MY LIFE Launches in Putnam
In partnership with the System of Care and Magellan Health, SAYS Transitional Life Coaches continue to launch MY LIFE youth groups across Circuit 7 (St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia & Putnam counties).
Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment (MY LIFE) is helping to improve the lives of youth between the ages of 13 and 23 who are dealing with issues related to mental health, substance use, foster care and juvenile justice. MY LIFE gives youth the chance to become leaders in their communities.
In March 2019, MY LIFE Volusia became the first county in Circuit 7 to have a MY LIFE group. MY LIFE Volusia groups currently takes place at Hope Place & F.U.M.C.H. on Tuesday & Thursday evenings.
In June 2019, the St. Johns chapter of MY LIFE kicked off, now taking place at Rhino’s in St. Augustine every other Monday evening.
On February 3rd, MY LIFE Putnam launched at First Presbyterian Church in Palatka, making it the 3rd county in Circuit 7 to host MY LIFE groups. The 40+ youth in attendance heard directly from Magellan National Youth Empowerment Director, Greg Dicharry, as he shared his story and spoke to how MY LIFE can improve the lives of youth.
Attendees included St. Augustine Youth Services (youth and staff), Wendy Hinton (DCF), Mesha Jefferson (System of Care), Magellan Health, Young Life Putnam, SMA Healthcare, and youth from the St. Johns County MY LIFE Chapter.
Youth from the St. Johns County MY LIFE group took turns sharing their stories and speaking to the importance of MY LIFE in their community. Many youth noted how the groups have provided a safe space for them to talk about teen issues such as depression and being in the foster care system. Their words of advice: “Never give up.”
Youth were encouraged to identify issues and challenges they face in Putnam County and explore potential solutions. Several topics were named including poverty, homelessness, and drug abuse.
Putnam MY LIFE will regularly take place at First Presbyterian Church beginning on March 2nd and continuing the first Monday of each month from 5pm-6pm. Do you know a youth that would benefit from joining MY LIFE? Contact the Putnam MY LIFE leaders: Jennifer Irish-Beaudo: JenI@sayskids.org & Hannah Fossette: HMFossette@gmail.com
Flagler MY LIFE kick-off TBA.