S2 - Ep.7 : Visualizing Your Ideal Self with Jordan and Devan
Release Date: 03/29/2023
S2 - Ep. 9 : No Longer Trapped featuring Elliot
Stronger Than You Think
As a child, Elliot never quite felt “right” and struggled knowing he could not be the daughter his parents wanted. Elliot was experiencing gender dysphoria but without a name for it or a supportive environment, he was trapped. His sense of hopelessness was compounded by an abusive household and childhood trauma. At times, he could not see himself making it out alive. In high school, Elliot entered the foster care system and found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Through CBT, Elliot was able to deconstruct his past and find the right pieces to build himself back up. Learn more about Cognitive...
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S2 - Ep.8 : Driven By A Dream with Jaquelyn
Stronger Than You Think
Jaquelyn was motivated to embark on the difficult journey from Guatemala to the United States by the promise of opportunity. By the time she and her 5-year-old nephew arrived to the U.S., she’d experienced so much trauma; she literally had no fear left in her body. Through foster care and a revolving door of new environments, Jaquelyn remained grounded in her determination to go to college. To Rosa Duvall, a clinical manager for strategic partnerships with LifeSet, Jaquelyn is a shining example of the self-efficacy Youth Villages hopes to elicit in foster youth. All people have the ability...
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S2 - Ep.7 : Visualizing Your Ideal Self with Jordan and Devan
Stronger Than You Think
Twins Jordan and Devan escaped generational poverty and found themselves on the road toward embodying their ideal selves. Being educated, healthy and financially stable once was only a fantasy, but with the help of Youth Villages and strong support systems, Jordan and Devan have found themselves living their wildest dreams. Poverty, anxiety and depression can make it impossible to help yourself, but there will always be someone equipped to help you. As Youth Villages mental health professional Becky Smith explains, doing better is a skill, not a will -- and sometimes, we just need to be...
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S2 - Ep.6 : Reinventing Yourself with Ajah
Stronger Than You Think
When Ajah was experiencing childhood sexual abuse, she reached out to the adults in her life for help and was met with only indifference and betrayal. Ajah felt powerless until a slogan at school, “You are what you make,” redefined her life's trajectory. The idea she could build a better life for herself was invigorating and made more tangible when her LifeSet specialist exposed her to new places and experiences. Youth Villages Managing Director of Clinical Services Dr. Rebekah Lemmons discusses how our environments shape our outcomes. Dr. Lemmons believes we influence our environment by...
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S2 - Ep.5 : Not Being Another Statistic with Jake
Stronger Than You Think
When Jake found himself in a residential facility as a teenager, he was constantly told by staff he would never amount to anything. Jake was aware the statistics on foster youth who age out of the system are grim and was determined to break out of the cycle of institutionalization. Driven by a strong desire to help others in his situation, Jake took matters into his own hands and proved his naysayers wrong. Youth Villages Licensed Program Expert John Milner explains how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps young people like Jake avoid “acting out the label” by offering an alternative...
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S2 - Ep.4 : Healing Through Advocacy with Jennifer
Stronger Than You Think
Jennifer’s brother Michael was her biggest advocate growing up. Upon entering the foster care system as small children, Michael aggressively defended his sister. But without the tools to manage his emotional reactions, Michael ended up attracting harm to himself. As a late teen, Jennifer was connected to Youth Villages and their program, Life Set. Using their resources and undergoing therapy, she is now able to advocate for foster youth enduring experiences like her own. Learn how it’s possible to break generational curses by managing trauma effectively and advocating fiercely on this...
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S2 - Ep.3 : Running on Faith with Ares
Stronger Than You Think
Ares was terrified of his abusive biological mother, but one thing he is grateful for is her teaching him the Lord’s Prayer. Ares prayed every night of his childhood and credits his faith with carrying him through hardship and into a successful track career throughout high school and now at North Carolina State University. Ares’ LifeSet Specialist Alleyah Mason points out that spiritual faith is something no one can take away from you. Through the guiding light of spirituality, Ares was led to real family in his teammates, their families and coaches. For Ares, God served as a reminder of...
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S2 - Ep.2 : Volunteering Saved My Life with Julia
Stronger Than You Think
Years of bullying and low self-esteem made Julia forget what it was like to feel happy. Hopelessness turned into self-harm and into a string of suicide attempts that left Julia wondering why she hated herself. Asking this question changed Julia’s mindset, and she eventually found hope and happiness through volunteer work. Youth Villages Program Director for Crisis Services Raquel Shutze explains there is hope through connection. Learn how Julia changed her life through connections with fellow volunteers, LifeSet and therapeutic animals on this episode of Stronger Than You Think. ...
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S2 - Ep.1 : Keeping Gratitude First with Darrah
Stronger Than You Think
Growing up, Darrah was the strong one. From a young age, her mother’s mental illness forced her to be the adult of the household. For Darrah, entering the foster care system and experiencing structure for the first time was a relief; but even then, she was on her own. After achieving academic and professional success, Darrah was still confronted with the question: “Who’s going to take care of me?” The answer had been the same all along. Learn how you can be your own greatest ally through the practice of positive affirmation and remember, “You got this!” Links from the show ...
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S1 - Ep.11 : Troy | "Real People, Heal People"
Stronger Than You Think
What qualifies a person to confront gun violence in our communities? Troy Dotson believes his lived experience and ability to freely speak about his life allows him to connect in a way that can leave a meaningful impact on victims and perpetrators of gun violence. As a reformed gang member, minister and now working with Youth Villages’ community violence intervention gun violence reduction initiative Memphis Allies, Troy uses his unique combination of skills and perspective to forge relationships and change trajectories for people in Memphis. He shares his life story, trauma and hardships...
info_outlineTwins Jordan and Devan escaped generational poverty and found themselves on the road toward embodying their ideal selves. Being educated, healthy and financially stable once was only a fantasy, but with the help of Youth Villages and strong support systems, Jordan and Devan have found themselves living their wildest dreams. Poverty, anxiety and depression can make it impossible to help yourself, but there will always be someone equipped to help you. As Youth Villages mental health professional Becky Smith explains, doing better is a skill, not a will -- and sometimes, we just need to be taught.
Since the interview–Both Jordan and Devan now work for Youth Villages. Jordan, a Mentor Liaison, helps with recruiting, training, and managing volunteers who mentor the youth participating in Youth Villages’ services. Devan, a Clinical Applications Specialist, provides IT support and training for the digital tools used by the clinical team. Jordan and Devan also participate in public speaking events representing Youth Villages and advocating for child welfare programs.
Links from the show
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255
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Learn more about all the programs at Youth Villages here.
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Join the force for families. 101 locations across 23 states (including D.C.) Check out open positions near you.
Full show description
Social Media
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Instagram - @youthvillages
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Facebook - @youthvillages
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Twitter - @youthvillages
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YouTube - youtube.com/user/youthvillages
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LinkedIn – linkedin.com/school/youth-villages
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