The power of friendship at Maine’s STRIVE

By U.S. Sen. Angus King

Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin shared it, the Beatles sang about it, and we all rely on it each and every day. I’m talking, of course, about friendship. The power of friendship can make all the difference as we navigate life, and just last week, I was lucky enough to witness a wonderful example of friendship between two young Mainers at STRIVE in South Portland.

STRIVE is an impressive and inspiring organization that helps young adults with disabilities here in our state to develop the skills they need to live independent lives. On February 18th, I attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at STRIVE’s new facility in South Portland. Now, I knew going into the event about the great people working and learning at STRIVE – after all, several STRIVE students have interned in my Scarborough office and done a fantastic job – but I still wasn’t prepared for the touching scene that awaited.

During the event, STRIVE Associate Director Peter Brown turned the microphone over to student Suzy Cloutier so that she could share her experiences at the organization, share what she has learned, and help welcome everyone to the new facility. But when Suzy got up in front of the large crowd, she experienced a very understandable bout of stage fright. For a moment, it seemed that she might be unable to go on — that is, until a friend came and helped her overcome her fears.

Fellow STRIVE student Chandler Hawkes walked up to the podium, put his arm around his friend, and asked her, “You all right, Suze?” In that moment, Suzy seemed transformed by her friend’s support. She exclaimed, “Okay, I can do it now!” And then she really hit her stride.

Suzy went on to speak passionately about why she likes going to STRIVE. She went through the skills she learns there — such as cooking, managing money, and taking care of animals. And above all, she emphasized the strong friendships she has made through the program. Her speech, which almost didn’t happen, was met with thunderous and deserving applause. Those of us in the audience knew we had witnessed something special, and there was hardly a dry eye in the room.

With a little help from her friend Chandler, Suzy was able to find strength within herself and do something remarkable.  On that day, everyone at STRIVE had a front row seat to the true power of friendship. Given my experience with the organization, I’m sure there will be many more friendships forged in the new South Portland facility.

I want to thank Suzy, Chandler, and everyone at STRIVE for reminding us that with a little help, we all are capable of great things. (If you would like to see the special moment for yourself, you can watch it on WGME’s website.)