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Empowering vision

When youth in smaller towns face both the prevalence of substance use and limited local prevention resources, it’s hard for them to imagine a healthy future for themselves in their own community. They’ve heard information about the dangers of drugs, but information alone isn’t changing their lives. They need to see that a different path is possible. EmpowerED Youth invests in middle and high school students, empowering them to be part of the solution.

Empowering vision

When youth in smaller towns face both the prevalence of substance use and limited local prevention resources, it’s hard for them to imagine a healthy future for themselves in their own community. They’ve heard information about the dangers of drugs, but information alone isn’t changing their lives. They need to see that a different path is possible. EmpowerED Youth invests in middle and high school students, empowering them to be part of the solution.

Empowering youth

EmpowerED Youth at Bethany employs a two-fold strategy to engage youth in confronting two of the most pressing public health challenges affecting their generation: substance use and behavioral health.

Our program is designed for middle and high school students, many of whom know firsthand the impact of substance use and mental health challenges in their lives and families. We train them to become peer educators, creating opportunities for them to share their experiences with other teens. And together, with peers and mentors, we support them to develop innovative, community-centered, and culturally sensitive solutions.

And that’s not all.

When youth in small towns need professional help and support for substance use and behavioral health, the resources are almost always located outside their communities. EmpowerED Youth hopes to change that by showing them career paths that allow them to bring help and hope closer to home.

That’s why we’re seeking mentors like you, who work in these fields, to provide career development guidance and help teens envision themselves in a meaningful career where they can be part of a long-term solution.

FAQs about EmpowerED Youth at Bethany

EmpowerED Youth at Bethany is designed for middle school and high school students in or near Troup and Meriwether counties in Georgia.

EmpowerED Youth is a youth-led space where young people come together to support one another and organize community-based responses to substance use and behavioral health. Through peer leader training, peer-to-peer groups, workshops, and community initiatives, youth build relationships, develop leadership skills, and take action to strengthen community well-being. For those who are interested, the program also offers opportunities to explore careers in counseling, social work, mental health, and related fields.

The “just say no” message is not connecting with today’s youth. EmpowerED Youth seeks to involve youth in creating a stronger, more authentic peer-to-peer message, personalized to their community and sensitive to their challenges, cultures, and values. Our aim is to put the right tools in the hands of youth so they can create lasting, positive change.

Trainings and workshops will feature topics such as:

  • Substance use awareness and prevention
  • Coping skills
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Behavioral health
  • Suicide prevention
  • Accessing resources in or near the community

EmpowerED Youth is taking action today with an eye toward the future. Long-term, we hope to equip youth to bring preventive and recovery services back to their community, so tomorrow’s youth don’t have to leave the community to get the help and support they need. There’s strength and connection in community, and we believe anyone seeking help shouldn’t have to seek their healing elsewhere.

Youth in the program can receive certification in six areas:

  • Behavioral health
  • Trauma-informed care
  • CPR/first aid
  • Youth mental health first aid
  • Cultural competency
  • Professional development

Beginning in January, Bethany will host a series of listening sessions across Troup and Meriwether counties. We welcome youth, parents, and community members to share experiences and perspectives about how substance use is affecting you, your family, and your community. We’ll share more about EmpowerED Youth and how we incorporate community-specific needs, challenges, and concerns into our training and workshops.

Empowering community

You can help empower Georgia’s youth in these key ways:

  • Provide access to spaces for listening sessions, peer group meetings, and youth engagement events.
  • Offer educational workshops or training on youth substance use prevention, trauma awareness, and mental health.
  • Identify and refer youth who may benefit from behavioral health, leadership, and career development opportunities.
  • Host peer meetings and youth activities in community spaces.
  • Support career exploration, resume workshops, and internship placements.

Click here to get started!

Bethany’s heart for the community

Bethany Christian Services is one of 12 agencies across the U.S.—and the only agency in Georgia—chosen to receive grant funding to launch EmpowerED Youth in 2026. Since 2022, our ReNewed HOPE program has served expectant parents in recovery. We’ve seen how substance use devastates individuals, families, and communities. And we’ve also seen the power of recovery, when a healthy parent can safely keep their family together.

While ReNewed HOPE focuses on the health and recovery of women and newborns, we know substance use and trauma often begin during middle school and high school years. Our heart beats for families, and we’re committed to prevention. That’s why we’re bringing EmpowerED Youth to Troup and Meriwether counties, extending our impact to strengthen and support youth and families.

Get involved today to empower youth in our community!

You can help youth envision a substance-free life for themselves and lead others toward a healthy, empowered future. Contact us to learn more.

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901 Eastern Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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