December 2025 YOUTH MATTER — Good News Ahead!
Posted on December 30, 2025
Dear Friends,
This community continues to show up for our youth and demonstrate to them, through actions, that they MATTER.
In 2016, when we founded this organization to address the unmet needs of youth, the results from our state’s biannual Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) published alarming numbers about the high rates of youth showing signs of depression, substance misuse, and those seriously considering suicide. Yet, as we dig into the 2025 survey results, we have reason to be hopeful because our coalition is seeing NOTEABLE improvements in the mental wellbeing of teens in Sagadahoc County.
Feelings of Mattering have IMPROVED:
High School: 46% —> 52.8%
Middle School: 53.1% —> 58.6%
Signs of Depression have DECREASED:
High School: Higher than state AVG —> State AVG 33.7%
Middle School: 35% —> 28.5%
Our youth thrive when their community shows up for them. You have shown up time, and time again. THANK YOU!
Earlier last week in Bangor:
I presented to an audience of systems leaders—DHHS, DOC, DOE, OCFS. At the end, someone said, “We need an MYC in every community in Maine.”
Last Friday:
we spent more than three hours helping kids “shop” for their families—wrapping gifts, sharing cookies and hot cocoa, and filling the space with holiday music. When a dad came to pick up his son, I reminded the student to grab his gifts. His son lit up, delighted to tease Dad that he had a surprise he’d have to wait to open. The dad looked at me and said, “You guys are so awesome. I can’t believe everything you do for them.”
At the same time, the skatepark was hopping—new boards, kickflips, laughter, and that beautiful chaos of teens dodging each other on the ramps. Because of you, young people have a safe, welcoming place to belong. For many, the skatepark is the front door to connection, mentorship, and opportunity. What starts as a place to skate becomes a place where youth are known by name, supported through challenges, and encouraged to imagine what’s possible. You make that happen.
This holiday season:
the outpouring from our community has been overwhelming in the best way: JR Maxwell’s and a Santa Breakfast, Cahill Tire & Service gathering gift cards, DoorDash providing $3,000 in gift cards, Casco Bay Wealth Advisors and Union + Co hosting holiday parties in our honor on the same night, and Summit Chiropractor who not only gifted families experiencing homelessness but returned with a full week of groceries for each of them. It’s been nonstop—and deeply joyful—to be part of so much good moving outward.
None of this happens without you. Thank you for showing up—day after day, year after year. Our team is endlessly grateful for all of the way that you support our kids. It’s working!!!!!
With Gratitude,
Jamie Dorr
Executive Director