Youth Empowerment Project
YEP will offer peer support for youth in grades 7-12 to support youth recovery and address substance use disorder through comprehensive community-based resources. This program will be the state’s first community-based youth recovery program."We're excited to launch the state's first community-based youth recovery program right here in Little Rock,” said Justin Buck, Wolfe Street Foundation's executive director. “With generous support from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas and curriculum support from TOV Wellness, young people and their families will finally find help to build happy, healthy futures without substance use.”
Commitment to a Lasting Impact in Behavioral Health
Three years ago, the Blue & You Foundation and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield committed to improving the mental and behavioral health in Arkansas communities. As a result, they have funded programs that aim to improve access to quality, affordable care. Since, the Blue & You Foundation has awarded more than 14 million dollars to programs like this one that are making a lasting impact on people’s lives. The Youth Empowerment Project will meet youth right where they are. They will provide onsite peer support staff, mental health services and a welcoming activity center.“It’s hard to imagine that until now, there was not a program for Arkansas youth struggling with addiction. We at the Blue & You Foundation are thankful that the Wolfe Street Foundation is here to provide help through peer support, education, life skills training and access to mental health services. “- Rebecca Pittillo, Blue & You Foundation President.