For Immediate Release
Contact: Jerrica Thurman, Chief Strategy & Communications Officer, jerrica@amputee-coalition.org
Amputee Coalition Kicks Off Youth Engagement Program Luncheon
(March 11, 2023, Washington, D.C.) The Amputee Coalition Youth Engagement Program (YEP) kicks off its inaugural Youth Empowerment Luncheon at the Westin Lombard today in Lombard, IL. Convening nearly 40 youth living with limb loss and limb difference, ages 10-17, the luncheon features informative sessions on resilience, mental health, self-care, independent living, career mentorship, and more. The Amputee Coalition’s YEP provides year-round support to the estimated 25,000-70,000 youth living with limb loss and limb difference in the U.S.
“We are thrilled to present for the first time the YEP luncheon for youth living with limb loss and limb difference, which will empower them to become change agents of today. Our youth are resilient and strong, and they have unlimited possibility to shape the future of America,” said Dr. Alicia Straughter, vice president of human resources, D&I, and the Youth Engagement Program at the Amputee Coalition. “The luncheon is designed to help the youth participants discover their unique purpose and talents and to develop them into dynamic future leaders.”
As the leading resource for the limb loss and limb difference community, the Amputee Coalition offers YEP to provide a targeted program supporting children, teens, and young adults. YEP advances the organization’s youth outreach beyond the annual Youth Camp to find new ways to engage African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ youth and teens with limb loss or limb difference. YEP offers resources and programming in key areas such as life skills resources, education and training, Youth Camp, workforce development, and mentorship.
“Our youth are vital to the work of uplifting the limb loss and limb difference community. They bring fresh perspectives and ideas that keep innovation a central focus in how we serve amputees, their families, and communities,” said Cass Isidro, president and CEO of the Amputee Coalition. “Youth living with limb loss and limb difference voices matter, and we are committed to providing more opportunities that bring them to the table, amplify their voice, and develop their leadership.”
The Youth Empowerment Luncheon is free for youth living with limb loss and limb difference, who must be registered with YEP. The event will be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/@yep2022. Follow YEP activities on social media using hashtags #YEPWECAN #amputeelife #amputee #wearestrong #limbdifference and #limbloss. Learn more at https://www.amputee-coalition.org/events-programs/youth-engagement-program-yep/youth-empowerment-luncheon/.
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Amputee Coalition: The Leading Voice on Limb Loss and Limb Difference
The Amputee Coalition is the only national nonprofit that serves all individuals who experience limb loss or limb difference. We are dedicated to ensuring that no one faces limb loss alone. Our mission is to support, educate, and advocate for people impacted by limb loss and limb difference. We work to provide vital resources to people with limb loss and limb difference, as well as their families and caregivers. With these resources, they can recover, readjust, and live the life they most want to live. Learn more at www.amputee-coalition.org.