Each of the nine youth mentoring grantees brings unique assets and strengths to the table, as well as challenges that have been historically difficult to overcome. Sharing the stories of these rural Central Appalachia communities highlights the traits that make each grantee unique.

Auburn, Maine

Auburn is a city located in south-central Maine and serves as the county seat of Androscoggin County, with a population of 24,061 (2020 census). The Auburn Recreation Department oversees roughly 140 various programs throughout a calendar year that range from senior and age friendly programming to youth sports to youth childcare and enrichment to adult wellness and sports leagues to family and community events. On average, the Auburn Recreation Department engages with more than 8,000 participants for organized activities.

The Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Auburn Police Activities League (PAL), provides mentoring programs that aim to prevent, reduce and address opioid use disorder among rural youth through evidence-based mentoring practices such as NRPA’s Youth Mentoring Framework. Programs focus on youth ages 17 and younger, who are considered high risk — including those exposed to multiple risk factors for substance use disorder (i.e., adverse childhood experiences, poor academic performance, friends/peers who use alcohol, unstable home environment).

Diversity, equity and inclusion will be at the forefront of all programs offered to youth. In Auburn, food insecurity impacts 12.8 percent of families, with 59.8 percent students qualifying for free and reduced lunch in the county. Their opioid overdose mortality rate is 39.6 percent; their Social Vulnerability Index score is 0.44.

 

Berwick, Maine

Berwick is a town in York County, Maine, situated in the southern part of the state beside the Salmon Falls River, with a population of 7,950 (2020 census).
The Berwick Department of Parks and Recreation is the only provider of after school programming, summer camps and community events. The town experiences higher rates of depression, suicide, domestic violence, poverty, racism and substance use disorder. Berwick’s opioid overdose mortality rate is at 51.5 percent; their Social Vulnerability Index score is 0.13.

Building Bridges through Adventure and Community (BBTAC) is a youth mentorship program that will allow Berwick Department of Parks and Recreation to partner with MSAD60 — a school district for neighboring counties. Together, they will partake in community service projects such as trail building, storybook trail building, park maintenance and beautification, as well as in various outdoor adventures commonly associated with parks and recreation. BBTAC also is partnering with the Pinetree Institute, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to addressing the long-term effects of trauma on individuals and communities.

 

Franklin, New Hampshire

Franklin is a city in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, with a population of 8,741 (2020 census). Located at the convergence of the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee Rivers, and at the headwaters of the Merrimack River, the city had its economic beginnings in manufacturing operations that relied upon the rivers for power.

The Franklin Parks and Recreation Department leads this project in partnership with Franklin Mayor’s Drug Task Force (FMDTF). The department’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of citizens of all ages through professionally-managed recreation programs, activities, tournaments and special events that foster economic impact, promote healthy lifestyles, improve social interaction and increase civic pride among participants. The Task Force is comprised of individuals and organizations from all sectors of the community in effort to ensure a healthy environment for the drug and alcohol-free development of its youth and families. Franklin’s opioid overdose mortality rate is 43.2 percent; their Social Vulnerability Index score is 0.61.

Franklin Mentoring Program’s goal is to establish a strong connection between mentors and mentees while building trusting relationships through unique outdoor experiences. Increasing community engagement among youth is also a priority since only 40 percent of area high school students agree that they feel valued in their community.

Lewiston, Maine

Lewiston is Maine's second largest city, with a population of 37,121 (2021 census). Located on the banks of the Androscoggin River, in Androscoggin County, Lewiston is known for its recreational access to the river, walking trails, parks and historic landmarks, as well as its proximity to Maine's coastline and Western mountains.

Lewiston Recreation is implementing an afterschool-based mentoring model called All In Mentoring (AIM) — a recreation-meets-mentorship program developed by the Lewiston Recreation Department. NRPA’s evidence-based Youth Mentoring Framework also will be incorporated. AIM’s goal is to offset adverse childhood experiences through one-on-one and group mentorship experiences, while providing healthy and positive connections between youth and the community. The city’s opioid overdose mortality rate is 39.6 percent; their Social Vulnerability Index score is 0.64.

 

Mountain City, Tennessee

Mountain City is the county seat of Johnson County, located in northeast Tennessee. The current population is 2,415 (2020 census).

Mountain City Parks and Recreation Department is partnered with Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition (CCDPC) — a local drug prevention coalition. Together, the two will work to recruit, screen and train program participants, provide spaces for mentoring activities to occur, and implement a trauma-informed care lens among program staff and mentors.

Utilizing NRPA’s Youth Mentoring Framework, PEAK (Promoting Esteem Among Kids) Mentors creates a safe, stable mentoring environment while providing nurturing relationships for local youth. The program also aims to address adverse childhood experiences and other negative experiences that youth face. Through matching at-risk and high-risk youth with supportive mentors, PEAK Mentors aims to provide hope, comfort and a sense of belonging among mentees. Mountain City’s opioid overdose mortality rate is 40.4 percent; their Social Vulnerability Index score is 0.64.

 

Plainfield, Connecticut

Plainfield is a town in Windham County, northeastern Connecticut, with a population of 14,973 (2020 census).

The Plainfield Recreation Department provides residents with access to various programs such as water aerobics, swim lessons, yoga, line dancing, arts and crafts classes, and computer programs. The department also plays an important role in the community by providing affordable childcare during summer break.

This rural community faces the challenges of poverty, lack of community connectiveness and a high prevalence of substance use disorder. The mentoring program will implement both one-on-one and group mentoring activities to engage at-risk and high-risk youth experiencing adverse child experiences (ACEs). Program goals include connecting youth with quality mentors, supporting positive relationships, exposing mentees to opportunities and experiences that build valuable life skills, and increasing family engagement — all while addressing the challenges of substance use disorder. The opioid overdose mortality rate is 56 percent; their Social Vulnerability Index score is 0.65.

 

Rome-Floyd, Georgia

Rome is the largest city and the county seat of Floyd County, Georgia. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the city has a population of 37,700 (2020 census). Rome-Floyd was developed on seven hills with the rivers running between them, a feature that inspired the early European-American settlers to name it for Rome, which also was built on seven hills.

Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation maintains and operates 27 parks and eight facilities within the confines of Rome and Floyd County. They offer a variety of activities, including basketball, baseball, T-ball, softball, football, etc.

Rome-Floyd’s Coaching Kids for Life is a youth sports mentoring program that is being implemented to address substance use disorder and associated ACEs. The program also will aim to improve academic achievement, community involvement, and physical, mental and social health. This will be accomplished by instilling NRPA’s Youth Mentoring Framework into existing sports and athletic programming — specifically focusing on peer communication, team building, leadership and self-esteem.

Their opioid overdose mortality rate is 24 percent; their Social Vulnerability Index score is 0.96. 

 

Warren, Rhode Island

Warren is a town in Bristol County, Rhode Island. Located on the state’s scenic East Bay, between Providence and Newport. It has a population of 11,150 (2020 census).

The Warren Parks and Recreation Department creates and maintains recreation sites ranging from dog parks and playgrounds to athletic fields and community gardens. They also are responsible for organizing various programing, including a summer food truck and concert series, drive-in movies in the park, summer camps, family engagement events and athletic programming.

Utilizing the NRPA Youth Mentorship Framework, the department will support youth in the community by providing opportunities, connection, skill building and access to quality mentors. The program also will aim to support workforce development and career readiness.

The town’s opioid overdose mortality rate is 33.9 percent; their Social Vulnerability index score is 0.5. 

 

Wheeling, West Virginia

Wheeling is a city located in both Ohio and Marshall counties in West Virginia. It lies along the Ohio River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with a population of 27,062 (2020 census).

The City of Wheeling Parks and Recreation Department plays a vital role in community-based programs for young people. Priorities include addressing substance use disorder and poverty through implementation of a mentoring program for youth ages 8 to 17.

Game Changes — the name of Wheeling’s mentoring program — implements both one-on-one and group mentoring activities, as well as family and caregiver engagement events. Program goals include providing safe spaces for youth, education on substance use disorder, and career exploration and workforce development opportunities. Wheeling’s opioid overdose mortality rate is 65.6 percent, with a Social Vulnerability Index score of 0.29.