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!
VOACC Hosts Inaugural Mental Health Expo Targeting Youth in Prince George’s County | Press Release 5.16.2022
On May 24th, our country was shaken by yet another horrific school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX. According to reports, the gunman, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, was known to be a loner who was often bullied for a childhood speech impediment, suffered...
Our First Youth Mental Health Expo in Prince George’s county, MD
Source: https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/maryland/prince-georges-county-host-first-mental-health-expo/Source: https://www.youtube.com/@SPOTLIGHTOVERTHECITYTV
Speaker: Shannon McGhee, LCSW
Shannon McGhee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a desire and commitment to infuse her Yoga and Clinical experience and expertise to offer an alternative to traditional therapy within the Black Community (Community). Historically, the concept of...
Entertainment: Spotlight Over The City
Spotlight Over The City is an internet radio/tv show hosted by the dynamic husband & wife duo–The Long Team (Stan & Terri Long). Each and every week, we highlight all things entertainment, community based events, non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs,...
Panellist: Lauren Williams
Lauren Williams is a 17-year-old theatre student at Duke Ellington School of the Arts from Accokeek, Maryland, in Prince George’s County. Lauren says during the COVID-19 Pandemic, “myself and many of my peers have felt a shift in more mental health and emotional...
Entertainment: Robert Wyllie Mitchell Band
“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises." – Hebrews 2:12 Robert Wyllie Mitchell is an ordained minister and musical artist based in Maryland. Since 2010, Robert has acted as the Minister of Music at Mount Joy...
Panelist: Het-Here Ra Amen
Hello, my name is Het-Heru Ra Amen. I am 18-years-old currently attending Prince George’s Community College. I am currently majoring in biology to follow my life dream of becoming a pediatrician. I am presently employed as a swim instructor, where I enjoy teaching...
Speaker: Luz Francois
Luz Francois pronounced (Loose Fran-swa) is a native Washingtonian! She attended Virginia Union University where she earned her B.A in Psychology. She earned her Master’s degree from Central Michigan University in Professional Counseling. She has been a Licensed...
Entertainment: DJ Akademiks
Dj Akademiks The well-Known energetic DJ who was once just a local Baltimore city kid with big dreams began building a name for himself in the local Baltimore high school/college party scene who then started as a unpaid intern at WPGC 2009 working 20 hours a week...
Speaker: Dr. Billina Shaw
Dr. Billina Shaw is the Medical Director for the Behavioral Health Division of the Prince George’s County Health Department. She is a triple board certified physician in the specialties of general adult psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and addiction...