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Valo empowers youth to care for their emotional wellbeing

The youth are not alright. Valo has an approach that works in transforming their loneliness, depression, and anxiety into a sense of belonging, being seen, and feeling well.

ignite your spark.

feed the fire.

spread light.

In their words...

“I feel amazing because this is so awesome. When you talk to someone on text, you can’t feel their emotion. But when we get these rare moments when we can talk to one another outside of school, it’s just the best.” - Valo teen

Embers is our podcast. Young people interview change-makers, big thinkers, and inspiring thought leaders.

Join us as we explore timely and compelling topics—fanning the embers burning in each of us.

Tune in here.

The Embers Podcast

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Valo Conversation Prompts

We’re sharing Valo prompts to encourage you to start a conversation with a teen or loved one.

download our resource guide now

Stay in Touch with Stovepipe

Our digital journal - delivered to your inbox 1-2 times a month.

Stovepipe is the best way to stay up-to-date on Valo programs, happenings, and the latest research, perspectives, and initiatives in the youth mental health field.

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Follow Valo On Instagram

We love connecting in person, but when that’s not possible, Instagram is our favorite place to be friends. Follow us here for daily inspiration.

We can’t wait for this week’s Parent Conversation. Our intention is to gather parents of adolescents to talk about ... parenting. Whatever is top of mind for those who come is where the conversation will flow. Why not connect with that friend you’ve not seen and come join us! All are welcome -- no previous Valo connection necessary.

We can’t wait for this week’s Parent Conversation. Our intention is to gather parents of adolescents to talk about ... parenting. Whatever is top of mind for those who come is where the conversation will flow. Why not connect with that friend you’ve not seen and come join us! All are welcome -- no previous Valo connection necessary.

Our moment to support teen wellbeing is now.

Your donation will make an impact as we continue to create spaces where teens know they matter, are empowered to care for their wellbeing, and feel real connection to others.

Link in bio to donate.

Our moment to support teen wellbeing is now.

Your donation will make an impact as we continue to create spaces where teens know they matter, are empowered to care for their wellbeing, and feel real connection to others.

Link in bio to donate.

With your support, we can continue to empower young people and make our communities better for it. We are so close to our year-end goal. Will you help us reach it? The state of youth wellbeing is our collective call to action, and I hope you’ll continue alongside us.

Link in bio to donate.

With your support, we can continue to empower young people and make our communities better for it. We are so close to our year-end goal. Will you help us reach it? The state of youth wellbeing is our collective call to action, and I hope you’ll continue alongside us.

Link in bio to donate.

Our Valo programs feel more relevant than ever. Maine youth are not alright. Valo has an approach that works in transforming their loneliness, depression, and anxiety into a sense of belonging, being seen, and feeling well.

Link in our bio to donate.

Our Valo programs feel more relevant than ever. Maine youth are not alright. Valo has an approach that works in transforming their loneliness, depression, and anxiety into a sense of belonging, being seen, and feeling well.

Link in our bio to donate.

In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, please consider donating to support teen mental health and wellbeing 🧡

Link in bio to donate

In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, please consider donating to support teen mental health and wellbeing 🧡

Link in bio to donate

What fun to be a part of Westbrook High School’s Extra-curricular Fair where we had a chance to share a glimpse into Valo with many students and educators. As a follow up to our time, later this month we’ll meet with a small group of WHS students to talk with them about the kind of Valo program they might be interested in designing.

What fun to be a part of Westbrook High School’s Extra-curricular Fair where we had a chance to share a glimpse into Valo with many students and educators. As a follow up to our time, later this month we’ll meet with a small group of WHS students to talk with them about the kind of Valo program they might be interested in designing.

Join a Valo conversation about what it means to be a parent of a teen today.

Technology, substance use, belonging, and navigating what’s next, including the joys and challenges.

Sit in a circle with other adults for an informal, connecting conversation. Our intention is to give space for us all to share what's on our minds during this unique time. Spoiler alert…this may become a monthly offering.

Join a Valo conversation about what it means to be a parent of a teen today.

Technology, substance use, belonging, and navigating what’s next, including the joys and challenges.

Sit in a circle with other adults for an informal, connecting conversation. Our intention is to give space for us all to share what's on our minds during this unique time. Spoiler alert…this may become a monthly offering.

Parenting a Teen? Let’s Talk!

Join a Valo conversation about what it means to be a parent of a teen today.
Technology, substance use, belonging, and navigating what’s next, including the joys and challenges.
Sit in a circle with other adults for an informal, connecting conversation. Our intention is to give space for us all to share what's on our minds during this unique time. Spoiler alert…this may become a monthly offering.

Parenting a Teen? Let’s Talk!

Join a Valo conversation about what it means to be a parent of a teen today.
Technology, substance use, belonging, and navigating what’s next, including the joys and challenges.
Sit in a circle with other adults for an informal, connecting conversation. Our intention is to give space for us all to share what's on our minds during this unique time. Spoiler alert…this may become a monthly offering.

Valo guides loved partnering with Carrabassett Valley Academy staff to design a program for the school’s junior class orientation week. With a focus on building connection and strengthening community, Valo helped students learn how to hold regular check-ins with their peers. We were grateful for the opportunity and look forward to hearing about the impact of this work on the students’ wellbeing.

Valo guides loved partnering with Carrabassett Valley Academy staff to design a program for the school’s junior class orientation week. With a focus on building connection and strengthening community, Valo helped students learn how to hold regular check-ins with their peers. We were grateful for the opportunity and look forward to hearing about the impact of this work on the students’ wellbeing.

What an incredible All-Valo Kick off Weekend we had in early September! Seniors gathered Friday night to reflect on and share their vision for the year ahead, considering how they would open up the space for new teens to our program with intention and warmth. On Saturday, new and returning teens joined for a terrific day of connecting and reconnecting, cooking, creating, and of course hide and seek. The weekend gave us all a chance to recenter in our ways of being and look forward to our upcoming season of weekends together. A surprise cameo appearance by alumni Ally and Joe from Valo’s original group (circa 2013) was icing on an already sweet cake!

What an incredible All-Valo Kick off Weekend we had in early September! Seniors gathered Friday night to reflect on and share their vision for the year ahead, considering how they would open up the space for new teens to our program with intention and warmth. On Saturday, new and returning teens joined for a terrific day of connecting and reconnecting, cooking, creating, and of course hide and seek. The weekend gave us all a chance to recenter in our ways of being and look forward to our upcoming season of weekends together. A surprise cameo appearance by alumni Ally and Joe from Valo’s original group (circa 2013) was icing on an already sweet cake!

Check out this month's Embers podcast as male soccer players model bravery at its best!

We were fortunate to have a chance to sit down and hear from a group of male high school soccer players who had recently participated in a Valo program during their pre-season training. The perspectives they shared about vulnerability, connection, being unplugged, and what it means to support their teammates on and off the field left us filled with hope. Maybe it will do the same for you….

Link in bio to listen!

Check out this month's Embers podcast as male soccer players model bravery at its best!

We were fortunate to have a chance to sit down and hear from a group of male high school soccer players who had recently participated in a Valo program during their pre-season training. The perspectives they shared about vulnerability, connection, being unplugged, and what it means to support their teammates on and off the field left us filled with hope. Maybe it will do the same for you….

Link in bio to listen!

We are thrilled to welcome Kate Powers, who recently joined our terrific circle of guides. Kate immediately fell in love with Maine when she moved here from Massachusetts to attend Bowdoin College. Kate has lived here for most of the past decade, and spends her free time enjoying the mountains, ocean, rivers, and ultimate frisbee fields all across the state. Over the years, Kate has worked as a sexual assault advocate, mental health researcher, support staff at a local psychiatric hospital, and ultimate frisbee coach. Kate recently completed her Masters degree in social work and now works as an individual and couples therapist.

When reflecting on what draws her to Valo, Kate shared,

“I feel so grateful to learn and grow alongside young people. I am always taken by their unique and powerful combination of humor, hope, and honesty.”

We are thrilled to welcome Kate Powers, who recently joined our terrific circle of guides. Kate immediately fell in love with Maine when she moved here from Massachusetts to attend Bowdoin College. Kate has lived here for most of the past decade, and spends her free time enjoying the mountains, ocean, rivers, and ultimate frisbee fields all across the state. Over the years, Kate has worked as a sexual assault advocate, mental health researcher, support staff at a local psychiatric hospital, and ultimate frisbee coach. Kate recently completed her Masters degree in social work and now works as an individual and couples therapist.

When reflecting on what draws her to Valo, Kate shared,

“I feel so grateful to learn and grow alongside young people. I am always taken by their unique and powerful combination of humor, hope, and honesty.”

As Valo continues to expand its reach, we were so grateful to be invited by the Westbrook Police Department to join with other community members in early August for Westbrook’s participation in National Night Out. Guide Owen loved the opportunity to share information about our programming for youth, and to talk with folks about the ways Valo could run impactful programs for teens in their community.

As Valo continues to expand its reach, we were so grateful to be invited by the Westbrook Police Department to join with other community members in early August for Westbrook’s participation in National Night Out. Guide Owen loved the opportunity to share information about our programming for youth, and to talk with folks about the ways Valo could run impactful programs for teens in their community.

Valo offers specially designed programs for schools. If you or someone you know has a group or team interested in partnering with Valo, please reach out to programs@valomaine.org.

Valo offers specially designed programs for schools. If you or someone you know has a group or team interested in partnering with Valo, please reach out to programs@valomaine.org.

We’re thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Maine Resiliency Center, including a program for teens who have been impacted by the violence in Lewiston last October. Our first gathering of the fall will be at the Center on September 23rd at 4:30 for pizza and time together.

We’re thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Maine Resiliency Center, including a program for teens who have been impacted by the violence in Lewiston last October. Our first gathering of the fall will be at the Center on September 23rd at 4:30 for pizza and time together.

Hats off to the Freeport High School Boys Varsity Soccer team (and coaches!) for showing up in such a real way at their Valo pre-season retreat at the end of August. The whole group reflected courage in sharing their stories and showing their empathy as they saw each other fully. In addition to brave conversations, the guys cooked up quite the dinner feast, wowed us with their Valo-themed cupcake creations, kept great tunes pumping, and were masters of the early morning hill run and yoga session. Most importantly, these players demonstrated the power of connection that comes when we dare to be our true selves. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the FHS boys soccer team, and can’t wait to see all the ways they continue to support each other on and off the field this season.

Hats off to the Freeport High School Boys Varsity Soccer team (and coaches!) for showing up in such a real way at their Valo pre-season retreat at the end of August. The whole group reflected courage in sharing their stories and showing their empathy as they saw each other fully. In addition to brave conversations, the guys cooked up quite the dinner feast, wowed us with their Valo-themed cupcake creations, kept great tunes pumping, and were masters of the early morning hill run and yoga session. Most importantly, these players demonstrated the power of connection that comes when we dare to be our true selves. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the FHS boys soccer team, and can’t wait to see all the ways they continue to support each other on and off the field this season.

We gathered in early July to bid our seniors farewell. We appreciated hearing their voices as they reflected on Valo’s impact. We thanked them for their engagement with Valo and officially welcomed them to the Valo alumni circle. We will eagerly await stories of their adventures to come.

We gathered in early July to bid our seniors farewell. We appreciated hearing their voices as they reflected on Valo’s impact. We thanked them for their engagement with Valo and officially welcomed them to the Valo alumni circle. We will eagerly await stories of their adventures to come.

Check out what Valo has been reading this summer! Comment below if you have any other book recommendations! 📚

Check out what Valo has been reading this summer! Comment below if you have any other book recommendations! 📚

This May we interviewed two Maine-based athletes, @eavanoneilll and @skyler.espinozaa. With the Olympics and Paralympics right around the corner we thought it would be timely to spotlight the episode and highlight the intersection between sports and mental wellbeing. Click the link in our bio to listen!

Photo Creds— Chris Shane (left) and Joe Kusumoto/USOPC (right)

This May we interviewed two Maine-based athletes, @eavanoneilll and @skyler.espinozaa. With the Olympics and Paralympics right around the corner we thought it would be timely to spotlight the episode and highlight the intersection between sports and mental wellbeing. Click the link in our bio to listen!

Photo Creds— Chris Shane (left) and Joe Kusumoto/USOPC (right)

We are so happy to be continuing our partnership with Maine Resiliency Center - and to add Evo Rock + Fitness into the mix. Climbing + conversation = meaningful connections. If you or a youth you know has been impacted by the events of the Lewiston shootings, and would like to join us, please reach out to programs@valomaine.org to learn more.
#mentalhealth #resiliency 🧗‍♀️

We are so happy to be continuing our partnership with Maine Resiliency Center - and to add Evo Rock + Fitness into the mix. Climbing + conversation = meaningful connections. If you or a youth you know has been impacted by the events of the Lewiston shootings, and would like to join us, please reach out to programs@valomaine.org to learn more.
#mentalhealth #resiliency 🧗‍♀️

The Constellations crew, back from their sailing adventure, was excited to be together again. They met in late June and (along with pizza!) enjoyed talking about the program year ahead when they will meet monthly, dive into more outdoor adventures, and continue to connect. ⛵️

The Constellations crew, back from their sailing adventure, was excited to be together again. They met in late June and (along with pizza!) enjoyed talking about the program year ahead when they will meet monthly, dive into more outdoor adventures, and continue to connect. ⛵️

The deadline to register for this year's Beach to Beacon is this Friday (7/12)! Click the link in our bio to secure a bib for you or a friend so you can run with team Valo.

The deadline to register for this year's Beach to Beacon is this Friday (7/12)! Click the link in our bio to secure a bib for you or a friend so you can run with team Valo.

We at Valo are excited to share a very special episode of embers with all of you! This month our hosts engaged in conversation with Gia Drew, who serves as the Executive Director of EqualityMaine. Listen to Gia talk about her experiences as the first out transgender public school teacher in Maine, one of the only transgender athletic coaches in the country, and her role at the oldest and largest organization dedicated to creating a fair and just society for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Mainers.

We at Valo are excited to share a very special episode of embers with all of you! This month our hosts engaged in conversation with Gia Drew, who serves as the Executive Director of EqualityMaine. Listen to Gia talk about her experiences as the first out transgender public school teacher in Maine, one of the only transgender athletic coaches in the country, and her role at the oldest and largest organization dedicated to creating a fair and just society for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Mainers.

Valo is excited to share that, in partnership with SEEDS of Independence and Sailing Ships Maine, we have started a new group called Constellations. This group of eleven teens kicked off their grand adventure with a 5 day excursion in Casco Bay. Guided by Valo's Owen Heil and Natasha Huber, this crew will continue their journey on land beginning with a pizza dinner at Valo on June 25th. Stay tuned for more updates!

Valo is excited to share that, in partnership with SEEDS of Independence and Sailing Ships Maine, we have started a new group called Constellations. This group of eleven teens kicked off their grand adventure with a 5 day excursion in Casco Bay. Guided by Valo's Owen Heil and Natasha Huber, this crew will continue their journey on land beginning with a pizza dinner at Valo on June 25th. Stay tuned for more updates!

Run with Valo! The 2024 TD Beach to Beacon 10K is sold out! Click the link in our bio to sponsor a teen or buy a Beach to Beacon bib for yourself or someone else while supporting Valo's mission of guiding young people to cultivate emotional wellbeing. The deadline to register a name to a bib is Friday, July 12, 2024.

Run with Valo! The 2024 TD Beach to Beacon 10K is sold out! Click the link in our bio to sponsor a teen or buy a Beach to Beacon bib for yourself or someone else while supporting Valo's mission of guiding young people to cultivate emotional wellbeing. The deadline to register a name to a bib is Friday, July 12, 2024.

For the entire month of June you can get a bouquet of flowers and help benefit Valo! All specially marked Bloomin' 4 Good bouquets purchased at the Portland Hannaford located on 787 Riverside Street will donate $1 directly to Valo. Add some color to your summer and support a local organization at the same time! 🌷🌹🪻🌺🌸🌼

For the entire month of June you can get a bouquet of flowers and help benefit Valo! All specially marked Bloomin' 4 Good bouquets purchased at the Portland Hannaford located on 787 Riverside Street will donate $1 directly to Valo. Add some color to your summer and support a local organization at the same time! 🌷🌹🪻🌺🌸🌼

Calling all rising 10th-12th graders…

All the amazing things you have heard about being a part of Valo are true. We have a few remaining openings in our weekend and evening programs. If you are interested in joining us, complete the inquiry form on our website or reach out to us at: outreach@valomaine.org. Apply now for fall 2024.

Calling all rising 10th-12th graders…

All the amazing things you have heard about being a part of Valo are true. We have a few remaining openings in our weekend and evening programs. If you are interested in joining us, complete the inquiry form on our website or reach out to us at: outreach@valomaine.org. Apply now for fall 2024.

Check out this snippet from the May edition of our Embers podcast!

We are elated to have been joined by two amazing athletes and Mainers, Eavan O’Neill and Skyler Samuelson Espinoza. In 2020 Eavan was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Stargardt's Disease that causes vision loss. Following her diagnosis, Eavan took to the outdoors by running, which soon quickly grew into a passion—a passion which led her to run marathons to support research for diseases like her’s. Though initially a collegiate rower, Skyler found herself as a “pilot” on the United States’ Paralympic Cycling team, following her success as an individual cyclist. As an athlete with unimpaired vision, Skyler teams up with a visually impaired athlete to race in tandem.

Please listen along with us for this month's episode as Eavan and Skyler share their perspectives of visual impairment in sports, their experiences challenging themselves as athletes, the importance of physical activity on one’s mental health, and much more!

The link is in our bio for the entire episode!

Check out this snippet from the May edition of our Embers podcast!

We are elated to have been joined by two amazing athletes and Mainers, Eavan O’Neill and Skyler Samuelson Espinoza. In 2020 Eavan was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Stargardt's Disease that causes vision loss. Following her diagnosis, Eavan took to the outdoors by running, which soon quickly grew into a passion—a passion which led her to run marathons to support research for diseases like her’s. Though initially a collegiate rower, Skyler found herself as a “pilot” on the United States’ Paralympic Cycling team, following her success as an individual cyclist. As an athlete with unimpaired vision, Skyler teams up with a visually impaired athlete to race in tandem.

Please listen along with us for this month's episode as Eavan and Skyler share their perspectives of visual impairment in sports, their experiences challenging themselves as athletes, the importance of physical activity on one’s mental health, and much more!

The link is in our bio for the entire episode!

🧡thanks to our circle for all your support! We made our goal! It’s not too late to support, click the link in our bio to join in! 💙

🧡thanks to our circle for all your support! We made our goal! It’s not too late to support, click the link in our bio to join in! 💙

🔜 Comment below - How did your conversations go this month? 🔜
We'd love to hear what came out of intentional conversation and connection during May Mental Health Month. 🧡💙

🧡 Valo encourages you to engage with teens in your circle during the month of May. Conversation is a powerful tool for well-being! It helps us feel connected, understood, and supported -- and is the foundation of Valo’s work with young people. For the month of May, starting on Monday, May 6, we’ll give you a prompt a day to encourage you to start a conversation with a teen. Make it your own, start the dialogue, ignite the spark. 💙 Follow along!

Use these Valo tips to set a good environment, tone, and time to open dialogue with the young person in your life.

💬 Embrace the moment outside or alone. Take a walk together or take advantage of a shared car ride. These relaxed environments invite open communication and deeper connection.

👂 Focus on Active Listening. Pay close attention, ask open-ended questions, and show genuine curiosity in their lives. Avoid lectures, interruptions, or judgements. Make your teen feel safe sharing what they decide to share.

🌴 Timing is Key. Choose moments free from stress or conflict. Aim for a calm and receptive atmosphere.

💙 By prioritizing casual conversations, you create a space for any teen to feel seen, heard, and understood. This is the foundation for a strong and lasting relationship. 🧡

#mentalhealthmonth #endthestigma #mindfulness

🔜 Comment below - How did your conversations go this month? 🔜
We'd love to hear what came out of intentional conversation and connection during May Mental Health Month. 🧡💙

🧡 Valo encourages you to engage with teens in your circle during the month of May. Conversation is a powerful tool for well-being! It helps us feel connected, understood, and supported -- and is the foundation of Valo’s work with young people. For the month of May, starting on Monday, May 6, we’ll give you a prompt a day to encourage you to start a conversation with a teen. Make it your own, start the dialogue, ignite the spark. 💙 Follow along!

Use these Valo tips to set a good environment, tone, and time to open dialogue with the young person in your life.

💬 Embrace the moment outside or alone. Take a walk together or take advantage of a shared car ride. These relaxed environments invite open communication and deeper connection.

👂 Focus on Active Listening. Pay close attention, ask open-ended questions, and show genuine curiosity in their lives. Avoid lectures, interruptions, or judgements. Make your teen feel safe sharing what they decide to share.

🌴 Timing is Key. Choose moments free from stress or conflict. Aim for a calm and receptive atmosphere.

💙 By prioritizing casual conversations, you create a space for any teen to feel seen, heard, and understood. This is the foundation for a strong and lasting relationship. 🧡

#mentalhealthmonth #endthestigma #mindfulness

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