What is Village V.I.B.E.S. & YPL
At Village V.I.B.E.S., we believe in community, creativity, and opportunity as tools to transform lives. Our nonprofit was founded to empower families, youth, and underserved communities by providing access to education, economic opportunities, and creative expression—regardless of background or circumstance.
We saw firsthand the gaps in education, workforce development, financial literacy, and the arts for families striving to build sustainable futures. Traditional pathways to success don’t work for everyone, so we built a village where families—especially single parents and their children—can learn, grow, and break cycles of financial instability.
Village V.I.B.E.S. is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement to reclaim the “village mindset” where we uplift, support, and create opportunities for one another. Through education, arts, entrepreneurship, mental wellness, and cultural experiences, we equip families with the tools to thrive, not just survive.
From Village V.I.B.E.S., we created The Youth Performance Lab (YPL)—one of our community pilot programs designed specifically for youth. We recognized that too many young people, especially in Ward 8, lack access to safe, enriching, and creative after-school activities. YPL fills this gap by providing a space where youth can express themselves, build confidence, and gain skills that prepare them for the future.
Through poetry, performance arts, mentorship, and leadership training, YPL gives young people the tools to find their voices, tell their stories, and take up space. Whether performing on stage, competing in poetry slams, or co-writing productions, our students are learning more than just art—they’re developing life skills, leadership abilities, and the confidence to dream beyond their circumstances.