Malik Singleton embodies success. Reflecting on his journey, the 25-year-old describes how being placed in foster care was a traumatic experience, that he worried about his future and how his life would turn out. “I didn’t know how to express myself,” he says. “I was angry and I wasn’t confident at all.”
That all turned around for him when he arrived at the Children’s Village’s Dobbs Ferry campus and engaged with its Working Alongside Youth (WAY) program, where he found open hearts and helping hands. The program’s influence guided him toward better life choices and career readiness.
“WAY always had my back,” said Singleton. “It means a lot to have people who care.”
For any young person, the journey into adulthood is a challenging odyssey, fraught with uncertainty and rife with opportunities for growth, but for those emerging from foster care and rejoining their communities, this journey can be particularly daunting. It’s a critical juncture where additional support can make all the difference.
More than 19,000 young people in the United States left foster care in 2021 without permanent family homes. Many face the stark reality of losing access to crucial services as they age out, increasing the likelihood of setbacks. Recognizing this gap, the Children’s Village pioneered WAY (known then as Work Appreciation for Youth) in 1984, offering vital support to youth navigating the path to independent living.
WAY operates as a comprehensive support system, offering a wide array of services, from education and housing assistance to financial literacy, workforce development, and emotional connectivity to empower participants. Coaches provide personalized guidance, serving as mentors and advocates even as participants reach their mid-20s.
More than 80% of the young people served by The Children’s Village are in the transition-age bracket, with more than 95% coming from marginalized backgrounds. These young people often grapple with mental health issues, trauma, and educational barriers, making specialized support imperative.
The program’s impact is undeniable: 96% of participants either graduate or remain enrolled in school with passing grades, 80% secure employment, and 91% attain stable housing. Equally remarkable is the fact that 97% of participants steer clear of the criminal justice system — a testament to the program’s efficacy in breaking cycles of adversity.
In my role as WAY’s program director, I strive to ensure that all youth and young adults in our care know they’re not alone. Our goal is to provide unwavering support, equipping them not just to survive but to thrive in their transition back into society.
WAY symbolizes the resilience of these young individuals, demonstrating that with steadfast support, they can rewrite the narratives of their lives. It’s not merely about changing paths; it’s about reshaping destinies and paving the way for success.
Singleton now has steady employment as a security guard in the Bronx, and animatedly speaks of the difference WAY has made in his life, which is why he is paying it forward. He returns to the campus regularly as a credible messenger to talk with others in foster care. Through his story, they, too, envision a brighter future.
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of WAY this year, let us also recognize the countless others whose lives have been forever changed by the unwavering dedication of organizations like The Children’s Village. Through collective effort and empathy, we can truly make a difference in the lives of those most in need.
Valerie Moore is the program director of Working Alongside Youth (WAY) at the Children’s Village.