Shenendehowa Community Coalition

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.