Empowering Foster Youth: The Vision of Elev8 Villages In this episode of YouMeWe Amplified Podcast, Suzanne F. Stevens interviews Melissa Kay, the founder of Elev8 Villages. Melissa shares her journey from mentoring at-risk youth to creating sustainable tiny home villages for emancipated foster youth. Delve into the systemic challenges faced by foster children and explore the innovative solutions Elev8 Villages offers, including providing safe housing, wraparound services, and empowering job opportunities. Discover how Melissa's unwavering dedication and pragmatic approach aim to transform lives and reshape communities, ensuring that every youth has a voice and a choice.  

00:00 Introduction to YouMeWe Amplified Podcast
00:50 Meet Melissa Kay: Founder of Elev8 Villages
01:02 The Foster Care Crisis in the U.S.
01:45 Melissa's Journey into Foster Care Advocacy
03:37 Challenges Faced by Foster Youth
10:12 Elev8 Villages: A Solution for Emancipated Foster Youth
11:10 Building a Supportive Community
13:27 The Tiny Home Movement and Its Impact
17:34 Future Plans and Expansion
18:16 Funding and Resources for Elev8 Villages
27:20 A Vision of Clarity 29:08 Building Tiny Homes 30:02 Funding the Dream
30:38 Coaching and Contributions 32:33 Sustainable Business Models
34:39 Community and Dignity 36:44 Avoiding Pitfalls 45:20 Rapid Fire Questions
52:49 Final Words of Wisdom