ROCKLAND — For the past two years, The Landing Place has been bringing young people together around the dinner table for meaningful conversations about the needs and strengths of our community. Through a series of Youth Listening Session Suppers, local middle school and high school students have been invited to share their experiences, ideas, and concerns directly with a small group of adults who serve as “listening specialists”.

Hosted in partnership with various Midcoast youth organizations, these suppers are designed to lift up youth voices and guide future efforts to create a safer, healthier Midcoast Maine. Past dinner conversations have included topics such as issues relevant to boys, issues relevant to girls, issues relevant to LGBTQ+ young people, relationships, and work opportunities/barriers.

The most recent Listening Session Supper was held on April 14 at The Landing Place. During the evening, participants enjoyed a shared meal provided by community volunteers and reviewed key themes that have emerged throughout the project, including transportation barriers, access to job opportunities, lack of afterschool activities for youth, and underage drug and alcohol use, with a focus on creative, youth-centered solutions.

"The Listening Session Suppers give young people a chance to be heard, not just spoken for," said Joseph Hufnagel, Director of The Landing Place. "When we create real space for youth to share their ideas, it leads to more responsive programs, better community solutions, and a stronger sense of belonging for everyone."

For more information about The Landing Place and upcoming events, visit homeworthy.com/the-landing-place.