The SPAN Youth Hub

Finding people you can rely on is one of the most important parts of growing up. For youth, especially those navigating school, friendships, and big life decisions, it helps to have a circle of support. A personal support network isn’t just family—it can include friends, mentors, teachers, coaches, or anyone who encourages you and helps you through challenges. Building that circle takes time, but it can make a big difference in how confident and connected you feel.

Narcotics Overdose Prevention & Education (NOPE) is a youth-focused early intervention initiative providing psychoeducation and prevention services to deter early-stage substance use and high-risk behaviors. Our mission is to equip youth with the tools and knowledge to make healthy, informed decisions in a supportive environment that fosters resilience and growth.  NOPE is currently building partnerships with schools, community organizations, and non-profits across Camden County to offer engaging and impactful presentations available both in-person and virtually, tailored to middle school, high school, and college-age youth. Presentations are scheduled weekly and can be customized based on your organization’s/schools needs.   To learn more about the NOPE program or other Camden County initiatives supporting youth substance use prevention, mental health, and school-based services, please contact: Camden County Office of Mental Health & Addiction at (856) 374-6361 Each s...

As summer comes to an end and the first day of school gets closer, it’s a great time to start getting ready for the year ahead. Planning ahead can make the switch from summer fun to school days much smoother and help students feel ready, confident, and excited to learn. Whether it’s setting good routines or making sure you have the right supplies, a little preparation can go a long way in starting the school year off right.

Stay Up to Date with All Thing Youth MOVE - Subscribe to Their Newsletter Youth MOVE National is a group led by young people, for young people. We’re all about improving systems like mental health care, schools, foster care, and juvenile justice, especially for youth who’ve been through tough times. MOVE stands for Motivating Others through Voices of Experience, and that’s what we do: speak up, share our stories, and push for real change.  We believe youth, especially underserved communities often left out, deserve to be heard, respected, and included in the decisions that impact their lives. Through leadership, peer support, and advocacy, we’re making sure youth voices lead the way.    Through My Reality, by Paige Martin (she/they)   Read a personal story about Paige's experience with psychosis while in college. Paige talks about feeling scared, confused, and alone, and how one small act of kindness from a counselor made them feel seen and cared for. With support ...

Summer is a great time to spend more time with friends and even make new ones. Without school, homework, and busy schedules, you have more freedom to hang out and do fun things together. You could go to the beach, have a picnic in the park, or just sit outside on a warm evening talking and laughing. The long days and warm weather make it easier to enjoy each other’s company and grow closer as friends.

Cooking may seem like a simple task, but for many people with disabilities, it presents challenges that extend beyond choosing a recipe. Inaccessible kitchens and hard-to-use tools can make meal preparation overwhelming. Yet cooking is more than a practical skill—it fosters independence, creativity, and confidence. By making it accessible, we not only ensure nutritious meals but also the joy of creating something from scratch.

Getting around town shouldn’t feel like an overwhelming puzzle—especially for youth and young adults with disabilities. Whether you’re heading to school, work, or just out to meet friends, public transportation can be a powerful tool for independence and freedom. But like anything new, learning to use buses, trains, or paratransit services can take time, patience, and practice.

What does it mean to identify as disabled? For many youth and young adults, that question isn’t always easy to answer. Disability identity is deeply personal—and it can take time to understand where you fit in. Some people grow up knowing they’re disabled, while others don’t discover or embrace that part of themselves until later in life.

Starting your day with a clear routine can make all the difference. Whether you're juggling school, work, or personal goals, having a plan helps you stay focused and reduce stress.

Self-confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. Everyone struggles with self-doubt from time to time, whether it’s speaking up in class, trying something new, or just believing in your own worth. The good news is that confidence grows with practice.

Exploring new hobbies can be a great way to add variety to daily routines and promote personal growth. Hobbies offer opportunities to relax, learn new skills, and engage in enjoyable activities outside of school, work, or other responsibilities. From creative outlets like drawing and music to hands-on tasks like cooking or building, there’s a wide range of options to consider.

Personal growth isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about becoming more fully yourself. It’s the quiet work of learning from experience, choosing new paths, and showing up for life with intention. Whether you’re setting goals, facing challenges, or simply looking to feel more grounded in who you are, personal growth is the journey that helps you evolve and thrive.

What makes us want to do things or keep trying, even when it's hard? Sometimes, it's because we enjoy it or it feels important to us—that's called internal motivation. Other times, it's because of outside reasons, like getting a reward or making someone proud—that's external motivation. When you know the difference, it's easier to stay motivated in your everyday life.

Everyone gets angry sometimes—it's a normal feeling. But when anger gets too strong or hard to control, it can hurt our health, our friendships, and how we feel about ourselves. Some people get angry quickly, while others hold it in until it builds up. No matter how it shows up, it’s important to learn how to handle anger in a healthy way.

Summer is a great time to explore new places—but for travelers with disabilities, accessibility can make all the difference. There are many summer travel spots that are fun and accessible. These places have things like wheelchair ramps, easy-to-use bathrooms, places to stay that meet different needs, and activities for everyone.

Resilience means being able to handle tough times and keep going. For young adults, it’s about dealing with challenges, adjusting to change, and staying strong.  

There’s something really special about talking to someone who has gone through the same things you have. They understand in a way that others might not, because they’ve lived it too. When people with similar life experiences support each other, it can make a big difference. It helps you feel less alone, gives you hope, and often brings helpful advice that comes from real experience. Whether it’s dealing with a disability, mental health, or big life changes, support from someone who “gets it” can truly change your life.  

Friendships are among the most important aspects of our lives. The right people can help us grow, support us through difficult times, and celebrate our successes. However, not all friendships are healthy. Learning to recognize the difference between a positive relationship and a toxic one can lead to better opportunities and help you avoid future difficulties. 

Even though the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law more than 30 years ago, many businesses still don’t follow it. This means people with disabilities often can’t get into buildings, use websites, or access services like everyone else. Some business owners may not know the rules, some may not understand them, and others might think it’s too expensive to make changes. But whatever the reason, the result is the same—people with disabilities are left out. 

When places—like buildings, websites, or events—aren’t accessible, it sends a message to people with disabilities: that they don’t belong. This can seriously damage someone’s mental health. Being excluded, whether by accident or not, can lead to feelings of sadness, stress, and low self-esteem. While there are businesses and communities that make accessibility a priority, there is still much work to be done, and barriers to be removed in the world.