Most youth-led initiatives are about speaking up — but this episode shows how authentic leadership grows from within. Kai Green and August Cain from Youth MOVE Pennsylvania's Advisory Council reveal how their time in their roles have transformed their confidence, advocacy skills, and sense of community.

Discover how their experiences are shaping new leaders ready to tackle mental health stigma, LGBTQ+ support, and social change in powerful, tangible ways.To learn more about the Youth Advisory Council you can visit https://www.pmhca.org/Youth-Advisory-Council.

In this inspiring episode of Our Story Isn't Over, we sit down with Lawrence C. Harris to explore the powerful intersection of personal storytelling, resilience, and mental health advocacy. Lawrence shares his journey of overcoming adversity and the mission behind his work to empower others through authentic storytelling and community support.

We delve into the importance of owning one's story and the transformative power it holds for both the storyteller and the audience. Discover how you can connect with Lawrence and learn more about his impactful work at lawrencecharris.com.

In this inspiring episode of Our Story Isn't Over, we sit down with Diana Kaufman to explore the powerful intersection of creativity, resilience, and suicide prevention. Diana shares the mission behind the Hold On Campaign, a movement dedicated to spreading hope and awareness through art and advocacy.

We close the episode with a moving original song co-written by Diana Kaufman and Mia Stegner, featuring vocals by Mia Stegner, production by Raymiah Jackson, and animation by Lucia Martinez Rojas.

Learn more and discover how you can get involved at holdoncampaign.org.

In this insightful episode, hosts Elizabeth Noecker and Chandler Nolet sit down with Brittany Bodine to discuss effective ways to empower youth and young adults. They delve into practical strategies and share personal experiences on how to provide meaningful support during this critical stage of life. From fostering resilience and encouraging leadership to creating inclusive environments and offering mentorship, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. Tune in to learn how we can collectively uplift and empower youth and young adults.

Chandler and Elizabeth have an inspiring conversation with Katelyn Bender about her incredible journey to overcoming addiction.

Katelyn bravely opens up about her struggles, sharing the raw and honest details of her battle with addiction. She offers profound insights and discusses the valuable lessons she's learned along the way, providing hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience, strength, and the possibility of recovery.

On this episode of "Our Story Isn't Over," we chat with Youth MOVE Revolution, a chapter of Youth MOVE National. Join Laryah, Rose, and Marc as they discuss the significance of the Catholic Youth Center and the importance of creating a space where youth feel safe, seen, and heard.

Youth MOVE Revolution Website: https://ymrevolution.wildapricot.org/

Youth MOVE Revolution Linktree: youthmoverevolution | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

Conversations with Paolo del Vecchio, Director of the Office of Recovery at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), delve into various topics including his personal recovery journey, youth mental health, and the significance of peer support. Paolo elaborates on SAMSHA's key priorities concerning youth mental health.

In this episode we meet Mandie and Dan, two trainers from Youth MOVE PA's Sources of Strength program. Sources of Strength is a school-based upstream suicide prevention program that is evidence-based, strengths-based, and...well...just pretty based in general!

Through our discussion we learn about the post-traumatic growth, the strengths wheel, and some fun stories about how Sources of Strength is changing the way schools approach mental health amongst students.

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In this episode we get to know one of Pennsylvania's coolest youth, Brody Valentin! We talk about what emotions are to us, how overwhelming emotions impact us, and shed some light on the age at which youth are beginning to understand their emotions. You don't want to miss this one!

Brody is a 16-year-old 11th grader from Pennsylvania. He has struggled a lot with mental illness over the years due to parental abuse and having separated from his abusive mother at a young age. Growing up without a mother and living with an abusive father, Brody learned how to deal with heartache early. After losing his father to an asthma attack one September morning, he had to grow up fast, learning how to cook and use tools on his own. He had a difficult time in school due to being bullied and in 7th grade he experienced his first hospitalization. Thus began his journey to mental health recovery. Brody has been in and out of the psychiatric hospital over 10 times, been in partial programs 3 times and was placed in a residential treatment facility once. In residential, he experienced having his life threatened and was the victim of physical and sexual assault. Things became more challenging after he discovered he was gay in the 8th grade, but that didn’t stop Brody from finding his strength. This past summer he spoke at a conference where he had the chance to share his story with many people, during which he ended up meeting Youth MOVE PA. Now, Brody is very excited for what the future may hold.

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In this episode we are introduced to two of Youth MOVE PA's newer staff! We discuss who we are, how we find our identities, the complicated feeling of loneliness and what we might really mean when we say, "we hate people".

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