News
January 26th, 2026
Unapologetically Present: A Visit to Village at Ithaca
On my recent visit to Village at Ithaca, I experienced firsthand what makes this organization a vital, if unconventional, anchor in our local youth support ecosystem. Village isn’t just another program filling a service gap—they are the gap fill and I mean that in every way. Their work thrives in the spaces between traditional systems, and it shows in everything they do.
Village acknowledges openly that we live in a resource-rich community—but that richness doesn’t always reach young people in crisis. They see themselves as a necessary alternative when other supports have failed. In fact, staff shared that they are often “the face of every provider who has failed them before.” This understanding shapes how and why they show up the way they do.
Something that stood out immediately was how unapologetically themselves they are. They don’t conform to traditional models or expectations of “best practices.” As one team member put it, their work “looks messy and not linear,” and they freely admit they aren’t great at promoting what they do on social media. In an age where online presence often dictates credibility, Village feels constrained by platforms that reward conformity over authenticity. They are deeply rooted in real, relational work—work that doesn’t reduce well to hashtags or neat metrics.
They take time with youth—not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary. The team repeatedly emphasized that true connection can’t be rushed. They meet young people where they are, honoring their experiences and their pace. This patience is grounded in a trauma-informed worldview; the staff shared, “It takes a long time to learn what the kids need and that trauma is important.” They understand that behavior is often a cry for connection, not defiance.
Meryl Phipps, Executive Director, summed up their philosophy succinctly: “They [Our youth] need somewhere to go when they’re not at their best selves.” This isn’t about polishing up before you walk in the door—this is a space where young people are welcomed exactly as they are. And because of that, accountability is not a quick checklist. As one staff member said, “Accountability is a long game.”
The relationships at Village are intentional and deep. You feel it as soon as you step inside. Youth are not shuffled through a program; they are seen, heard, and known. This relational approach doesn’t fit neatly on grants or in annual reports, which may be why they struggle with visibility—but the impact is palpable. In a community full of services, Village at Ithaca fills a gap that many others cannot: a consistent, trauma-aware, relationship-led space where young people are valued and supported without pretense. Big thank you to Meryl, Jess, and Grace for creating a safe and intimate space to learn about Village at Ithaca.
~Written by Gloria Coicou, Chief Engagement, Equity, & Grants Officer