Resources that 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
Maine Youth Thriving: Guide for Community Action
A roadmap for your community to develop and act on a shared vision for youth thriving.
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. All of us have a role to play in creating opportunities for youth. This guide will help your community identify your strengths and opportunities for more work to support a positive future for young people.
The guide follows the eight keys for youth thriving and outlines ways each sector of your community can support youth thriving. We use a health equity and social justice approach, inclusive of all populations.
This guide is available at no cost – please complete this form to access the guide.
Maine Youth Voices: Guides for Supporting youth
Action steps for community members to help youth feel SEEN, HEARD, VALUED, and that they ADD VALUE.
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.
Maine Youth Mattering: Promoting Pces
Fact sheets to explore the science of the positive and the impact of 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.
This fact sheet packet is available at no cost – please complete this form to access the packet.
MyT Mattering Cards: For the Workplace
A set of reflection prompts designed to strengthen connection, appreciation, and belonging.
Small moments of appreciation and connection help people feel that their contributions matter, and that sense of mattering strengthens teams and workplaces. MyT’s Mattering Cards for the Workplace are a set of reflective prompts designed to strengthen connection, appreciation, and belonging among colleagues.
These cards provide simple ways for teams to pause, share, and recognize the value each person brings to the workplace.
Feeling valued and seen at work is strongly connected to wellbeing, engagement, and retention. Workplaces that intentionally cultivate mattering foster stronger relationships, reduce burnout, and create healthier organizational cultures.
MyT Mattering Cards: For The Educator
A set of tiered, trauma-informed discussion prompts for students and staff to strengthen connection.
Small, consistent moments of connection build one of the strongest protective factors schools can offer. MyT’s Mattering Cards for the Educator are a set of trauma-informed discussion prompts for students and staff in grades PreK-12 designed to strengthen belonging, connection, and resilience.
These cards create short, structured opportunities for voice and listening during existing routines; no additional programs, screening, or clinical expertise required.
A strong sense of mattering is a proven protective factor against depression, suicidal ideation, disengagement, and burnout. Schools that intentionally cultivate mattering improve climate, retention, and student outcomes.
MyT Mattering Cards: For The Family
A set of conversation prompts designed to help families connect through reflection and appreciation.
Consistent moments of listening, appreciation, and connection help children and adults alike feel that they mattering within their family. MyT’s Mattering Cards for the Family are a set of conversation prompts designed to help families connect through reflection, appreciation, and shared experiences.
These cards create simple opportunities during everyday routines for children and caregivers to express what matters to them and to one another.
When children feel valued, heart, and important within their family, it strengthens their confidence, emotional wellbeing, and sense of belonging. These everyday moments of connection help build positive experiences that support healthy development.
MyT Mattering Cards: For Grades Pre-K and Kinder
A set of tiered, trauma-informed discussion prompts for students and staff to strengthen connection.
Small, consistent moments of connection build one of the strongest protective factors schools can offer. MyT’s Mattering Cards for PreK and Kindergarten are a set of trauma-informed discussion prompts for students and staff in grades PreK and Kindergarten designed to strengthen belonging, connection, and resilience.
These cards create short, structured opportunities for voice and listening during existing routines; no additional programs, screening, or clinical expertise required.
A strong sense of mattering is a proven protective factor against depression, suicidal ideation, disengagement, and burnout. Schools that intentionally cultivate mattering improve climate, retention, and student outcomes.
Purchase the Mattering Cards for Pre-K and Kindergarten set for $10.
MyT Mattering Cards: For Grades 1-3
A set of tiered, trauma-informed discussion prompts for students and staff to strengthen connection.
Small, consistent moments of connection build one of the strongest protective factors schools can offer. MyT’s Mattering Cards for Grades 1-3 are a set of trauma-informed discussion prompts for students and staff in grades 1-3 designed to strengthen belonging, connection, and resilience.
These cards create short, structured opportunities for voice and listening during existing routines; no additional programs, screening, or clinical expertise required.
A strong sense of mattering is a proven protective factor against depression, suicidal ideation, disengagement, and burnout. Schools that intentionally cultivate mattering improve climate, retention, and student outcomes.
MyT Mattering Cards: For Grades 4 and 5
A set of tiered, trauma-informed discussion prompts for students and staff to strengthen connection.
Small, consistent moments of connection build one of the strongest protective factors schools can offer. MyT’s Mattering Cards for Grades 4 and 5 are a set of trauma-informed discussion prompts for students and staff in grades 4 and 5 designed to strengthen belonging, connection, and resilience.
These cards create short, structured opportunities for voice and listening during existing routines; no additional programs, screening, or clinical expertise required.
A strong sense of mattering is a proven protective factor against depression, suicidal ideation, disengagement, and burnout. Schools that intentionally cultivate mattering improve climate, retention, and student outcomes.
Purchase the Mattering Cards for Grades 4 and 5 set for $10.
MyT Mattering Cards: For Grades 6-8
A set of tiered, trauma-informed discussion prompts for students and staff to strengthen connection.
Small, consistent moments of connection build one of the strongest protective factors schools can offer. MyT’s Mattering Cards for Grades 6-8 are a set of trauma-informed discussion prompts for students and staff in grades 6-8 designed to strengthen belonging, connection, and resilience.
These cards create short, structured opportunities for voice and listening during existing routines; no additional programs, screening, or clinical expertise required.
A strong sense of mattering is a proven protective factor against depression, suicidal ideation, disengagement, and burnout. Schools that intentionally cultivate mattering improve climate, retention, and student outcomes.
MyT Mattering Cards: For Grades 9-12
A set of tiered, trauma-informed discussion prompts for students and staff to strengthen connection.
Small, consistent moments of connection build one of the strongest protective factors schools can offer. MyT’s Mattering Cards for Grades 9-12 are a set of trauma-informed discussion prompts for students and staff in grades 9-12 designed to strengthen belonging, connection, and resilience.
These cards create short, structured opportunities for voice and listening during existing routines; no additional programs, screening, or clinical expertise required.
A strong sense of mattering is a proven protective factor against depression, suicidal ideation, disengagement, and burnout. Schools that intentionally cultivate mattering improve climate, retention, and student outcomes.