Empowering Youth Voices: Advocacy and Change in Colorado - Part 1 | Youth Empowerment Radio Ep. 17

Join us for Episode 17 of Youth Empowerment Radio, the first part of a special series on the power of youth voice and advocacy. Host Carmen sits down with advocates Tori Schuler and Jordan to explore how to inspire and amplify youth voices to drive meaningful changes in laws and policies. They share personal journeys from foster care to advocacy, discuss the importance of authentic youth engagement, and highlight the potential impact of true youth involvement in organizational decision-making and legislative reform. Tune in to be inspired by their stories and insight into how we can all help empower young people in our communities.

00:00 Introduction to Youth Empowerment Radio
01:27 Meet Jordan: From Foster Care to Advocacy
04:04 Tori's Journey: Empowering Foster Care Voices
09:43 The Importance of Authentic Youth Engagement
15:05 Youth Voice vs. Youth Advocacy
24:49 Challenges and Transparency in Youth Advocacy

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Empowering Youth Voices: Advocacy and Change in Colorado - Part 1 | Youth Empowerment Radio Ep. 17

Join us for Episode 17 of Youth Empowerment Radio, the first part of a special series on the power of youth voice and advocacy. Host Carmen sits down with advocates Tori Schuler and Jordan to explore how to inspire and amplify youth voices to drive meaningful changes in laws and policies. They share personal journeys from foster care to advocacy, discuss the importance of authentic youth engagement, and highlight the potential impact of true youth involvement in organizational decision-making and legislative reform. Tune in to be inspired by their stories and insight into how we can all help empower young people in our communities.

00:00 Introduction to Youth Empowerment Radio

01:27 Meet Jordan: From Foster Care to Advocacy

04:04 Tori's Journey: Empowering Foster Care Voices

09:43 The Importance of Authentic Youth Engagement

15:05 Youth Voice vs. Youth Advocacy

24:49 Challenges and Transparency in Youth Advocacy

Understanding Mile High Behavioral Healthcare: Programs, Services, and Community Impact

In this episode, Audree steps in for Savannah to interview Bob Dorshimer, CEO of Mile High Behavioral Healthcare. Bob provides an in-depth overview of the organization's history, its specialized programs for various vulnerable groups, including gender-specific services, LGBTQ+ initiatives, and youth support services. He discusses the innovative Aspen Miracle Center, the Transcend program, and the comprehensive care offered through their new behavioral health drop-in center, The Hive. Bob sheds light on their efforts to serve marginalized communities, the importance of experiential therapy, and how the organization integrates lived experiences in recovery support. Audree and Bob also explore the broad definitions of family and recovery, emphasizing the importance of non-judgmental and individualized support. Finally, they discuss how community members can help support Mile High Behavioral Healthcare's mission to aid underserved populations and combat homelessness.

00:00 Introduction and Host Change
00:18 Overview of Mile High Behavioral Healthcare
01:09 Specialized Programs and Services
01:56 Support for LGBTQ+ Community
02:45 Reentry Programs and Transcend Program
03:48 Emergency Shelter Services
05:08 Focus on Youth in Crisis
07:01 Experiential Treatment Approaches
09:58 New Youth Drop-In Center: The Hive
14:53 Supporting Underserved Populations
22:35 Defining Family and Individuality
27:26 Embracing Self-Love and Authenticity
27:47 Supportive Recovery Services at Mile High
28:20 The Importance of Lived Experience in Recovery
28:53 Holistic Approach to Treatment
29:28 Personal Connections in Recovery
30:17 Broad Definition of Recovery Support
30:50 Youth and Community Involvement
34:25 Supporting Mile High Behavioral Healthcare
40:01 Incorporating Youth Voice in Programs
45:08 Understanding and Addressing Homelessness
48:08 Personal Definitions of Recovery
49:00 Conclusion and Gratitude

Elevating Connections: Supporting Siblings and Youth in Foster Care Through the Arts

In this episode, Savanaha interviews Stacey Sanders, the founder and executive director of Elevating Connections, an organization dedicated to reuniting siblings separated by the foster care system and empowering foster youth through artistic expression. Stacey discusses the organization's mission, its programs like Empowering Youth Expressions and Camp Connect, and various events and workshops that help foster youth reconnect and share their experiences. She also highlights the importance of trauma-informed care and community support in ensuring these youths are heard and acknowledged.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:23 Mission of Elevating Connections
01:26 Programs and Services Overview
02:25 Youth Access and No Age Limit Policy
04:59 Art Activities and Youth Voice Programming
09:41 Camp Connect Details
12:05 Volunteering and Community Support
13:56 Trauma-Informed Practices
21:05 Community Partnerships and Art Supplies
28:40 Impact and Reconnecting Siblings
31:47 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts