PLANTING SEEDS
OF HOPE

Passionate Beginnings

Planting the seeds of HOPE is so important to Y.O.U. That is just the beginning of the journey. Y.O.U. was founded in 1995 by Joseph Maxim “Big Joe”, as he is called by many young people. Because Joe is a recovered addict himself, he saw the need to help the young generation through insight, education, and compassion.

We’re in this together!

Y.O.U. has grown over the past 25 years and the support and collaboration of so many caring people are invaluable to us.
We are truly in this together! “Big Joe” and his wife Chris’ compassion started this program but it takes a recovering community to heal.

This community was set up for recovery!

Board of Directors

“Big Joe” Maxim – Founder

Joe Maxim, a.k.a. Big Joe, grew up near Pittsburgh. The youngest of eight children, he struggled with addiction in his early-teen years and into early adulthood. When he finally beat his ten-year addiction around the age of 24, he chose to help others do the same – and began Young Overcomers United. It started with one young person in his home and has since become a source of hope for hundreds of young addicts and their families looking to make a change.

Over the past 25 years, Joe and his wife Chris together have given young people the tools they need to succeed in recovery. In many cases, he encourages them to become leaders themselves, helping others to achieve freedom from addiction. Creating change in the lives of tomorrow’s leaders is his ultimate goal.

This community was set up for recovery!

Chris Maxim, Co-Founder/Director of Operations

Chris had no first hand knowledge of drugs or alcohol use but saw the other side by watching her boyfriend’s addiction. She also watched her boyfriend recover from addiction and now “Big Joe” has been her husband for more than 30 years. She has learned a lot over the past several years and understands both the dependent and the co-dependents role in addiction. Chris has also learned every recovery is different and there isn’t one clear answer.

Olivia Mathews, Chairperson

Olivia is a graduate of Saint Vincent College where she received her B.A. in Criminology, Law, and Society. During her time at SVC, she was a researcher and independent contractor for a qualitative drug overdose and recovery study within Westmoreland County. Olivia received her M.A. in Criminal Justice from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She proceeded with her education at Liberty University where she received a M.A. in Christian Ministry. Olivia has also entered the field of recovery as a Christian drug and alcohol therapist within a detox/inpatient rehabilitation facility, and is currently completing her dissertation for a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Liberty University. During her time at IUP, she was introduced to Big Joe and Y.O.U. in 2018. Having been a follower of the Lord her entire life, Olivia knew the Christ-centered approach was the missing piece to the recovery journey and the assignment she needed to reinforce. Thus, Olivia has been serving alongside members of Y.O.U. ever since. The purpose of her dissertation is to shine a bright light on the effectiveness of Christ in redeeming the addict and setting them free. The Y.O.U. ministry is the focal point of her research endeavor as are the Y.O.U. participants and team. Together, the hope and prayer is to publish the profound confirmation that the miracle of faith has the promise to overcome addiction once and for all.

Rick Nedley

Rick grew up in the Penn-Trafford area and after a 38 year career with the YMCA. Rick and his wife Sue, a retired school teacher, have four grown children and six grandchildren.  Rick’s hobbies include hunting and fishing, and all sports. Rick loves the Lord and currently serves his church as an Elder.  Rick feels “called”to Y.O.U. to utilize his various consulting skills that he used when working for YMCA of the USA. He has a a gift of compassion, especially for young men and women struggling with addictions, and wants to be a part of their road to recovery with Y.O.U. 

Brian Smith JD, MTh

Brian is the Community Relations Pastor at Cornerstone Ministries.  He’s been on the board of Young Overcomers United for over 5 years.  For over 25 years, he has also been in the financial services arena and now runs his own estate/insurance planning practice in Pittsburgh and in Naples Florida.  Brian is married to his wife, Frankie, and they have two sons. They reside in Murrysville PA. 

Lisa Boyd

Lisa joined the board of Y.O.U. in 2019 hoping to help make a difference for those hurting and suffering from drug and alcohol abuse.  She brought with her the pain, knowledge and experience of losing a loved one to addiction.  She has also spent the last 30 years in the financial services and private equity industry.  She and her two sons are residents of Murrysville. They enjoy the beach, skiing and travel.

Patrick Carl

Patrick is a graduate of The University of Pittsburgh and currently is a Diabetes Executive Specialty Representative with Sanofi Pharmaceuticals.  Patrick has been married to his wife, Heidi, for 24 years and they have two children. 

Heidi Carl

Heidi is a graduate of Point Park University and currently is the International Marketing Manager with PM International Nutrition Company.  Heidi has been married to her husband, Patrick, for 24 years and they have two children.

Kerri Beatty

Kerri is a procurement consultant living in Murrysville with her husband Martin, 4 children, and a basement full of ice hockey and soccer equipment.  She has a passion for serving with a heart on fire to help impact the next generation through education and compassion.  Her eyes opened to the importance of Y.O.U. after meeting ‘Big Joe’ during a loved one’s struggle with addiction.  Kerri has served on the Y.O.U. board since 2019.

Sandy Duryea, Secretary

Sandy was born in Indiana, PA and is a graduate from California University of Pennsylvania.  Presently, she is a Registered Behavior Technician employed by Easter Seals of Western Central Pennsylvania in their preschool program.  Sandy’s family has been touched by addiction and recovery.  She also participates in Y.O.U.’s Parents Praying for Parents (PSP) program.

Donald Clark

Donald has served Young Overcomers United in several leadership capacities since 2008, after first attending Y.O.U. as a resource to recover from 10 years of drug abuse. Continued mentorship from Big Joe has equipped Donald to help others experience a life of freedom in Jesus. Donald now runs a Christian Apparel business with his wife of 10 years, Katie, and is a Global Marketing & Creative Services Manager. Donald and Katie enjoy hiking, traveling, kayaking, skydiving, playing soccer, and serving Jesus.

Brian Hamilton

Brian was raised in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh and currently resides in Murrysville with his wife Michelle. Brian and Michelle have two children. He works for a local engineering firm as a Sr. Sales Engineer. His passions include spending time with his family, studying the Bible, and playing drums for his church’s worship team. Brian is a graduate of the Teen Challenge residential treatment program and currently celebrates over 20 years of freedom from opiate addiction.

Y.O.U.’s 10 Step Approach

Step 1:

ACKNOWLEDGE that I have a problem or an addiction.

  • Are the things I am involved in creating a positive or negative effect on my life?
  • Would I want my future child to be doing what I am doing?
  • Are the things I am doing hurting me physically and emotionally?
  • Do I feel guilty or ashamed about the things I am involved in?
  • Do I find myself hiding the things I am involved in?
  • Is my life out of control?

Step 2:

MAKE a decision to be free from the things I’m involved in.

  • Some people want to control addiction but don’t want to be free.
  • Nothing good comes easy, that is why addiction comes easy.
  • Good decisions make good things happen, bad decisions make bad things happen.
  • There is a price to pay for freedom; it is sacrifice.
  • There are no great victories without great challenges.

Step 3:

ACCEPT that I was made for a specific purpose and that God has a perfect plan for my life.

  • “For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” Eph. 2:10
  • If God Himself prepared beforehand that we should walk in them, than He has given us a plan to carry them out.

Step 4:

RECEIVE SALVATION (THE WAY TO HEAVEN)

  • It is a free gift, believing that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross for my sins, giving me the choice of eternal life.
  • “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 8:23

HOW TO RECEIVE SALVATION:

  • Ask Jesus Christ to come into my life, forgive my sins and help me to live the life He has for me. Believe He is God and the only way into Heaven.
  • “By grace we’re saved through faith, it is a gift from God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9
  • “When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore.” 2 Cor. 5:17

Step 5:

GIVE GOD all authority and Lordship over my life
?? WHO IS MAKING MY DECISIONS ??

  • Surrender my life on a daily basis, allowing my decisions to be based on His word, The Bible.
  • “He keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. He keeps His eyes upon you as you come and go and always guards you.” Psalms 121:7

Step 6:

FORGIVE myself. God’s will is that I forgive myself.

  • “There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Rom 8:1

“He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities underfoot. Yes, thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19

Step 7:

BUILDING A BRIDGE, asking for forgiveness from those I have wronged.

  • First step in regaining trust to those I have hurt.
  • “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

Step 8:

BE CAUTIOUS! BACKSLIDING HAPPENS!

  • Am I going back to my old ways? Have I chosen the wrong Lord over my life?

—DO NOT CONDEM YOURSELF—

  • Backsliding is often the result of overconfidence in one’s self and lack of seeking and accepting help, from friends, family, and most important, God. Jesus said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” Heb. 13:5 b
  • “If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength;” Eccl. 10:10
  • “Give your burdens to the Lord and He will carry them. He will not permit the godly to slip or fall.” Psalms 55:22

Step 9:

COMMIT myself daily to Christ by reading and praying.

  • Jesus Himself dedicated time to pray every day.
  • Dedication, not desire, controls my destiny.
  • Prayer is the doorway that will guide me through life.
  • “Ask and you will be given what you ask for. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will open.” Matt. 7:7
  • “May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19:14
  • “Create in me a new clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires.” Psalms 51:10
  • “The Lord’s loving-kindness indeed never ceases, for His compassion never fails. They are new every mourning; great is Thy faithfulness.” Lam. 3:22-23

Step 10:

FIND a home church and get involved.

  • God wants me to be a functioning part of a church.
  • I need to ask Jesus where He wants me to be.
  • I need to share with other what God has done for me.
  • “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Pet. 4:10