YV LifeSet

Launched 2009

About

Successful transition to adulthood

YVLifeSet provides a vital resource to youth aging out of the foster system, putting them in the driver’s seat of their lives with a trained specialist by their side. Through this partnership, youth are able to envision a future for themselves and take actionable steps to achieve these goals.

In 2008, a Boston Foundation report found that hundreds of young adults transitioning from foster care each year at age 18 were attempting to live on their own with no support and facing many challenges. There were no services to help young people make a successful transition to living independently with positive outcomes. GreenLight selected YVLifeset, an evidence-based program, to address this critical need.

LifeSet, a program of Youth Villages (YV), now works with the nearly 800 young people who age out of foster care in Massachusetts each year. LifeSet pairs each participant with a specialist who helps them identify, navigate, and achieve their goals. LifeSet’s highly trained specialists are available 24/7 for ongoing support and meet with participants regularly. Together, these trusted specialists help the young adults tackle the highs and lows of growing up and ensure that the basics – stable and suitable housing, education, and life skills– are covered.
  • CEO
    Patrick W. Lawler
  • Executive Director for Massachusetts and New Hampshire
    Matt Stone
  • National Headquarters
    Memphis, TN
  • Website
    youthvillages.org

Adulthood doesn’t have to be scary. YVLifeset program makes the transition easier for youth aging out of foster care.

YVLifeSet’s Impact in Boston

In 2022 – 2023

728

individuals reached

92%

of youth are in school, employed, or in GED classes at 12 months post-discharge

91%

of youth successfully living at home or independently at 12 months post-discharge
In Boston
90%

of youth participating in YVLifeSet are in school, employed, or in GED classes at 12 months post-discharge

Read Mikki's Story

In Boston
90%

of youth participating in YVLifeSet are in school, employed, or in GED classes at 12 months post-discharge

Read Julia's Story

In Boston
95%

of youth participating in YVLifeSet were successfully living at home or independently at 12 months post-discharge

Read Brett's Story

LifeSet specialists support young adults with the transition to independence – whenever and wherever they need it.

What Our Community is Saying

“I am so lucky to have been in LifeSet. I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have the opportunity to join this program. I hope everyone like me can have access to these services. It’s so important to know that you don’t have to face these things alone.”

Hannah

YV LifeSet Participant

“With my LifeSet specialist, we worked on finding me a job and an apartment. LifeSet eased me into being responsible for my independence, recovering from minor setbacks and maintaining my stability. LifeSet was there for me when no one and nothing else was.”

Amber

YV LifeSet Participant

“The work of Youth Villages LifeSet inspires me. Even during these very challenging times, they find ways for youth aged out of the foster care system to have a place to live and a way to achieve their goals, whether it be for school or their career.”

Irfan Alibhai

President, The Burkehaven Family Foundation, and Boston Selection Advisory Council Member

Join our work in Boston

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