
Participants in a winter 2007 underage alcohol compliance check
(l-r):
Jo Ann Rielly, Mechanicville Commissioner of Public
Safety; Chief Joe Waldron, Mechanicville PD; Lt. David DeCelle,
Mechanicville PD; Jim Murphy, Saratoga County DA; Judy Ekman,
The Prevention Council; Bob Munroe, owner of the 4th Quarter Café; Frank Costanzo, Costanzo's Lounge and Restaurant; and Stacie Salvi, Mechanicville Commissioner of Accounts.
Accomplishments /
Action Plan
Mission Statement /
Coalition Members
February 2010 Parent Survey
The Shenendehowa Community Coalition was formed in 2006 to build
a community environment that promotes healthy development and
growth for youth. It is made up of representatives from several
agencies and organizations that serve youth in the area.
The coalition develops a community response based on the risk
and protective factors model of prevention. A survey of students
in grades 6-12 is conducted every other year, followed by focus
groups in the intervening years to verify survey results and
gather anecdotal information. Based on this information and the
expertise and resources of the coalition, an action plan is
developed that will reduce risk factors and strengthen
protective factors that have been identified.
Accomplishments
Trained school monitors,
aides, teachers and others to alert them to the risks of
marijuana, signs and symptoms, and reporting procedures.
Placed alcohol and drug awareness brochures
from the Elks at the YMCA and school offices for
area parents.
Developed and implemented a “risks and
responsibilities” course to reduce length of suspension for
youth involved in alcohol and substance use offences.
Developed a Facebook page for the
coalition to share information, engage youth, build networks,
and encourage dialogue on substance use and abuse issues (went
live in May 2009).
Facilitated check for compliance with
underage drinking laws of businesses in Clifton Park,
Waterford and Halfmoon and held press conference recognizing
100% compliance.
2009-2010 Action Plan
Community Event.
Coordinate a series of programs for parents, youth and other
adults. Topics include: Internet Safety/Savvy; Teens and
Healthy Relationships; Adolescent Brain Development and Decision
Making.
Physicians’ Initiative.
Engage with local pediatricians and family practitioners to
address alcohol and substance use with adolescent patients.
Parents’ Initiative.
Address perception of “parental approval of anti-social
behavior” and engage parents through parent surveys. Post
comparisons of parent and student data at district website.
Faith Based initiative.
Encourage area religious institutions to deliver a prevention
message to congregations. (Accomplished, October 2009).
Mission Statement
The
Shenendehowa Community Coalition works to reduce and prevent
risky behaviors among youth, such as substance abuse, violence
and problem gambling, by developing community partnerships that
utilize accurate data and implement proven strategies.
Coalition Members
AJ Management
CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services
Clifton Park Elks
Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County
The Prevention Council
St. Edward the Confessor Church
St. George’s Episcopal Church
Saratoga County District Attorney
Saratoga County Youth Bureau
Seton Health
Shenendehowa Central School District
Shen Council PTA
Shen parents
Shen Pen
Shen PTA
Shen students
Southern Saratoga YMCA
Town of Clifton Park
United Way of the Greater Capital Region
2010
Parent Survey
The Shenendehowa
Community Coalition is currently surveying local parents to
gather their opinions, perceptions and ideas about alcohol and
substance use by youth. The
survey
is very short and will take only a few minutes to complete. All
responses are confidential. The deadline for the survey is
February 28, 2010.
The information gathered will be used to develop and improve
strategies to reduce underage drinking and marijuana use
throughout the Shenendehowa Central School District. Results of
the survey will be reported to the community.

For
more information, send e-mail to
robinlyle@preventioncouncil.org.
For more information,
please call 518-581-1230. |