Epic Youth: Tennessee At-Risk Youth Neighborhood

The Problem: Aging Out Into Uncertainty

Every year in Tennessee, countless young people age out of the foster care system or grow up in unstable environments without the safety, support, or structure they need to thrive.

While the existing Epic Youth by Persevere program currently serves justice-involved youth up to age 18, a critical gap remains. When these young adults leave state care—specifically those aged 18–24—they often face homelessness, trafficking, incarceration, and cycles of poverty simply because they never had a real chance at an independent adult life.

The Solution: A Neighborhood Built for Success

We are building a solution, and we need your help.

Zachary Heath Homes, in partnership with Epic Youth by Persevere and community leaders across Tennessee, is launching the state’s first purpose-built neighborhood designed specifically for vulnerable young adults aging out of foster care. This development provides more than just housing; it offers a complete ecosystem of stability, healing, and independence.

What This Neighborhood Will Provide: Extending the core principles of the Epic Youth program—Empowerment, Perseverance, Innovation, and Community—this initiative ensures a successful transition to adulthood through:

Safe, Stable Homes: High-quality housing designed specifically to protect and empower young adults (ages 18–24) during their critical transition to independence.

On-Site Healthcare: Immediate access to essential mental and physical healthcare, directly addressing the trauma often experienced by youth in the system.

Life Skills Training: Practical instruction in financial literacy, home management, conflict resolution, and employment readiness.

Education & Job-Training: Utilizing Persevere’s proven model to provide direct pathways to certifications, technology careers, and high-wage employment.

Community Support: A built-in support network of consistent guidance and mentorship, replacing the fractured systems many young adults leave behind.

A Long-Term Roadmap: A structured, two-year program focused on achieving true independence, not just temporary shelter.

Why We Need You: This neighborhood represents the safety net that the system currently lacks. It is hope, healing, and a future for young people who have been left behind for too long.

Your contribution does not just buy materials; it funds land planning, engineering, infrastructure, and the first stages of construction. You are turning blueprints into homes and giving these youth a stable launchpad for life.

Our Vision: To build safe, sustainable transitional neighborhoods for young adults (18–24) in every county across Tennessee—breaking generational cycles of abuse, homelessness, and incarceration, and ensuring that no youth ages out of care into homelessness.

Your Impact: When you give, you aren’t just donating to a project. You are building homes. You are building futures. You are saving lives.