2026-04-10T23:11:25Z 2025-12-31 990EZ 2025-01-01 882133041 LOTUS VILLAGE UNITED INC LOTU 9088004470 16619 Greensboro Greensboro NC 27406 Shawnette Haynes Executive Director 9088004470 2026-04-10 2025 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z X Cash and in kind donations X www.lotusvillageunited.org X X Nonprofit 11256 X 10756 500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11256 0 0 0 2700 0 600 1840 5140 6116 0 0 6116 0 6116 0 0 0 0 0 6116 0 0 0 6116 To support and guide at-risk and opportunity youth, specifically those aging out or aged out of foster care, ages 16-26, by providing and advocating for resources and environments where they can thrive. Program Accomplishments -From freshmen stepping in with dreams in their eyes to seniors rising with confidence and clarity, Lotus Village United continues to help young people redefine what is possible for their lives. Through our mentoring program, Real Life University, and our Bridging the Gap: Checking the Pulse Workshop, participants are developing accountability, selfawareness, and future orientationoften for the first time. As one participant from Real Life University at the Rockingham Youth Development Center (YDC) shared: I appreciate Lotus Village for showing me that people can really show up for the greater good. Lotus Village has taught me that who you are and where you came from matter, and not to let anyone tell you different just because of your mistakes. Lotus Village has taught me the meaning of accountability. Youth consistently describe Lotus Village United as a space where they are seen, heard, and challenged to grow. Participants are encouraged to reclaim their stories, reflect honestly on their choices, and envision a different futureone grounded in responsibility, confidence, and purpose. Institutional Impact and Community Validation -Lotus Village Uniteds partnership with Rockingham Youth Development Center demonstrates the programs effectiveness within secure juvenile settings. Facility leadership reports measurable improvements in youth engagement, trust, and selfadvocacy: Their commitment has been lifechanging. Through a structured, relationshipbuilding approach, we have established trust, consistency, and an environment where participants feel heard. The program was designed to foster group engagement and gradually shift toward individualized selfreflection and planning, helping participants feel more confident advocating for themselves during upcoming court appearances. This feedback reinforces what research and practice consistently show: when adults show up consistently, youth respond with courage, honesty, and growth. Outcomes and Indicators of Impact /Increased Mental Health Awareness Across programming, participants demonstrated increased understanding of mental health, emotional wellness, and healing. Interactive learning elements, such as the session Listen to the Heartbeat of Healing helped normalize conversations around mental health while giving youth language to express emotions and stressors. Enhanced SelfExpression and Identity Awareness -Segments including The Visual Effect and Styling with Purpose encouraged youth to think critically about how personal presentation, environment, and identity influence confidence and perception. Participants reported feeling more intentional and empowered in how they express themselves. Career Readiness and Future Orientation -Our Charting Your Path sessions exposed youth to emerging and nontraditional career pathways. Students reported increased motivation to explore future opportunities aligned with their interests, creativity, and values, strengthening their sense of purpose and direction. Positive YouthAdult Relationships -Participants consistently highlighted facilitators authenticity, relatability, and demonstrated care. Feeling respected and heard by adults strengthened trustan essential protective factor for youth impacted by trauma, foster care involvement, and contact with the justice system. Broader Impact and Cost Effectiveness Lotus Village United works directly with some of North Carolinas most vulnerable. Misguided youth face disproportionate risks tied to trauma, instability, and system involvement. Programs like Real Life University are: Relatively lowcost compared to the longterm expenses of incarceration, recidivism, and repeated system involvement Evidenceinformed, aligning with research on trauma, protective factors, and positive youth development. Scalable, with appropriate funding and partnerships, to other counties, facilities, and foster care settings across North Carolina Overall Impact- Participant and partner feedback confirms that Lotus Village Uniteds programming meets its objectives by fostering accountability, selfawareness, emotional wellness, and future readiness. Youth leave with increased confidence, stronger selfidentity, and tangible tools to advocate for themselves and build healthier paths forward. 0 6796 6796 Tonia Stoney Board Member 10.00 0 0 0 Shawnette Haynes Executive Director 20.00 0 0 0 Krystal Jett Board Member 1.00 0 0 0 Akua Jackson Board Member 1.00 0 0 0 Melinda King Board Member 1.00 0 0 0 Zhani Swailes Board Member 1.00 0 0 0 false false false false false 0 false false 0 0 0 false 0 0 false NC Shawnette Haynes Executive Director PO Box 16619 Greensboro NC 27416 9088004470 false false false false false false false false false false false false NONE 0 NONE 0 true X 0 0 0 0 10756 10756 500 500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11256 11256 0 0 0 0 0 0 11256 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11256 11256 X 1.00000 1.00000 0.00000 0.00000 X X Professional Services Contributions Professional Fees and Services for Website, Insurance, Marketing, Event Rental, Mailbox