Episode 1

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Published on:

24th Apr 2020

New Age Leader Redefines Advocacy in the Midst of a Pandemic

Martin Rafferty is the CEO and founder of the Youth Era. Under his innovative leadership, Youth Era has established services across the nation. He believes that one of the Youth Era's greatest strengths is the ability to give youth opportunities necessary for a successful transition into adulthood.

Martin currently sits on the national board of CAFETY and Reachout.com’s youth board. In 2010, Martin won the Mental Health Award of Excellence from AMH and the OCHH Ma Curtis Award. Now, he continues to work towards improving services and systems that support positive youth development.

In this episode, we delve into the endeavor of this new age advocate, Martin Rafferty, and his organization in this time of pandemic. Their work is solely focused on working with young adults and integrating with mental Youth Mental Health, youth foster care, youth homeless, and runaway Youth Services. They utilize cutting-edge technology to reach young adults and provide the support they need.

What You'll Learn

  • The issues and challenges faced by young people today.
  • The programs and services offered by the Youth Era organization across the nations.
  • Practical tips for young adults in looking after their mental health in the midst of a pandemic.
  • And much more!

Favorite Quote

“Stop focusing on the system and start focusing on the youth.” - Martin Rafferty

For More Information: 

Martin Rafferty

CEO and Founder

Youth Era 

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About the Podcast

The Optimistic Advocate
Making a difference in advocating for better mental health services for children and families
Hello, and welcome to the Optimistic Advocate! The Podcast that brings you just a bit closer to recognizing your full potential as an advocate for change – yours, mine, and everyone's! I’m your host, Scott, Bryant-Comstock, and I’m CEO and founder of the Children’s Mental Health Network. For the past 40 years, my journey as a mental health advocate has traveled from volunteering at a suicide and crisis center, professional roles as a therapist in an outpatient clinic, in-home family therapist, state mental health official, Board Chair for a county mental health program, and national reviewer of children’s mental health systems reform efforts. As the founder of the Children’s Mental Health Network (2009), I lead the Network’s efforts to grow a national online forum for the exchange of ideas on how to continually improve children’s mental health research, policy, and practice.

This podcast features conversations with inspiring advocates who help individuals and families make positive changes in their lives and communities across the globe. The episodes typically run from 45 – 60 minutes in length, so give yourself some room to breathe and get inspired when you listen to these. Who knows this could be the gamechanger that will unleash the advocate in you. You won’t regret it!

I can’t wait for you to join me here on the Optimistic Advocate. Remember to tell all your podcasting friends that the show is available for free in any application that supports podcasts.

Go to theoptimisticadvocate.com/listen and choose the podcast player of your choice. Remember, as you dive into the episodes, never forget to stay optimistic, listen attentively, have a plan, and follow through.

See you on the Podcast!

About your host

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Scott Bryant-Comstock

For the past 49 years, my journey as a mental health advocate has spanned working at a suicide and crisis center, as a therapist in an outpatient clinic, an in-home family therapist, a state mental health official, Board Chair for a county mental health program, and a national reviewer of children's mental health systems reform efforts. As the founder of the Children's Mental Health Network (2009), I led the Network's efforts to grow a national online forum for the exchange of ideas on how to continually improve children's mental health research, policy, and practice. The Network ceased operation in 2024 and I am now devoting my efforts to assisting those nearing transition as an end of life doula. The advocacy gene remains as strong as ever!

Enjoy this archive of the Optimistic Advocate podcast and be inspired by the amazing group of individuals I had to honor of speaking with.