Youth are agents of change
Since 2008, Magellan Healthcare’s MY LIFE (Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment) initiative has been leading the way for youth leadership in mental health, substance use, juvenile justice and foster care systems. Through MY LIFE, young people connect with their peers who have similar lived experience. Together, they support each other, learn about recovery and resiliency, and strive to eliminate stigma associated with involvement in child-serving systems by offering guidance to those systems and communities.
Magellan Healthcare’s MY LIFE and related activities are presented in partnership with our customers, other youth-serving systems and youth groups, and a variety of local youth-serving organizations.
Stay Home for MY LIFE virtual youth events
In response to COVID-19, Magellan launched the Stay Home for MY LIFE event series, featuring inspirational speakers, uplifting entertainment, fun activities and more for youth and young adults who have experience with mental health or substance use challenges, juvenile justice and/or foster care systems.
MY LIFE presentations and workshops
6,000+ youth and adult attendees | |
60+ local/national presentations by MY LIFE youth | |
~60,000 community members inspired and educated by MY LIFE |
MY LIFE youth have presented workshops in places including:
- Detention centers
- Schools
- Government offices
- Community events
- Boys and Girls Clubs
“MY LIFE is a beautiful opportunity for youth to learn skills needed to help overcome their challenges, while inspiring them to be great role models for other youth and their communities.”
– Greg Dicharry, MY LIFE founder
Select awards and recognition
MY LIFE and MY LIFE youth have been honored by numerous provider and advocacy organizations for youth development, engagement and leadership. Some examples:
- Youth MOVE National “Rock Star” Award
- National Council for Behavioral Health – Program of Distinction
- NAMI Pennsylvania Advocacy and Youth Empowerment Award
- Mental Health America “MPower” Award for Hayley Winterburg, MY LIFE Arizona co-founder