Project Alliance’s recent Community Conversation about making our community better for our young people was very productive! Data shows over half of Maine youth do not feel they matter to their community, so Project Alliance teamed up with some critical partners to improve this metric. Starting with Biddeford School Department’s Director of Community Outreach, Shelley Kane, we were able to poll 500 middle and high school students to gather helpful information to create strategic goals and evaluate gaps. A high overview of the survey results included:

• Sports teams, after-school programs, and the library were the top three answers for places or groups where teens feel like they belong or are connected to their community.
• The top three answers of what prevents teens from participating in a group they wanted to be part of were: too shy, afraid they won’t fit in, and transportation.
• The top three answers for what would make teens feel most supported and valued included: bringing young people together to plan local events, creating more after-school activities, and creating more spaces for teens with suggestions around transportation, free activities, 10-12 aged activities, and inclusivity of those part of the LGBTQ+ community or those who struggle with mental illnesses.

The following presenters showcased what they are currently offering in our community and look forward to implementing additional offerings: 

• Michael Chapman of Apex Youth Connection
• Tina Burns of My Place Teen Center
• Kris Hovasse of Biddeford Recreation’s Teen Center
• Heather Pollard of the University of New England’s Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences

The next steps include establishing youth focus groups through the teen centers so youth can provide additional input, feedback, and idea generation. Project Alliance will work with the Maine Resilience Building Network (MRBN) to establish a Thriving Guide Action Plan, and additional community conversations will be forthcoming.

Project Alliance is a Coalition of community members throughout northern York County who work together to create a more healthy and thriving community. We are currently seeking more individuals to get involved and seeking the voices of teachers, parents, and other community leaders. 

If you would like to join or get more information, contact

Project Alliance Coordinator Ethan Pollard at projectalliance@une.edu. 

Interested in learning how to use

Naloxone and receiving two doses

for free?

CHCC can help! We train individuals or groups on Naloxone administration and provide each trained individual with two doses free of charge.

Contact Alissa Wigglesworth: awigglesworth@une.edu to learn more.

You could save a life!

As part of our Maine Prevention Network Initiative, we partner with our friends at OUT Maine to collaborate on our substance use prevention work plan and ensure we are inclusive in our approach to working with youth. Last month, CHCC, Partners for Healthier Communities (PHC), and Choose to Be Healthy (CTBH) partnered with OUT Maine to offer training on building welcoming and inclusive schools for LGBTQ+ youth. If you missed it, there are still ways to help support the queer youth in your life. Visit: Resources for Gay, Queer, Transgender Teens | OUT Maine for resources, tools, information, and more! 

Interested in bringing OUT Maine to your school for full staff training? Please reach out to tara@outmaine.org to learn more!

Happy New Year! We hope you had a delicious holiday season.

To stay warm as the temperatures start to “dip,” try some of these delicious winter recipes! 

Our SNAP Educators continue their busy schedules into 2024, serving youth and adults all over York County. We’re excited to see all they do in this new year.

Friday, January 5th from 5:30-7:30 PM

Hosted by Biddeford Recreation Department, this program is for anyone looking to try pickleball for the first time. Come learn the basic rules of the game, test drive the paddles, and get some pointers and instruction on technique and everything else to get you started playing this exciting lifelong sport! This clinic is taught by Michael Lodge-Paolini, PPR Certified Instructor. Information on what to bring is available by clicking below.

Wednesday, January 17th from 12-3 PM

Tuesday, January 23rd from 3-5 PM

Try snowshoes for the first time before you

buy your own pair! Hosted by the Biddeford Recreation Department, instruction will be given on fitting and using the equipment, followed by a short hike of approximately two (2) miles, depending on the group's ability. Some snowshoes are available for your use. A Registered Maine Recreation Guide will be leading the walk and information on what to bring is available by clicking below.

Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition

207-602-3551

chcc@une.edu 

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