Empower
Youth-serving professionals in communities across Maine are using Maine Youth Thriving’s resources and knowledge to integrate the Science of the Positive in inspiring ways. We invite you to browse our libraries of empowering stories and resources to help guide your own strategies to foster positive experiences, relationships, and environments in your organization and community.
STORIES OF MyT PARTNERSHIPS
CARING FOR THE CAREGIVERS
— MyT + DRM
Partner: Disability Rights Maine (DRM)
Focus: Staff resilience retreats for nonprofit professionals
When frontline nonprofit staff experience burnout, the youth and families they serve feel it too. That’s why MyT partnered with Disability Rights Maine (DRM) to co-create resilience retreats for their staff — weaving in research from Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), compassion fatigue recovery, and the science of well-being.
Held in restorative, reflective settings, these retreats offered more than just time away — they equipped participants with science-backed tools to sustain purpose and connection in emotionally demanding roles. The result? Increased energy, renewed commitment, and a stronger foundation to continue advocating for Maine’s most vulnerable populations.
“We finally had space to breathe — and real tools to carry forward.”
— DRM Retreat Participant
Shaping the Future
— MyT + Maine DOE
Partner: Maine Department of Education
Focus: Preschool Development Trainings + Train-the-Trainer (TTT) Initiative
Together with the Maine Department of Education, MyT is equipping early childhood educators and caregivers across the state with tools that not only build resilience in young children — but also protect and sustain the adults in their lives.
Through the Preschool Development Grant (PDG), MyT has delivered statewide trainings on Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), compassion fatigue, and adult well-being. Recognizing the need to scale this work sustainably, we also launched a Train-the-Trainer (TTT) model to build internal capacity across regions.
This collaboration is helping Maine grow a connected, empowered network of early childhood professionals who can embed the science of the positive into everyday practices — at scale and for years to come.
“This wasn’t just another training. It’s a mindset shift — and we’re ready to carry it forward.”
— TTT Participant, Educator
Making Mattering Visible
— MyT + Healthy Community Coalition
Partner: Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County
Focus: Youth Mattering + Photovoice Project
In rural communities, the feeling of being overlooked can run deep — especially for young people. MyT partnered with a Healthy Communities coalition to launch a Youth Mattering + Photovoice project that give teens a powerful way to express what makes them feel seen, valued, and connected in their community.
Through photography, storytelling, and facilitated community conversations, youth will document both the challenges and sources of strength in their lives. The project will culminate in a public showcase, where community leaders, educators, and families come together to reflect on the question: “How can we make sure our young people feel like they matter?”
“The community conversations, youth leadership events, and community-based projects have created space for young people to shape the work alongside us. I’ve watched youth not only learn new skills but also develop a sense of ownership and pride in what they are doing. They see that their voices matter, and they begin to trust that the adults around them believe in their potential.”
— HCCGFC Staff Member
Resources
Resource 1
Maine Youth Thriving: A Guide for Community Action
No matter what part of Maine we call home, we all want to live in strong, healthy communities. But wherever we live, we often focus on the problems we see around us – maybe there aren’t enough jobs or housing, or families struggle with substance use and poor mental health.
Promoting the well-being of young people is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our towns and cities. It is increasingly clear that many of these critical public health challenges are rooted in our early experiences. When young people are valued and cared for, they thrive – and go on to become adults who succeed and help our communities grow.
All of us have a role to play in creating opportunities for youth; together, we can identify our communities’ strengths and the opportunities for more work to support a positive future for young people. This guide will present eight keys to helping youth to thrive in our communities.
We have a fantastic opportunity to work together in our communities to support youth. You may be a group of caring neighbors, faith groups, a formal coalition, or a cross-sector of community members who want to promote mattering and resilience for our young people. No matter what group you are in, this guide will help you process and learn together as you develop community solutions.
The Youth Thriving Guide provides communities with tools and resources to help empower and support youth. It is a roadmap to help you develop a shared vision for encouraging young people in your community. The guide uses a health equity and social justice approach, inclusive of all populations.
You can use all the tools included or those that best fit your community. We hope you find this guide helpful.
If you are interested in learning more about Youth Mattering and receive a copy of the Maine Youth Thriving: A Guide for Community Action, please email us!
Resource 2
Maine Youth Voices: Supporting Youth to Feel SEEN, HEARD and VALUED
Every young person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. Maine Youth Thriving’s Youth Mattering Sector Sheets are free, ready-to-use tools that help communities do just that.
Designed for schools, libraries, police departments, healthcare providers, faith communities, businesses, and more — these practical guides offer simple, powerful actions any adult can take to show youth they matter.
Resource 3
Promote Positive Childhood Experiences
Want to support youth mental health and resilience in a meaningful way? Start with Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) — simple, powerful protective factors that buffer stress and help young people thrive.
Our PCE Resource Fact Sheets are free tools that introduce the science of PCEs in clear, practical terms for anyone who works with or cares about youth.