Youth MOVE PA - Youth MOVE National

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Youth MOVE National

Youth MOVE National is a youth-driven, chapter-based organization dedicated to uniting the voices of youth nationwide. Founded in 2007 and officially registered as an independent 501(c)(3) organization in 2013, they have grown to more than 70 chapters all around the country. You can read more about how they were founded in our history page.

Youth MOVE National believes strongly that youth are the leaders of today, not tomorrow; all youth should be equal partners in the process of change; and that youth can motivate others through their voices of experience. Youth MOVE National Homepage

*Youth MOVE National Rockstar Awards*

Youth MOVE PA has shown extraordinary innovation in making systems and communities better for youth throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In doing so, Youth MOVE PA has been awarded Chapter of the Year by Youth MOVE National out of 70 Chapters across the United States, as part of this year's 2022 Rockstar Awards.

This award is given to a chapter who distinguishes themselves in the following ways:

Outstanding and continued performance as a nationally recognized chapter of Youth MOVE National in good standing for at least one (1) year.
Recognized and respected within statewide and/or local community as youth-led group that upholds the mission and vision of Youth MOVE National
Outstanding and continued commitment to authentic representation of youth voice in a manner consistent and relative to youth culture and issues These standards may be met in a variety of ways, including activity which involves moral courage, social media, creative arts, youth support groups, etc.
Outstanding participation in innovative thinking that contributes to the field of youth engagement with an aim to increase awareness and best practices of mental health, juvenile justice, education or child welfare issues.

Watch the 2022 Rockstar Awards

Kevin Puskaric is the recipient of the Dr. Gary M. Blau Professional of the Year Award.

Dr. Gary M. Blau Professional of the Year is given to an individual who distinguishes themselves in the following ways:

Outstanding and continued service to the profession through active support of youth voice as evidenced by efforts to ensure youth voice is fully integrated into the work.
Outstanding and continued commitment to youth engagement in a manner consistent with the highest standards of the field. These standards may be met in a variety of ways, including activity that involves exceptional creativity, innovation, intellectual or moral courage, leadership, or scholarship.
Outstanding research and/or publication in any media or format that contributes to the further understanding and development of authentic engagement of youth voice.
Outstanding and continued performance as a teacher in the field of social services or a closely related field.

Now, let’s learn a little bit more about Rockstar, Kevin Puskaric!

Kevin Puskaric (He, Him, His) CPS, CRS, CFRS became a Certified Peer Specialist in 2017 and then later certified in 2021 as a Certified Recovery Specialist and Certified Family Recovery Specialist. With his training and lived experience Kevin brings skills in leadership, youth engagement, and bringing youth peer support values to his role as the Program Director for Youth MOVE Pennsylvania. Kevin serves as a voting member on the Childrens Committee of Mental Health Planning Council and is a co-chair of the Transition Age Youth and Young Adult Advisory (TAYYA) Subcommittee as part of the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS). Kevin is involved in many youth advocacy initiatives throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and believes amplifying youth voice has the impact to change lives.

Thank you, Kevin, for being a Rockstar!