On July 12, the Wolfe Street Foundation (WSF) hosted a ribbon cutting and open house for its new Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) and center in Little Rock, which was partly funded by the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas.
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.
Partners in Youth Addiction Treatment
The Blue & You Foundation has also connected the Wolfe Street Foundation with the UAMS Six Bridges Clinic. This clinic will provide young adults and adolescents with an addiction treatment program. In addition to clinical services, it will conduct research and evaluate data to ensure evidence-based care for youth in Arkansas. Now, thanks to these programs, youth in Arkansas have a safe place to get the support they need.