Lincoln County resident Haley Bezon was recognized as a one of “20 Outstanding Women” for 2023 by the Portland Radio Group. Bezon was selected after being nominated as the founder and director of the local non-profit youth organization Hearty Roots.

The award was presented by Hannaford Supermarkets and Radio Station Coast 93.1.

Six years ago, Bezon’s work as a school counselor inspired her to build a program where kids in need of more social-emotional support systems could connect with nature, themselves and others. She founded Hearty Roots and served a handful of local kids in the first year. Since that time, she and her team have grown the program to support more than 150 kids annually.

Hearty Roots prides itself on “meeting kids where they’re at” – socially, emotionally and physically. Adventure Mentors meet kids on the trails of local preserves to model ways to become the best stewards of themselves, Maine’s wild land, and local communities. Hearty Roots participants can join the after-school Outing Clubs, summer Adventure Camps, monthly Pop-Up Camps, and Taproot Therapeutic Adventure. Every offering at Hearty Roots is a way to “get kids off the grid and into their hearts.”

For more information on the programs, the founder, or to enroll your kiddo, journey on over to heartyroots.org.