Steering Youth to Healthier Paths: A Conversation with Maks and Jack

In this edition of Finding New Waters, we delve into the proactive work of Youth Prevention Mentors (YPM), highlighting their mission to intervene and guide young people before they descend into crisis. Through a detailed conversation with YPM's founder, Maks Ezrin, and Jack Vaughn, Director of US Operations, we explore the origins of YPM, inspired by personal journeys of overcoming mental health and substance use issues. The dialogue illuminates YPM's approach to offering non-traditional, in-home mentorship focusing on behavioral and mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The podcast also addresses the importance of family involvement, the mentor matching process, and the unique executive functioning coaching program, EF 12, underscoring the organization's commitment to fostering self-regulation and resilience in the youth they serve. This episode offers profound insights into how targeted mentorship and personalized support can pivot young individuals away from potential futures of addiction and mental health struggles, towards thriving, balanced lives. 00:00 Introduction: The Need for Preventative Measures 01:02 Welcome to Finding New Waters: Meet the Guests 01:50 The Origin Story of Youth Prevention Mentors 02:06 The Journey to Sobriety and the Start of a New Career 06:18 The Lightbulb Moment: The Birth of YPM 07:11 The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health 07:58 The YPM Approach: Tailored Support for Young Adults 08:34 The Role of Mentors in YPM 08:57 Jack's Journey: From Struggle to Mentorship 12:08 The Importance of Mentor Match in YPM 13:06 The Age Range of YPM's Services 13:55 The YPM Approach: A Case Study 17:02 The Role of Family in the Recovery Process 23:32 The Executive Functioning Coaching Program 26:09 The Mentor Recruitment Process 32:49 The Importance of In-Home Environment 39:47 Conclusion: How to Reach YPM