Join us for a day of fun, community, and breaking barriers at Youth MOVE PA's "Shattering the Stigma" carnival! We aim to raise awareness about mental health and challenge the misconceptions that surround it.

Event Highlights:

• Live DJ: Get ready to dance and enjoy some great music! Our DJ will be spinning tunes to keep the energy high and the vibes positive.
• Facepainting: Whether you want to transform into a superhero, an animal, or something magical, our talented face painters will bring your imagination to life.
• Food Trucks: Savor delicious treats from a variety of food trucks. There's something for everyone!
• Balloon Art: Watch in awe as balloon artists create incredible designs. Perfect for kids and adults alike!

Why "Shattering the Stigma"?

Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, yet it is often surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding. This carnival is not just about having fun; it's about creating a safe space where people can learn, share, and support each other. By coming together, we can break down the barriers that prevent open conversations about mental health.

Join Us:

Mark your calendars and bring your loved ones to the 5th annual "Shattering the Stigma" wellness days! Together, we can create a community that understands, supports, and celebrates mental health. 

Northmoreland Park

Date: 06/12/25
Time:  11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Northmoreland Park - Apollo, PA

Kirby Park

Date: 07/12/25
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location:  Kirby Park - Wilkes Barre, PA

Let's shatter the stigma and build a brighter, more inclusive future for all. See you there!

Register Here: Youth MOVE PA - Wellness Days

Happy Friday, Everyone! It's Elizabeth!

I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you all. We have launched a brand-new initiative called Game Together Thrive Together! This initiative is all about bringing our community closer and fostering a supportive environment where we can have fun and engage in meaningful conversations.

It takes place every Friday, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, I'll be hosting an interactive stream. During this time, we'll play games together, and I'll be available for open chats and discussions about mental health. This is a safe space for everyone to share their thoughts, experiences, and support one another.

Whether you're a gamer who wants to join in on the fun or someone who prefers to watch and participate in the chat, you're more than welcome to be a part of this initiative. Let's come together, play some games, and thrive as a community!

I can't wait to see you all there and make some great memories together. Remember, every Friday from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, mark your calendars and join the party!

The stream can be accessed through this link: https://www.twitch.tv/level_up_youth

If you'd like to be on voice chat- join our discord! https://discord.gg/8Kduz3XMYV

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Hello everyone, Elizabeth here!

Chandler and I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Katelyn for our podcast "Our Story Isn't Over." Katelyn starts off by introducing herself and quickly moves into discussing her battle with addiction. Her story is both powerful and inspiring, as she shares the challenges she faced and the strength it took to make it to recovery. 

We gain deep insight into how coming into recovery changed Katelyn's life for the better. She talks about the support systems that played a crucial role in her journey and the personal growth she experienced along the way. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community in overcoming adversity.

In our conversation, we also had the opportunity to address the stigmas surrounding addiction and recovery. Katelyn's perspective sheds light on the misconceptions that often accompany these topics and emphasizes the need for societal change. 

We hope this episode resonates with you as much as it did with us. Tune in to "Our Story Isn't Over" to hear Katelyn's full story and join us in the conversation about breaking down stigmas and supporting those in recovery.

You can listen to the episode using this link:  Our Story Isn't Over

Hello friends! Elizabeth here!

We are thrilled to announce a special celebration! This year, we are hosting the 5th Annual Wellness Days Carnival, and we can't wait to share the excitement with you!

Event Details:

• Date: July 12, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Location: Kirby Park, Wilkes Barre, PA

Join us at Kirby Park for a day filled with fun and festivities. We have an array of exciting events and activities planned, including:

• A live DJ to keep the energy high and the music pumping
• Balloon art and face painting for kids and adults alike
• Various games and interactive activities for all ages

It's going to be a blast, and we look forward to seeing you there! Bring your friends and family, and let's make this anniversary celebration one to remember.

Stay tuned for more updates and details as we get closer to the event. Until then, mark your calendars and get ready for a day of wellness and fun!

See you at the carnival!

Hello Hello Hello!

It's Elizabeth here! I have some exciting news! We are starting off 2025 strong with our new Chapter Chat meeting for members and allies! Formerly known as the "Quarterly Members and Allies Meeting," this event will take place on January 29th from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM via Zoom. You can join the meeting by clicking here.

During this meeting, you can expect to:

• Learn about the work we are doing here at Youth MOVE PA
• Get updates on trainings and events
• Have a chance to give input and ask questions

We can't wait to see you there!

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting news!

Best, Elizabeth

Hello everyone! Elizabeth here!

Kevin and I had the opportunity to present and exhibit at the Luzerne County Cares Community Expo on Dec 3rd! We were thankful to be able to experience listening to the keynote speakers as well as present "Our Turn to Talk".  

Hi Ya'll! It's Elizabeth! 

The staff here at Youth Move PA have been busy! 

Earlier this week Kevin, Mandie, Dan and Elizabeth were honored to have the opportunity to present our "Let's Talk About It" bullying awareness curriculum at Mt. Carmel elementary school. This gave us the opportunity to educate over 400 students on identifying bullying, detecting warning signs, and supporting peers in bullying situations. 

A big thanks to Mt. Carmel School District!

Hey there folks! Elizabeth here! 

September is designated as Suicide Prevention Month, emphasizing the crucial need for awareness and highlighting ways to support those who are struggling. While this month brings heightened awareness, it’s essential to remember to care for ourselves and those around us throughout the entire year. Below is a prevention guide that serves as an excellent resource.

2024-Pennsylvania-Suicide-Prevention-Guide.pdf: Published in September 2024 in honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, this guide gives an overview of suicide prevention in Pennsylvania and includes resources on how to advocate for suicide prevention in our communities.

Hi everyone, Elizabeth here!

Just a reminder of our Thrive for Hope Drop-in which occurs every Thursday at 4:00pm EST. 

What is Thrive for Hope? 

Thrive for Hope is a weekly drop-in which focuses on overall wellness and allows attendees to set goals and share goal progress, as well as discuss topics chosen by attendees. 

Are there clinical professionals at Thrive for Hope?

Thrive for Hope is peer run and is not facilitated by clinical professionals. 

What does "peer run" mean?

Peer run means that it is facilitated by fellow peers who are in recovery from mental health or substance use disorders.  

How can I get involved? 

For more information or to join a session click Here.

Hey everyone, Elizabeth here! 

We are looking forward to our next wellness day, which will take place on July 11th. This years wellness days are focusing on the 8 dimensions of wellness. There will be worry stone or stained glass paintings depending on your preference. 

The first dimension is Intellectual where you will fill out a mad lib with the appropriate type of word. You will receive 1 credit for completion 

 

The second is physical, where you will get up and start moving by completing the tasks in the physical dimension which will award 1 credit upon completion  

 

Social is our third dimension- connect with people you don't know- get a name and a fun fact about them. You can get credits for up to 5 new friends, with each connection being 2 credits. 

 

Existential is our fourth dimension. At the existential dimension you will either record a video or write your answer to the following question "What does wellness mean to you?" this will be 1 credit upon completion.

Our 5th dimension is emotional- you will focus on yourself for a minute. Complete a short journal entry answering the following question: "What is one healthy activity you can do to work through anger, anxiety or sadness" at the completion of this dimension you will be awarded 1 credit 

 

Career is our 6th dimension. For this you will go around to our vendors and fill out a vendor passport by visiting all tables. You will receive 1 credit for completion 

 

Our 7th dimension is financial- for this dimension you will purchase your paints, rock/stained glass, paint brush, and cup of water. 

 

Lastly, Environmental where you will sit down and paint the rock or stained glass with the materials you purchased from filling out the rest of the passport. 

 

We will also be playing games , some of which will hold prizes for the winner, and doing a raffle at the end. Lunch will be served and drinks and chips are available all day. 

 

We can't wait to see you there!