SPONSORED CONTENT
SPONSORED CONTENT
Work for families and become part of one.
Work for families and become part of one.
Sometimes it takes a family to find just where you belong.
Sponsored Content by Youth Villages
At Youth Villages, we believe a stable family and strong support system can help any child succeed—and we believe the same thing when it comes to our employees. Our size and strength allow us to offer employees competitive compensation in a stable, supportive network focused on personal growth, professional development and work that truly makes a difference.
No two roads to Youth Villages are the same, but the collective story of what brought us together as a force for families serves to answer the question driving our mission forward: Why do we do what we do?
whitney Cunningham
“Our success means kids stay in their community.”
– Whitney Cunningham, Occupational Therapy Assistant,
Residential Services
When you pour your life into your work, you want your company to pour back into you. That’s the reciprocal relationship Whitney Cunningham found at Youth Villages. In her 11 years with the organization, she has used her life to impact hundreds of children as a recreational therapist in our residential programs—and the unique culture at Youth Villages has not only kept her with the organization but propelled her to grow as a professional.
Whitney’s strong family support and upbringing shaped her desire to spend her career serving kids and families, and through her decade-long investment in our children, she is a powerful reflection of the career-building mentality that exists among the Youth Villages team.
Dennis McBee
“There’s more here than just the bottom line.”
– Dennis McBee, Clinical Supervisor,
Community-Based Services
Dennis McBee always knew his purpose in life was to help others, but the path to a career supporting families through Youth Villages was a winding one. As a young man, he struggled to overcome significant loss, poverty, and the many challenges associated with being a self-proclaimed “geek” growing up in South Memphis.
While his road to Youth Villages was rocky, there were people along the way who helped Dennis dream of a brighter future and embrace the power of hope. Today, Dennis is a licensed psychologist drawing on his own story to help children and families served by Youth Villages build plans and envision opportunities beyond their wildest dreams.
Lyndsey Lewis
“We find the spark no one else sees.”
– Lyndsey Lewis, Nurse Manager,
Residential Services
Providing medical care to children who have interwoven physical and mental health needs is something even the best nursing schools can’t prepare you for. Like many nurses on her team, Nurse Manager Lyndsey Lewis learned through hands-on experience navigating relationships with children under her care.
Early in her career, Lyndsey recognized that children at Youth Villages have a vital need for honest, clear healthcare relationships, so she turned to one of the organization’s core tenants for guidance: always do what you say you’re going to do. With this mindset, she has fostered incredible trust among her youth and teammates, confronting the most medically and emotionally challenging cases and creating positive outcomes through innovative care.
Latoria Jenkins
“This is why we do what we do.”
– Latoria Jenkins, Program Manager, Residential Services
Latoria Jenkins always knew she wanted to work with kids and adults to create a community where everyone feels included. Deeply rooted empathy is often born from life experiences, after all, and Latoria’s experiences navigating her older sister’s mental health crises growing up uniquely equipped her to walk alongside youth and families as they work through similar circumstances.
Latoria began her career as a teacher before coming to Youth Villages, where she now serves as a program manager in Youth Villages’ residential program, delivering trauma-informed care to youth who need help in a safe and nurturing environment. Daily, she revels in the opportunity to support children, providing second chances and imparting new skills so these children can radically change their lives.
Patrick Lawler
“We have to think big because the needs are big.”
– Patrick Lawler, CEO
Despite the significant challenges facing thousands of children and families who are part of the country’s child welfare system, Youth Villages CEO Patrick Lawler is undaunted by the enormity and encourages employees to approach their work one family at a time.
Grounded in decades of social work experience and a tenured history with the organization, Patrick knows better than anyone that making meaningful improvements in the lives of children and families starts with an idea, a person who cares and a strong team of people behind them.
For 30+ years, Youth Villages has been driving positive change nationally by investing in children and families locally.
Join Youth Villages to find a family and a forever career.
For 30+ years, Youth Villages has been driving positive change nationally by investing in children and families locally.
Join Youth Villages to find a family and a forever career.
This story is a paid advertisement. The editorial staff of The Daily Memphian were not involved in the creation of this content.