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In this edition of Finding New Waters, we delve into the proactive work of Youth Prevention Mentors (YPM), highlighting their mission to intervene and guide young people before they descend into crisis. Through a detailed conversation with YPM's founder, Maks Ezrin, and Jack Vaughn, Director of US Operations, we explore the origins of YPM, inspired by personal journeys of overcoming mental health and substance use issues. The dialogue illuminates YPM's approach to offering non-traditional, in-home mentorship focusing on behavioral and mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The podcast also addresses the importance of family involvement, the mentor matching process, and the unique executive functioning coaching program, EF 12, underscoring the organization's commitment to fostering self-regulation and resilience in the youth they serve. This episode offers profound insights into how targeted mentorship and personalized support can pivot young individuals away from potential futures of addiction and mental health struggles, towards thriving, balanced lives.

00:00 Introduction: The Need for Preventative Measures
01:02 Welcome to Finding New Waters: Meet the Guests
01:50 The Origin Story of Youth Prevention Mentors
02:06 The Journey to Sobriety and the Start of a New Career
06:18 The Lightbulb Moment: The Birth of YPM
07:11 The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health
07:58 The YPM Approach: Tailored Support for Young Adults
08:34 The Role of Mentors in YPM
08:57 Jack's Journey: From Struggle to Mentorship
12:08 The Importance of Mentor Match in YPM
13:06 The Age Range of YPM's Services
13:55 The YPM Approach: A Case Study
17:02 The Role of Family in the Recovery Process
23:32 The Executive Functioning Coaching Program
26:09 The Mentor Recruitment Process
32:49 The Importance of In-Home Environment
39:47 Conclusion: How to Reach YPM

Steering Youth to Healthier Paths: A Conversation with Maks and Jack

Show Notes