assisting his young-

est son, Devan, with a mixed martial

arts training center. The foster chil-

dren also helped with the business,

some even participating in the classes.

Devan runs the center, trains and

fights professionally.

Just a few short months after Larry’s

death, his imprint is left on the youth

he helped and the children he raised

with Nancy. Devan returned home to

help.

“I couldn’t ask for better parents,”

Devan said. “Mom and dad were al-

ways taking care of people, and there

was always someone at the house

when I was growing up.”

At the heart of their success were

Larry and Nancy’s complementary

strengths, and love.

“What made us a good team was

that he was very strict, but fair and

consistent with all the children,”

Nancy said. “He wouldn’t lie to them.

Granted, we had older boys, but they

respected him for the way he treated

Robert’s had a big summer.

He attended a leadership forum at Disneyworld, attend-

ed his high school prom, became a Christian and gradu-

ated high school. He’s also narrowed his college choices for

the fall.

Robert has been staying with Nancy and Larry for the

past few months. Their home had a big effect on him.

“Before, I wasn’t really confident,” he said. “But they ac-

cepted me and I felt more at ease. I could be myself.”

Larry recently passed away, and Robert’s more commit-

ted to helping the family stay successful, including helping

ROBERT PREPARES FOR COLLEGE

continued on page 6

continued on page 6Robert with his TL specialist, Cassie

6

them.”

“She’s the best mom I’ve had,” one

foster youth said.

“Mom’s better at sugar-coating

things,” another said. “She’s very

comforting and motherly. She listens,

doesn’t judge and genuinely cares

about you.”

The family spoke often about the

inevitable.

“We knew cancer would eventually

get Larry, and I knew the children

were wondering what would happen,”

Nancy said. “I brought it up one day

and told them odds are Larry’s not go-

ing to live a long time, you never know,

but I’m still going to be a foster parent.

“I’m not giving you kids back. When

you’re family, you pull together.”

Many of their former foster children

come back to visit. Nancy and Larry

thought about fostering children many

years before, but they wanted to wait

until their children were older. Devan

was a senior in high school when Larry

was first diagnosed. Now the family is

stronger and more committed to one

another.

“These kids are like brothers to me,”

Devan said, acknowledging the three

youth in their home. “They help out

with the martial arts center and help

around the home.”

Devan’s move back home has been

good for the children and her, Nancy

said.

“It’s just the same as any home,” she

said. “They tried me a little bit to see

what they could get away with, but De-

van’s stepped up to help. They really

love Devan.”

Nancy’s oldest son is in the Air

Force. Nancy said Larry was a tire-

less advocate for the children, going

to court on their behalf, cooking for

them, helping them, coaching them

and most important, letting them

find their own way while having a

safe place to stay. Larry’s passing has

brought the family closer, but it’s also

strengthened Nancy’s commitment to

helping children.

“I don’t think they know how much

they really help just being here and

helping to get through this time,” she

said. “We’re just plain old people. But

so many kids need somebody to be

good to them and be there for them.”

In addition to the family, Larry will

also be missed at Youth Villages.

“What an honor it was to know him

and serve with him,” said Julie Bau-

man, treatment foster care supervisor

in Youth Villages’ Knoxville office.

Hilary Campbell, placement spe-

cialist for the East Region, said: “After

learning of Larry’s passing, I asked

one of the boys in Larry and Nancy’s

care how he was doing. He said, ‘OK

… well, not good … I mean, I just lost

my dad.’”

with the family business, a

mixed martial arts school

run by Devan, Larry and

Nancy’s youngest biologi-

cal son. But Robert’s circle

of help doesn’t end with

his family. Robert’s par-

ticipating in Youth Villages’

transitional living program.

Cassie Mitchell is his TL

specialist.

“Cassie’s the biggest

help,” Robert said. “We’re

working on time manage-

ment skills and researching

colleges. She’s helping me

with financial aid paper-

work for school.”

Youth Villages began a

transitional living program

in 1999 to help children get

a good start on adulthood in

the crucial years between

age 17 and 22. Transitional

living specialists help young

people learn to deal with the

minor and major problems

that come with adulthood.

They help participants find

housing and health services,

learn how to access trans-

portation and meet their

basic needs. Counselors

teach life skills like budget-

ing, menu planning and

grocery shopping. Young

people in the transitional

living program set education

and career goals.

Robert is also a member

of the second group of YV

Scholars. Youth Villages

recently began offering ad-

ditional support for youth

in the transitional living

program who plan to go to

college.

Cassie and Robert visit

regularly and talk nearly

every day. Robert also credits his foster home for

getting him on this path to a

brighter future.

“It’s the best home in

the world,” he said. “We do

everything together. Six

months ago I wasn’t like I

am now.”

Robert’s spent many years

in foster care.

He was adopted once

before, but his adoptive

parent terminated rights.

He has a history of physi-

cal aggression and other

behaviors. Cassie met

Robert before he enrolled in

the TL program. She filled

in for another employee by

transporting Robert a few

months before.

“We hit it off right away,”

Cassie said. “We found that

we have quite a bit in com-

mon. When Robert came

to TL, we didn’t have to go

through that orientation

period because we already

knew each other pretty

well.”

And with a support

structure in place, Robert is

excited about his future.

“I’ve gotten a lot out of the

past six months,” Robert

said. “It’s been a lot of firsts

for me. The support I’ve

received from home and

from Cassie has allowed me

to do it, to stretch out and

do things I didn’t think I’d

be able to do.”

LARRYfrom page 5

READY FOR COLLEGE AND INDEPENDENCEfrom page 3

7

There are numerous ways to help.

Mentor, foster parent, volunteer or

financially donate to our programs.

Your support can have a direct

impact on the future of the more

than 450 children we help every day.

Please call or e-mail me to find out

how to help.

JOIN OUR EFFORTS Become  a  force  for  families

Gary JohnsonDevelopment Manager

865-560-2075

gary.johnson@youthvillages.org

There are as many different ways to support Youth

Villages as there are needs for your support. If you

are new to the concept of planned giving, please click

Donate on www.YouthVillages.org and then go to the

Planned Giving website for information on wills and be-

quests, gifts of appreciated stock, real estate, charitable

remainder trusts, gifts of retirement assets, life insur-

ance and charitable lead trusts.

Resources there include definitions, wording for wills,

stories of how instruments are created and much more.

You may want to visit the planned giving calculator to

see what a planned gift would mean in your unique cir-

cumstances. For information, contact Gary Johnson at

865-560-2075 or e-mail gary.johnson@youthvillages.org.

Thinking  of  a  planned  gift?

Youth  Villages  hosts  CEO  breakfast

Join our networks

www.facebook.com/youthvillages

www.twitter.com/youthvillages

www.youthvillages.wordpress.com

Youth Villages in Knoxville recently

hosted a CEO breakfast at Sequoyah Grill

in Bearden Village. Bryan Jordan, CEO

of First Horizon and Youth Villages board

member, spoke to 20 of Knoxville’s promi-

nent leaders about responsible community

investment. Youth Villages CEO Pat Lawler

also showed a brief video of Youth Villages’

work to help at-risk

children. In addition.

Youth Villages Transi-

tional Living Specialist

A’lana Rodgers inter-

viewed Carom, a young

adult in the TL pro-

gram. Carom shared

her story of growing up

in foster care and how Youth Villages has

helped her since aging out of state custody,

including finding a job, a place to live and

many other requirements of independent

living.

Attendees were also shown how they

could help Youth Villages through a dona-

tion or volunteer opportunity.

Alabama:Arkansas:Florida:Georgia:Massachusetts:Mississippi:New Hampshire:North Carolina:Oregon: PortlandTennessee:

Texas: DallasWashington, D.C.

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDYOUTH VILLAGES

Founded in Memphis, Tenn., in 1986, Youth Villages has built a national reputation for offering the most effective pro-

a fully integrated continuum of services, including residential treatment, in-home services, foster care and adoption, mentoring and a transitional living program for young adults aging out of foster care.

Please e-mail gary.johnson@youthvillages.org or call 865-560-2075

to have your name removed from our mailing list.

New Heights East Tennessee is published by Youth Villages

Managing Editor: Gary Johnson

Associate Editor: Chris Pennington