Broadreach Hires New Youthlinks Director

Belfast, Maine - Broadreach Family & Community Services Executive Director Kate Quinn Finlay has announced the hiring of Kristofer Koerber as the new director of the Youthlinks Program.  Kris began his new position on January 2nd.

“We are pleased to continue the fine tradition of Youthlinks offering quality after school and summer programs for area middle and high school students with Kris now leading the program.  He brings a great deal of experience working with young people in his previous roles as a coach.  Kris is also familiar with the region.  He lives in Owls Head where he is a volunteer firefighter and has worked as Sternman with Dave Cousens on board the F/V Three Sons out of South Thomaston.  Kris brings a great deal of enthusiasm, energy, and desire to continually improve the program to this position”, stated Kate Quinn Finlay.

Kris, a Maine native, grew up in Brunswick before leaving the state to attend Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts.  After graduation he pursued a career in athletics, securing his first coaching opportunity at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, as an assistant for the men’s lacrosse team.  Following three years at Colby, Kris continued his coaching career at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York where he earned his Masters in Educational Administration.

“I first want to give thanks to Kate Quinn Finlay for presenting me and my family with this opportunity.  I am excited to be working at an organization where empowering people with skills for success are the standard.  I believe strongly in the mission of Broadreach and Kate’s dedication to Youthlinks.  I am honored to be the new leader at Broadreach’s Youthlinks Program and I am delighted to be working alongside such a passionate and outstanding staff”, shared Kris Koerber recently.

The purpose of the Youthlinks Program is to empower young people to commit to themselves and their community, broaden their horizons, and acquire healthy life skills through focused enrichment programs and meaningful volunteer opportunities.  The program fosters critical thinking skills (the ability to use logic and reasoning in solving problems that is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and supports self-corrective thinking), empathy and introspection.  Youthlinks uses a wide array of programs (including animal care; interacting with senior citizens; cooking; hiking; running small businesses; and having youth identify a community need and address it).  Youthlinks collaborates with the local school system and a number of local partner organizations, businesses, and volunteers.  For more information about Youthlinks call 594-2221 or check out the website at wwww.broadreachmaine.org.