Program & Service
Substance Affected Youth (SAY) Program
SAY supports youth affected by another person's opioid or other substance misuse through trauma-informed groups, mentoring, and navigation help.
Who we are
Launched in 2019, the Substance Affected Youth (SAY) Program is an innovative program serving an often overlooked population: youth who have been affected by someone else’s opioid or other substance misuse. We use trauma-informed practices and evidence-based curricula to reduce isolation and build resilience in the young people who live in our community.
What we do
We offer free Youth Activity Groups and individualized and group mentoring services for young people 10-18 years of age to give them the opportunity to interact with others who have shared experiences. These groups are facilitated and supervised by a supportive adult in participating schools and revolve around an activity chosen by the youth who attend.
We also offer community resource navigation to help youth and their families who have been hurt by the opioid crisis connect with the services they need.
Who is eligible
Youth are eligible for our services if they have been affected by substance misuse in their home or community. An affected other is simply a person whose pursuit of happiness has been negatively impacted by another person’s choices about substance use.
Participating youth range from those who are proud of a parent’s long-term recovery to those who are grieving a loved one due to a substance-related death. All are welcome and supported.
How to contact us
To make a referral or ask questions about the program, contact Program Manager Mike Gray at (207) 852-7396 or cmgray@penquis.org, or Youth Resource Navigator Joe Costello at (207) 852-9257 or jcostello@penquis.org.
Make a Referral
Use the online referral form to connect a youth or family with Substance Affected Youth Program support.
Video - Stigma and Empathy: Exploring Our Response to Substance Use Disorder
What is stigma? How does it affect people with substance use disorders? What does it mean for children and families of those with SUDs? How can we replace stigma with empathy in order to help people access the resources they need in their communities?
This video and companion guide explain the serious consequences of stigma on our communities.
Watch Stigma and Empathy: Exploring Our Response to Substance Use Disorder
Please fill out a quick survey about this video using the Stigma and Empathy video survey.
Contact Information
Use the contact information below to ask questions or learn how to get started with this program.
Mike Gray - Program Manager
- Email:
- cmgray@penquis.org
- Phone:
- (207) 852 - 7396
Joe Costello - Youth Resource Navigator
- Email:
- jcostello@penquis.org
- Phone:
- (207) 852 - 9257
Make a Referral
- Website:
- cognitoforms.com