Amy Genest, CU’s Education and Prevention Coordinator, spends a lot of time thinking about the future. For the past 12 years of her over 20-year tenure as an advocate at Caring Unlimited, Amy’s focus has been on youth advocacy and school-based prevention education: helping students understand dating abuse, think critically about the cultural beliefs and community structures that allow domestic violence to persist, and consider what they want their relationships to look like.

Now, with a new grant awarded to Caring Unlimited that will expand programs, opportunities, and services available for students throughout York County, Amy is thinking about an exciting future for CU’s School-Based Education and Prevention program.

The grant, one of just 16 awarded nationwide by the Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women, will enable Caring Unlimited to expand its programming, and to work closely with other youth-serving organizations including Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM), Maine Boys to Men, and Saltwater Vineyard Church.

“We are so thrilled about the opportunities this grant will open up for youth.” Amy states, “From simply being able to connect with more students in more settings, to creating new ways for young people to get involved and hearing directly from them. It’s exciting to consider the possibilities of the work we’ve laid out, and all that may come from it.”

In addition to expanding educational programming, the grant will incorporate a youth advisory committee, facilitate a community needs assessment, and create additional opportunities for youth leadership.

The “Wanted Poster” activity, pictured above, invites students to consider what they want from a friend or a partner in a dating relationship.

Through the course of the pandemic, offering lesson plans virtually has allowed Caring Unlimited to continue to reach students and connect with educators.

Last year over 500 students throughout York County benefitted from prevention education, and since the start of the current school year (Sept. 2021), CU's School-Based Program has already provided education to every 6-8th grade student in Sanford and Acton, students in Health and Wellness classes throughout Saco and the Bonny Eagle Middle Schools, and students at the New School in Kennebunk.