Stronger Than You Think

Stories of resilience from former foster youth and the mental health practices that helped them to persevere.

S2 - Ep. 9 : No Longer Trapped featuring Elliot 04/11/2023

S2 - Ep. 9 : No Longer Trapped featuring Elliot 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 Behavioral Therapy with Youth Villages’ Clinical Services Program Manager Dr. Lindsay Pate and how it may help you find compassion amid destruction on this episode of Stronger Than You Think. Links from the show National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988-273-8255 Learn more about all the programs at Youth Villages Join the force for families. 101 locations across 23 states (including D.C.) Check out near you. Full show description Social Media Instagram - @youthvillages Facebook - @youthvillages Twitter - @youthvillages YouTube - youtube.com/user/youthvillages LinkedIn – linkedin.com/school/youth-villages Listen to this episode on Apple Spotify Google Play Amazon Music YouTube Privacy Policy All rights reserved. “Youth Villages” is a registered service mark owned by Youth Villages®, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 58-1716970). Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Youth Villages® is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. /episode/index/show/strongerthanyouthinkpod/id/25682841

S2 - Ep.8 : Driven By A Dream with Jaquelyn 04/05/2023

S2 - Ep.8 : Driven By A Dream with Jaquelyn 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 to form goals and dreams, and Jaquelyn's story is one example of how they can propel a person forward, unrelenting in achieving them. Links from the show National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 Learn more about all the programs at Youth Villages Join the force for families. 101 locations across 23 states (including D.C.) Check out near you. Full show description Social Media Instagram - @youthvillages Facebook - @youthvillages Twitter - @youthvillages YouTube - youtube.com/user/youthvillages LinkedIn – linkedin.com/school/youth-villages Listen to this episode on Apple Spotify Google Play Amazon Music YouTube Privacy Policy All rights reserved. “Youth Villages” is a registered service mark owned by Youth Villages®, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 58-1716970). Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Youth Villages® is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. /episode/index/show/strongerthanyouthinkpod/id/25682829

S2 - Ep.7 : Visualizing Your Ideal Self with Jordan and Devan 03/29/2023

S2 - Ep.7 : Visualizing Your Ideal Self with Jordan and Devan 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 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 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 Learn more about all the programs at Youth Villages Join the force for families. 101 locations across 23 states (including D.C.) Check out near you. Full show description Social Media Instagram - @youthvillages Facebook - @youthvillages Twitter - @youthvillages YouTube - youtube.com/user/youthvillages LinkedIn – linkedin.com/school/youth-villages Listen to this episode on Apple Spotify Google Play Amazon Music YouTube Privacy Policy All rights reserved. “Youth Villages” is a registered service mark owned by Youth Villages®, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 58-1716970). Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Youth Villages® is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. /episode/index/show/strongerthanyouthinkpod/id/25664658

S2 - Ep.6 : Reinventing Yourself with Ajah 03/22/2023

S2 - Ep.6 : Reinventing Yourself with Ajah 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 choosing what kind of media we consume. Learn how Ajah set herself on the path to a better life by becoming an ‘information shopaholic.’ Since the interview – Ajah graduated from Wake Technical Community College in North Carolina with a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance. She is currently working in the billing department at Walmart, but is currently seeking a career in the tech industry. Links from the show National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 Learn more about all the programs at Youth Villages Join the force for families. 101 locations across 23 states (including D.C.) Check out near you. Full show description Social Media Instagram - @youthvillages Facebook - @youthvillages Twitter - @youthvillages YouTube - youtube.com/user/youthvillages LinkedIn – linkedin.com/school/youth-villages Listen to this episode on Apple Spotify Google Play Amazon Music YouTube Privacy Policy All rights reserved. “Youth Villages” is a registered service mark owned by Youth Villages®, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 58-1716970). Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Youth Villages® is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. /episode/index/show/strongerthanyouthinkpod/id/25664541

S2 - Ep.5 : Not Being Another Statistic with Jake 03/15/2023

S2 - Ep.5 : Not Being Another Statistic with Jake 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 way of thinking. Links from the show National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 Learn more about all the programs at Youth Villages Join the force for families. 101 locations across 23 states (including D.C.) Check out near you. Full show description Social Media Instagram - @youthvillages Facebook - @youthvillages Twitter - @youthvillages YouTube - youtube.com/user/youthvillages LinkedIn – linkedin.com/school/youth-villages Listen to this episode on Apple Spotify Google Play Amazon Music YouTube Privacy Policy All rights reserved. “Youth Villages” is a registered service mark owned by Youth Villages®, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 58-1716970). Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Youth Villages® is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. /episode/index/show/strongerthanyouthinkpod/id/25664427

S2 - Ep.4 : Healing Through Advocacy with Jennifer 03/08/2023

S2 - Ep.4 : Healing Through Advocacy with Jennifer 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 episode of Stronger Than You Think Links from the show National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 Learn more about all the programs at Youth Villages Join the force for families. 101 locations across 23 states (including D.C.) Check out near you. Full show description Social Media Instagram - @youthvillages Facebook - @youthvillages Twitter - @youthvillages YouTube - youtube.com/user/youthvillages LinkedIn – linkedin.com/school/youth-villages Listen to this episode on Apple Spotify Google Play Amazon Music YouTube Privacy Policy All rights reserved. “Youth Villages” is a registered service mark owned by Youth Villages®, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 58-1716970). Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Youth Villages® is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. /episode/index/show/strongerthanyouthinkpod/id/25664289

S2 - Ep.3 : Running on Faith with Ares 03/01/2023

S2 - Ep.3 : Running on Faith with Ares 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 the light at the end of the tunnel. Links from the show National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988-273-8255 Learn more about all the programs at Youth Villages Join the force for families. 101 locations across 23 states (including D.C.) Check out near you. Full show description Social Media Instagram - @youthvillages Facebook - @youthvillages Twitter - @youthvillages YouTube - youtube.com/user/youthvillages LinkedIn – linkedin.com/school/youth-villages Listen to this episode on Apple Spotify Google Play Amazon Music YouTube Privacy Policy All rights reserved. “Youth Villages” is a registered service mark owned by Youth Villages®, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 58-1716970). Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Youth Villages® is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. /episode/index/show/strongerthanyouthinkpod/id/25664139

S2 - Ep.2 : Volunteering Saved My Life with Julia 02/22/2023

S2 - Ep.2 : Volunteering Saved My Life with Julia 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. Since the interview–Julia is on track to graduate May 2023 from Southern New Hampshire University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Julia and her fiance recently purchased their first home together. After graduation, she plans to get her master's degree in social work. Links from the show: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988-273-8255 Learn more about all the programs at Youth Villages Join the force for families. 101 locations across 23 states and the District of Columbia. Check out near you. Full show description: Social Media Instagram - @youthvillages Facebook - @youthvillages Twitter - @youthvillages YouTube - youtube.com/user/youthvillages LinkedIn – linkedin.com/school/youth-villages Listen to this episode on Privacy Policy All rights reserved. “Youth Villages” is a registered service mark owned by Youth Villages®, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 58-1716970). Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Youth Villages® is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. /episode/index/show/strongerthanyouthinkpod/id/25663809

S2 - Ep.1 : Keeping Gratitude First with Darrah 02/15/2023

S2 - Ep.1 : Keeping Gratitude First with Darrah 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 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988-273-8255 Learn more about all the programs at Youth Villages ( ) Join the force for families. 101 locations across 23 states (including D.C.) Check out near you. (http://bit.ly/3C8hnaV) Meet the Expert! Kristin Landers is the Director of LifeSet and Transition Age Services overseeing all clinical needs for the LifeSet program across the country. is one of the nation’s first — and now one of the largest — evidence-informed programs helping bridge the gap for young people who are aging out of foster care and transitioning into adulthood. In her role, Landers supports program model fidelity internally and externally, as well as the development of clinical best practices and program model adaptation pilots. Originally from Ashland, Oregon, Kristin graduated from the University of California (undergrad), University of San Francisco (graduate) and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has more than 30 years of experience in the mental health field. Kristin started her journey at Youth Villages over 22 years ago as an in-home specialist. If you’re interested in working in the LifeSet program, contact us Full show description www.youthvillages.org/podcast Social Media Instagram - @youthvillages Facebook - @youthvillages Twitter - @youthvillages YouTube - youtube.com/user/youthvillages LinkedIn – linkedin.com/school/youth-villages /episode/index/show/strongerthanyouthinkpod/id/25663023