Youth MOVE ME Wins Youth Empowerment Award

Youth MOVE Maine award-winning staff (back from left): Jozalynn “Joz” Jones, Old Town;
Ashalie Wark, Manchester; Chesari Tempesta, Turner; Jennifer Herrick, Lewiston;
Jacinta Storer, Auburn, Diversion to Assets Coordinator; Ryun Anderson, Freeport;
(front from left): Dustin Stout, Lewiston, intern; Chelsey Everest, Portland; not shown: Faith Stevens, Rockland.

LEWISTON – Youth MOVE Maine (YMM) received the Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN) ImpACT Award June 6 for being an Empowering Organization and “exemplifying the systematic engagement of youth ages 12-18 in decision-making and planning.”  The annual awards recognize youth and adults who are making an impact in their communities.

“We’ve expanded from one to five regions in the last two years,” says Youth MOVE Maine Director Ryun Anderson, “and tripled the number of participants. Our new website, www.youthmovemaine.org, and our Facebook page showcase the areas of leadership development, skill building, mutual support, community awareness and provider support, in which youth are creating positive change across Maine.”

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YMM, a state chapter of Youth Move National, supports youth and adults with experience in service systems in building the skills, partnerships, policies and practices essential to making sure all youth are connected, resilient, growing and included in the decisions that impact their lives. For more information, go to: www.youthmovemaine.org

MYAN, a program of the Opportunity Alliance, offers training, networking and leadership opportunities to youth and adults seeking partnerships for positive change.