“’Digital Stories’ delivers a powerful message of hope and recovery for youth who have experienced severe emotional disturbances caused by neglect, homelessness, depression, substance abuse and stigma,” says Brie Masselli, THRIVE youth coordinator.

The THRIVE System of Care Initiative and Youth MOVE Maine are hosting a youth-guided Community Dialog following the premiere of “Digital Stories,” Thursday, May 7, 4-6 pm, Carriage House, 1119 Lisbon Street, Lewiston. “’Digital Stories’ delivers a powerful message of hope and recovery for youth who have experienced severe emotional disturbances caused by neglect, homelessness, depression, substance abuse and stigma,” says Brie Masselli, THRIVE youth coordinator.

“The stories of Hillary Groves, Dustin Strout and others may leave you speechless, but they will not leave you alone,” Masselli says. “I want to get the word out there to help others like me through my story,” says Groves. The cast and crew want youth to know that where there is help, there is hope. Where there is hope, there can be recovery that results in these very youth contributing to the health and wholeness of their communities. The public is invited. Viewer discretion is advised due to the potential for strong emotional reactions to the material presented. A panel discussion will follow the premiere. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please call 1-877-784-4705.

THRIVE System of Care Initiative is building a network of services and supports for children and youth who have experienced severe emotional disturbance and their families in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. The Thrive Initiative promotes family-driven, youth-guided, culturally and linguistically competent, and trauma-informed services. It is a partnership of Maine’s Children's Behavioral Health Division, Tri-County Mental Health Services, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in collaboration with local provider agencies.

Youth MOVE Maine is a youth led organization devoted to improving services and systems that support positive growth and development by uniting the voices of individuals who have lived experience in various systems including mental health, juvenile justice, education, and child welfare.