Now more than ever, young people need a strong connection with adults in their community. Youth who are seen, valued, and respected are more likely to feel empowered to make positive choices about their mental and physical health. This workshop will outline how one community coalition relied on the expertise of their youth members to inform an initiative that measures and improves this important protective factor in their community.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the power of community connection as a protective factor
- Learn how the YOUth Belong initiative has impacted youth in Franklin County
- Identify at least one way the YOUth Belong concept can be duplicated in their community
Presenter Bios
Since 2018, Julie Hook has served as Program Director for HOPE for Franklin County: a DFC funded community coalition serving Franklin County, Missouri. HOPE (Healthy Outcomes through Prevention Education) works to empower youth to make positive decisions, and lead healthy, drug-free lives. In addition to this role, Julie provides Technical Assistance support to coalitions in Franklin County area as a Community Strategist with PreventEd. She’s been serving in this capacity since 2008.
Maddie Dickinson has served as the Youth Sector Representative for the HOPE Coalition since 2022. Maddie is 17 years old and is a senior at St. Francis Borgia Regional High School in Washington, Missouri. She’s a SUPER involved student at school, active in cheerleading and theater, and she’s dedicated to helping young people in her community feel seen, valued, and respected.
