Project Soul Chains – Freedom Night

April 15, 2026
News

Over the past several months, teens at the AYCC and the South End Teen Center↗ have been part of something deeply meaningful. Project Soul Chains, a powerful initiative created in partnership with the Children’s Advocacy Center↗ .

Guided by Maegan and the team at Silent No More↗, participants have explored the complex realities of trauma. They explored what it is, how it shows up, and how it can shape the mind and body. Through open conversation and creative expression, teens have worked to understand the “why” behind their feelings and begin building the tools to move forward.

This work isn’t easy, but it’s important. And it’s inspiring.

At its core, Project Soul Chains is about breaking cycles, building awareness, and discovering pathways toward healing and freedom. It’s about giving young people the space to be heard, to create, and to transform their experiences into something powerful.

A long table covered with a blue AYCC-logoed tablecloth contains a large sign describing Project Soul Chains. Other paperwork, information, and clay art are at the far end of the table. Paper chains hang on a white wall, next to artwork and painted facemasks. They are illuminated by lights on the floor. A group of teens, program staff, and Officer Rob Bouley pose for a group photo in front of an AYCC-logoed background.

Experiences of the Exhibit

The community was invited to witness the journey firsthand at Freedom Night, where these stories and expressions came to life. On Friday, April 3, 2026, teens from both the AYCC and SETC programs met at Waterville Creates↗ during their First Friday programming. The exhibit of artwork from both programs looks into the strength, resilience, and creativity of the teens. Each piece told a story; not just of challenge, but of growth, courage, and hope.

A table with a blue tableloth holds various shapes and sizes of clay art work. Various art media and information about Project Soul Chains are lying on a table with a blue tablecloth. Each teen participant received a gold medalian with "Project Soul Chains 2026" engraved on it. The medallian with a thick light blue ribbon is attached and wrapped around an individual's hand, with the palm facing up.

Why It Matters

When young people are given the tools to understand themselves, incredible things happen. They begin to rewrite their narratives. They find their voice. And they remind us just how powerful healing and connection can be. The grand finale of the event included using paper chains and the teens running through the chains, breaking the patterns and the trauma.

A video created by Maegan↗ with the teens gives a glimpse into their thoughts and feelings around the program.