Orange County NC Website
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126 <br /> 1. Proposal Summary (no more than 250 words, required but not scored) <br /> To better serve Orange County youth and families impacted by substance use, RSN seeks <br /> support from the county to address the critical gap in mental health and substance use resources, <br /> especially for those at risk of opioid use disorder or in need of harm reduction interventions. <br /> RSN's mission is to empower youth and emerging adults (ages 13-20)navigating substance use, <br /> mental health challenges, or justice involvement. We employ a strengths-based, one-to-one <br /> mentoring model,pairing youth with specially trained mentors, many of whom have lived <br /> experience. These mentors, serving as allies and peer support workers, often have personal <br /> experience with substance use, mental health challenges, and/or justice involvement. They <br /> support youth and their families through individualized mentoring and enrichment activities, <br /> fostering a safe and resilient space for young people to focus on their needs, build agency, and <br /> strengthen connections with themselves, school, and community. <br /> Our mentors receive comprehensive training to recognize and nurture youth strengths, <br /> utilizing SAMHSA CORE Competencies (recovery-oriented,person-centered,voluntary, <br /> relationship-focused, and trauma-informed practices), active listening skills, SMART goal <br /> setting, and motivational interviewing techniques. Recognizing the profound impact of poverty <br /> and social identities on the youth we serve, RSN is committed to addressing the root causes of <br /> inequity through culturally responsive and person-centered services. We strive to create a <br /> supportive environment where all youth can thrive. By investing in RSN, Orange County invests <br /> in the well-being of its youth and the future of its community. <br /> iii <br />