When Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley walked into the YouthLine office last week, there was a palpable sense of excitement. It was more than just a visit; it was a powerful recognition of the efforts that youth volunteers put into making mental health support more accessible for teens and veterans alike. As one of the volunteers, I had the distinct honor of being interviewed by local news channels about the impact YouthLine has on our community—a responsibility that I took with both pride and humility.
Senators Wyden and Merkley are well-known advocates for mental health, and their visit was not only a morale boost but also a catalyst for continued advocacy in our state. During their time with us, they engaged in thoughtful conversations about our work, asked pointed questions about our experiences, and expressed genuine interest in how we approach peer support. But the highlight of the visit was when the senators made a groundbreaking announcement: $1.1 million in new funding will go towards expanding YouthLine’s reach and services. This investment will enable us to better support teens across Oregon, increase our volunteer capacity, and implement new initiatives focused on addressing mental health.
A Shared Mission: Supporting Teens and Veterans
While our focus at YouthLine is on helping teens, the senators spoke passionately about how peer support could be a powerful tool for other communities as well—especially veterans. Returning to civilian life after military service can be fraught with emotional and mental health challenges. Senator Wyden pointed out how a similar peer-based framework could offer veterans a much-needed outlet to connect with others who have experienced the same unique struggles.
It was during these discussions that I had the chance to share how my experience as a volunteer has shaped my understanding of empathy and active listening. Speaking to the senators felt surreal, yet grounding—an opportunity to advocate not just for the YouthLine community, but for everyone who has ever struggled to find their voice. When Senator Wyden asked for a photo after our conversation, it felt like a symbolic acknowledgment of the shared commitment to making mental health support accessible for all.
Expanding Our Reach: What the New Funding Means
The announcement of $1.1 million in new funding for YouthLine couldn’t have come at a better time. This new investment will allow us to grow in several ways: expanding our volunteer base, offering more specialized training, and extending our hours of operation to serve more teens and families across Oregon. One of the most exciting prospects is the ability to reach rural and underserved communities, where mental health resources are often scarce.
With this funding, we can also explore new initiatives that address mental health disparities head-on. For example, training sessions on cultural competency will ensure that we’re better equipped to handle conversations around identity and race—topics that are becoming increasingly relevant in our calls and texts. The additional support means more volunteers will be available to take calls, more outreach can be done in schools, and more young people will know that help is just a text or phone call away.
Moving Forward: Turning Conversations into Action
The visit from Senators Wyden and Merkley was more than just a ceremonial gesture; it was a turning point. Their commitment to securing funding and pushing for broader mental health legislation sends a powerful message to communities across Oregon: youth voices matter, and they are driving real change. For me personally, the day marked a moment of validation—not just for the work I’ve done, but for everyone who has ever felt the impact of YouthLine’s services.
As we look toward the future, I’m excited to see how this new funding will empower our organization to reach more youth, train more volunteers, and create even more meaningful connections. It’s not every day that you get to meet senators who are so genuinely invested in the well-being of their constituents, and I’m grateful for the experience. But the real work continues on the phones and through our outreach—one conversation, one text, one life-changing moment at a time.
With the additional resources and a renewed sense of purpose, I’m more motivated than ever to keep advocating for the mental health of our community. Because at YouthLine, we know that when we empower youth to be heard, we’re not just supporting them through a tough moment—we’re equipping them to shape the future.
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