Dance For Janie
The Star Dance Alliance has a passion for promoting a positive environment that nurtures the mental and emotional health of all young individuals today. Our events are fun-filled, family-friendly, and action-packed. While we aim to create the best experiences to empower youth, it is equally important to acknowledge and help those in circumstances beyond their control.
The SDA is making a difference by partnering with Janie’s Fund and Youth Villages to raise money, awareness, and most of all hope for girls struggling with the emotional scars of abuse and neglect. Our goal is to not only help kids but to educate kids and adults alike to know how to identify and help those who may be in need.
Committed to Helping Young Women Thrive
Dance for Janie is a movement to address one of society’s great inequities with the most statistically vulnerable group of young people in our country.
Almost 500,000 children languish in America’s foster care system each year. Far too often children who have already experienced the trauma of abuse and neglect are left to the mercy of inadequate care. The most unfortunate kids – about 20,000 annually (approximately half being young women) – will turn 18 and quickly find themselves discarded, living alone without the support, resources, or guidance of a stable family or network of caring adults in their lives. Histories of mental illness, abuse, neglect, and substance abuse make a successful transition to adulthood next to impossible.
At a critical moment in their lives, these young adults have not acquired the skills to find safe housing, maintain jobs or pursue an education on their own. Many also suffer debilitating mental health issues caused by undeserved and unresolved trauma. Having small children of their own and few financial resources, the obstacles for youth who experience foster care become nearly insurmountable. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Dance for Janie is committed to helping the young women thrive through supporting the LifeSet program that gives them the support, resources, and care to fully heal and reach their dreams. LifeSet, a program created by Youth Villages, is the most comprehensive, effective intervention that delivers positive results. Together, we’re lifting these girls up, helping them move forward and chase their dream!
A Message From Youth Villages
Youth Villages is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with emotional and behavioral problems and their families live successfully. They provide direct help to thousands of children and families each year; partner with innovative states and high-performing nonprofit organizations that use effective program models; and advocate for positive change to child welfare systems around the country.
The approach involves intensive work with the child and family; a focus on measuring outcomes; keeping children in the community whenever safely possible; and providing accountability to families and funders. The Youth Villages approach produces lasting, positive change for children.
While helping children from birth to age 22, the majority of the children who receive services from Youth Villages are between 12 and 17.
Children come to the programs and facilities because of emotional and behavioral disorders, physical or sexual abuse, substance abuse, or suicidal ideation or attempt. The LifeSet program is a bridge from foster care to successful adulthood for young people who have experienced foster care. More than 85% of Youth Villages children have multiple problems, which may include developmental
About Janie's Fund
Janie’s Fund is a philanthropic platform and powerful movement created in partnership with one of America’s most effective nonprofits, Youth Villages, to expand effective services for many of our country’s most vulnerable girls who have survived the trauma of abuse and neglect. Janie’s Fund is committed to elevating voices, so that every girl can reach their full potential and one day become a strong woman.
“Janie” has become the personification of strength, hope, and healing. Showcasing both resiliency and determination, “Janie” is committed to helping lift others up, and working alongside others, as they seek to build a better world full of empathy and kindness. Learn more at https://www.janiesfund.org.
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.
