AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Your Voice Matters (YVM) is a new local non-profit with a straightforward mission; to help ensure both kids and adults in the community have someone to talk to.
“To actually work with our youth,” said Stevie Stewart, one of the founders of YVM. “A lot of the world we’re seeing is taking a downfall, and we’re going opposite directions of where we were years ago. I think the biggest thing is, is society has said, ‘Hey, we don’t talk about things we push them down, we push through and either toughen up or you sink’. And that’s just that’s not helpful.”
Stewart said everyone has a story to tell, good or bad, and it all starts with a willingness to talk about things you’re struggling with.
“Words are sharper than a sword, and that’s so true, but you can use the sword for good, for growth, for integrity, for strength, and if we can encourage that and let them know that, that’s a possibility,” Stewart said.
YVM organizers told MyHighPlains.com that life can get heavy at times, and kids and adults both need to know it’s okay to not be okay. There’s always someone willing to listen.