Who We Are

“Helping youth aging out of the foster care system create their own future story.”
– Patricia Artis, Monai Village President

Patricia & Gary’s Story

Patricia and Gary Artis were foster parents in Washoe County from 1986-2024, after fostering for two years in Normal, Illinois. Over the years, they cared for hundreds of children of all ages, including more than 100 youth through their own home-run program.

Through that experience, they saw the same heartbreaking pattern repeat: young adults aging out of foster care were expected to navigate housing, employment, finances, transportation, and adulthood without the support system most young people rely on.

Many of these young people lacked rental history, employment history, transportation, financial stability, and consistent adult relationships to help guide them. Patricia realized there had to be a better way.

Patricia realized there had to be a better way.

Why Monai Village Was Created

Monai Village was created to address an unmet need in our community: affordable housing for youth aging out of foster care, paired with individualized support services that help young adults transition into stable, independent living.

When safe housing is no longer all-consuming and stressful, young people are better able to focus on school, work, life skills, confidence, and long-term independence.

Today, Monai Village carries that vision forward by providing affordable housing, individualized support, and community connection for young adults aging out of foster care. What began as a response to a long-standing gap in the foster care system is now an active program helping youth move toward confidence, stability, and independence.

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Sad teenage boy worried about his problems sitting alone on bed in his room

Our Vision

Monai Village envisions building a place where youth in transition can break the cycle of homelessness, have a sense of community, build trust, responsibility, and independence while earning their education to have a real chance at success.

Our Mission

Monai Village helps young adults aging out of foster care build stable, independent lives through affordable housing, individualized support, life skills development, mentorship, and community connection.