With more than 100 individuals representing dozens of local organizations and agencies in attendance, the focus was on youth in the Boothbay region at a special conference sponsored by the Coulombe Center for Health Improvement in Boothbay Harbor. The Oct. 6 half-day conference, “Our Community, Our Youth: Making Connections and Cultivating Possibilities,” included 11 eighth to 12th graders from the Boothbay region.

The day started with a presentation by Coulombe Center Director AnniPat McKenney highlighting current relevant data for the region as well as a description of how the Coulombe gift has been structured within the LincolnHealth system and how it will be used moving forward. The retreat itself was focused specifically on community work aimed at improving the lives of 11-26 year olds living and working within the Boothbay region.

“Participant response to the day was overwhelmingly positive,” said McKenney. “Many were surprised that so many resources already exist within the region and how access to them can be limited due to poor transportation, funding and a lack of awareness that they exist. Clearly more communication between resources is needed,” she said.

With the understanding that there are many talented folks in the region who have much to offer and a real desire to improve the lives of young people, one theme that stood out was the desire for more mentoring and role modeling in the community beyond traditional mentors such as parents, teachers, and grandparents.

“This is just the beginning of the work of the Coulombe Center and we are grateful to the community members who took the time to get things off to a great start,” McKenney added.

For more information about the efforts of the Coulombe Center for Health Improvement, call 207-633-1542.