The November split-the-plate recipient is Found Village. With a holistic approach including mentors, events and resources, Found Village helps teens and families in crisis navigate the systems of which they’re a part.
Many teens helped by Found Village are or were living in foster care, a system whose population traditionally has low high school graduation rates and high rates of incarceration.
Found Village created a foundational trust model to assess gaps in social systems and tailor solutions. The model starts with supplying basic needs, then building stability and safety; trusting relationships and acceptance; self-esteem; and culminating in self-actualization.
Along the way, teens develop a sense of belonging, are empowered to act with autonomy and connected to community. They develop life skills and even hobbies.
The vision of Found Village aims “to rebuild foundational trust in youth who have faced abuse, neglect, or related traumas at home or through the system by connecting them with an audacious and intentional community of relational resources.
We believe their passions are legitimate, their dreams are attainable, and their wisdom is priceless. We aim to play the long game in their lives by intentionally creating a safe space that engages the mind-body-and-spirit of each young person who walks through our doors.”
Among Found Village successes:
- 87% of eligible teens in the program graduate from high school.
- There was a 93% decrease in psychiatric hospitalizations.
- 50% of students transition from behavioral schools to traditional schools.
- 90% of Found Village teens move into postsecondary programs or full-time jobs.
There are a variety of ways to volunteer with Found Village, from supplying resources for teens, to mentoring them.
To make an online donation, go to https://stjohnsuu.org/community/donate/.
Update: St. John’s collected $546.50 for Adventure Crew, our October split-the-plater recipient.