Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future
Empowerment (MY LIFE)
Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania is dedicated to helping to improve the lives of youth in Pennsylvania.
What is MY LIFE?
Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment
Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment (MY LIFE) is made up of youth between the ages of 13 and 23 who have experience with the following issues:
- Mental Health
- Substance Abuse
- Juvenile Justice
- Foster Care
It was founded in Arizona in 2008. The group focuses on important issues affecting youth through:
- Regular meetings
- Special events
- Presentations
- Performances
MY LIFE is helping to improve mental health, substance abuse, foster care and juvenile justice systems. It gives youth the chance to become leaders in their communities. Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania has partnered with Bucks, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton counties to start MY LIFE groups in those areas.
Who can join MY LIFE?
MY LIFE groups and activities are open to any youth who:
- Is between the ages of 13 and 23 years old
- Has experience with mental health, substance abuse and/or foster care-related issues
We welcome youth who have these challenges themselves. We also welcome youth who have a family member or friend experiencing these challenges. No application is needed to join this group. Any youth who attends a meeting or an event is considered a MY LIFE member.
Why join MY LIFE?
MY LIFE is a group where youth can:
- Feel supported
- Make friends
- Have fun
- Show off their talents
- Learn about topics that are important to them
MY LIFE gives youth a chance to build:
- Confidence
- Positive social supports
- Leadership skills
MY LIFE helps youth use their experiences to help others. It gives the chance to help improve the programs and systems that serve young people.
Become a fan of MY LIFE on Facebook!
MY LIFE has a Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/MYLIFEyouth
The page helps to educate, inform, engage and build support for MY LIFE programs.
Become a fan and learn how MY LIFE youth are:
- Using their experiences, strengths, talents and voice to improve youth and young adult programs and services throughout the country
- Getting rid of the stigma associated with being a young person living with a mental illness and/or substance abuse issue
Get involved with DelCo MY LIFE
- Regional Virtual My Life Meetings- Every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 4-5pm. Registration required.
- National Virtual Youth Fest- Every 4th Thursday of the month from 6-7:30pm. Registration required.
MY LIFE Information
Delaware County, contact Hope Kirkland, KirklandH@magellanhealth.com
Check out the MY LIFE video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpM1qVsSpYg
Check out the MY LIFE Youth Day at the Pennsylvania State Capitol event video held on May 8, 2013: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVtiWp9vEN8
My Life webpage:
https://www.magellanhealthcare.com/about/mylife/