Life is a journey, not a destination.
- Steven Tyler -
Steven Tyler needs no introduction. What does need to be told is the story of his altruistic nature and his willingness to help others. We would like him to gain more recognition for these acts of kindness. For this reason, we’ve now added him to The Spirit of Humanity, “Good Human” series.
“Janie’s Fund is a philanthropic initiative created by Steven Tyler in partnership with Youth Villages to bring hope and healing care to girls who have suffered the trauma of abuse and neglect. Steven first gave voice to this cause with his hit Janie’s Got a Gun, and his establishment of the fund ensures that these vulnerable girls will have an enduring voice for years to come.”
The Good Human, Steven Tyler, through his philanthropic initiative Janie’s Fund, has announced a year-end donation of $532,000 in support of young women who have aged out of foster care in Boston, New York City, Nashville and the state of North Carolina.
Public funds and private donations in all markets will be used to support partnerships for YVLifeSet, and will be matched directly with the public funding and private donations. In New York City, funds will support a new pilot program and in Nashville, this help will ensure that every girl that ages out of foster care has access to the program. YVLifeSet is a evidence based, comprehensive program that helps young people age 17 to 22 to overcome challenges and childhood trauma to become successful, independent adults through experiential learning and intensive support.
“Through Janie’s Fund, I’ve met so many young women who have experienced the horrors and pain of childhood trauma. And the effects of this trauma don’t stop at 18. YVLifeSet is making an amazing impact on the lives of so many young people, and I’m thrilled to be part of helping this program expand across the country. There are 10,000 girls who age-out annually and desperately need this level of care. It’s my hope that we can announce additional program expansions in new year to help even more girls.”
Tyler established Janie’s Fund in partnership with Youth Villages in 2015 to provide hope and healing for many of our country’s most vulnerable girls who have survived the trauma of abuse and neglect. Without help, studies show that young people who experienced foster care are more likely to struggle as adults. A randomized clinical trial of YVLifeSet conducted by MDRC, a social research group, found that the program reduced homelessness, increased earnings and economic security, decreased mental illness, and decreased partner and domestic violence for participants.
Finding a worthy cause and then acting upon a solution with all of your heart,
dedication and resources is the meaning of philanthropy.
Thank you Steven for yours.
GET HELP
If you or someone you know may be experiencing abuse or neglect, please call the Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visit childhelp.org/hotline/ for help. Anyone can report suspected child abuse or neglect, and reporting can save a child’s life. For state-specific info, visit Childwelfare.gov. Your call can protect a child and get help for a family.
