Meet the Founders
Lakateria Whitted
Founder & Visionary Leader"I experienced homelessness for many years after aging out of the foster care system. I know firsthand how the struggle doesn't end at 24 - it continues throughout life as we face new beginnings and challenges."
My journey through foster care became a calling to create change. As a former youth advocate with Florida Youth SHINE (FYS), the youth led organization launched by Florida's Children First, and as a policy advisor to the Department of Children & Families and national leader with Foster Care Alumni of America, I've seen firsthand how housing stability can transform lives.
Now we're laying the foundation for Village of America. Our vision is a future where every state offers supportive housing communities for current and former foster youth, including those who aged out or were adopted. While we're currently raising startup funds, our goal is clear: to build the first of many communities that will give foster youth the foundation they deserve.
Lateria Whitted
Co-Founder & Community Engagement Director"Growing up and aging out of foster care ourselves, we understand that life transitions happen at every age. The need for supportive housing doesn't magically disappear when someone turns 25."
Having walked this path myself, I understand what's needed most. My experience as a youth advocate with Florida Youth SHINE (part of Florida's Children First) showed me the power of youth voice in creating change. We're now creating what we wish existed when we aged out of care: beautiful housing communities paired with life changing support services.
Though we're just beginning this journey, our goal is to eventually partner with child welfare agencies across all 50 states to serve:
- Youth currently in foster care
- Those who emancipated from the system
- Individuals adopted from foster care
- Their family members
Why We Serve Ages 18 and Up
Most programs for former foster youth stop at age 24, but we know the challenges don't end there. Life transitions happen at every stage - whether you're 25, 35, or 45 - and sometimes that means starting over and facing housing instability.
What if there was supportive housing and communities for those over 24 years old? What if no matter your age, you had a safe place to rebuild when life gets challenging?
That's why Village of America welcomes former foster youth of all ages. Because everyone deserves stability, community, and the chance to thrive - at every stage of life.
Our Current Mission
Raising Seed Funding
Launching our first model community with initial startup capital
Building Partnerships
Developing relationships with future agency partners
Program Development
Creating programs that complement existing foster care services
Blueprint Creation
Developing a replicable model for nationwide expansion
Our Mission
To revolutionize the transition from foster care by eliminating housing insecurity as an obstacle to success. We provide guaranteed housing solutions coupled with comprehensive support systems that empower youth to pursue education, build careers, and achieve personal growth without the constant stress of basic survival needs.
Our Vision
We envision an America where no young person's potential is limited by their housing status. Where aging out of care means stepping into opportunity, not uncertainty. Where former foster youth become the homeowners, professionals, and community leaders they're meant to be – and then reach back to lift up the next generation.
Our Approach
Housing as Foundation
Our innovative housing model progresses through three phases:
- Transitional shared housing with 24/7 support
- Independent apartments with Village of America as co-signer
- Pathways to homeownership through financial coaching and savings programs
This graduated approach recognizes that independence is a process, not an overnight transition.
Holistic Growth Programs
Beyond shelter, we provide:
- Education advocacy and tutoring support
- Career readiness training and employer partnerships
- Financial literacy workshops and matched savings accounts
- Mental health counseling and wellness programs
- Life skills development from cooking to conflict resolution
Lived-Experience Leadership
Every program at Village of America is designed and evaluated by those who understand the journey best – former foster youth themselves. Our staff, board, and advisory committees include alumni of the system who ensure our solutions remain authentic and effective.
Our Impact
While we're just beginning our journey, these are the outcomes we're committed to achieving
Join Our Movement
We're proving every day that stable housing transforms foster youth outcomes. But we can't do it alone. Whether you're a young person seeking support, community member with skills to share, employer ready to hire determined youth, or donor invested in generational change - your role in this movement matters.
Together, we're not just changing individual lives – we're transforming systems and rewriting futures.