The Youth Action Board (YAB) is a sponsored program of the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services that was established in 2019 and is the decision-making body of youth and young adults (YYA) with lived experience of homelessness or housing instability. The Board consists of 11 members who are tasked with implementing ideas, suggestions, and solutions locally, statewide, and nationally. They are committed to ensuring that youth and young adult voices are heard, and they have a seat at the table with organizations around homelessness issues especially during the decision-making periods. Since inception, the board has participated in several community events and activities, some of which include planning for the 2nd Annual Youth Mental Health Expo, Maryland Legislative Bills, and participation in panels and listening sessions with the White House’s office of public community engagement.
The YAB envisions a world where there is no youth homelessness. A world in which there are safe, compassionate spaces for YYA and where youth are healthy, strong, safe, and connected. If interested, please join their bi-weekly meetings, every 2nd (virtual) and 4th Tuesday (in-person). For additional information, contact DaeJanae Day at DaeJanae.Day@maryland.gov or Kelly Gourdin at Kelly.Gourdin@maryland.gov.
I want my voice to be heard, I advocate for young people, older people, and people that do not know how to advocate for themselves. I believe I am making a difference in the world.
I advocate for the youth to tell my story and hopefully make history or inspire someone to share their story. I also do it to hold society responsible and to protect our rights as human beings physically, mentally, and emotionally. Everyone isn’t perfect, we are all anomalies in our own way.
The experience I had with homelessness while having a baby on the way is why I advocate. I want youth to know that homelessness is only a temporary thing and there are resources out there to help with whatever situation they are going through.
I want people to know that even though we as young people and young adults go through the struggle, we make it out of the mud, breaking the stigmas that are portrayed within society…I always say, what you go through does not define you, but it inspires others.
I love being the voice for the youth , I love the work that we do, and to let people know that your mental health matters!
Speaker: Brandon Johnson
Brandon J. Johnson, M.H.S., MCHES is a tireless advocate for positive mental health and suicide prevention services for youth and adults across the country. Brandon earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Morgan State University in 2008 and a Master of Health...
Speaker: Mark Sturdivant
Mr. Sturdivant believes that growth is the evolution of changing your mindset on a daily basis. Mr. Sturdivant began his academic career by earning his high school diploma from Springbrook High School in Silver Spring, Maryland and earned full athletic scholarship to...
Speaker: Marsha Evans, LPC
Marsha Evans, founder of Willow Tree Counseling and Educational Center, LLC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor renowned for her holistic approach to mental health. With seventeen years of experience, she expertly guides women, children, and families through life's...
The G.O.A.T Expo 2023 Recap
On Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Bowie State University, Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas, Prince George's Health Department - Step Forward Program, and Bowie State University Graduate Student Association hosted The G.O.A.T. Expo 2023, our 2nd annual...
MEDIA COVERAGE
Speaker: pastor stephawn lindsay
Pastor Stephawn Lindsay is also known by his stage name, “Showtime,” given to him during his tenure serving in a gogo band who touched stages such as constitution hall, stadium armory, showplace arena, and several colleges. Months after encountering Christ at the age...
Speaker: Raycenia Mmoyer
Raycenia is a leadership development educator, trainer, and consultant. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the New Beginnings (NewB®) Leadership Business and Individual Development Center, and Senior advisor of McKinley Leadership Advisors LLC,...
Speaker: Candace Vanderwater, MS Ed, MNA, LMFT
As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Candace Vanderwater has responsibility for strategic growth and stability of the organization. She provides the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure that the organization has the proper...
ENTERTAINMENT: CHYLER SMITH
My name is Chyler Smith and I'm an 18 year old graduate from Duval High. I've been doing things that involve public speaking for most of my life and it's something I love to do! I also enjoy spending time helping out within my community and working with the elderly. I...
Entertainment: Chiagoziem “CJ” Chukwuocha
Chiagoziem "CJ" Chukwuocha is a Senior student at DuVal High School.A proud African-American nearing graduation, "CJ" enjoys dancing, music, singing and songwriting.