MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a move that embodies the spirit of “Going Giving It,” the Joey Logano Foundation (JLF) has awarded a $100,000 grant to Youth Villages to support young people transitioning out of the foster care system. The funding will bolster the LifeSet program, a nationally recognized initiative that provides a critical bridge to adulthood for vulnerable youth.
For Heartitude—a philosophy and benefit corporation centered on leading with kindness, compassion, and empathy—this partnership is a powerful example of how intentional support can change the trajectory of a life. By providing a safety net for those who have “aged out” of foster care, the grant addresses a vital need with heart-led action.
“Every year, hundreds of youth in North Carolina age out of the foster care system, with most lacking the support or guidance of a stable network,” said Erica Ellis, director of development for Youth Villages. “The Joey Logano Foundation is helping us ensure these young adults reach their full potential by supporting our Scholars initiative.”
The LifeSet program pairs young adults with specialists who help them navigate the complexities of independent living, from finding stable housing to securing employment. Without this intervention, many of these young people face daunting statistics regarding homelessness and unemployment.
“We want to see youth who have been through the foster care system have a healthy chance at living independently and embarking on a path to a bright future,” said Brittany Logano, Founding Vice Chairman of the Joey Logano Foundation and wife of 3X NASCAR Champion Joey Logano. “That is exactly what they receive with Youth Villages’ Scholars program. It is wonderful to hear success stories from Scholars who were raised in the system and defeated all odds to take on their dreams of going to college or a trade school, graduating and creating a joyful life for themselves.”
From the perspective of Heartitude, this $100,000 investment represents more than just a financial transaction; it is a manifestation of empathy in motion.
“At Heartitude, we believe that when you lead from the heart, you create unseen ripples of goodness,” said Bruce Petillo, founder of Heartitude. “Joey Logano and his foundation are doing exactly that. By investing in LifeSet, they are telling these young adults that they are seen, they are valued, and they are not alone. That is the essence of Heartitude.”
The grant will allow Youth Villages to continue its mission of helping children and families live successfully, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to build a bright future.