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Wilson Area Community – During National Prevention Week (May 8 to 14) and Mental Health Awareness Month, Wilson Area Communities That Care Coalition is inviting local residents and businesses to learn more about the effort to encourage healthy youth development in the Wilson Area Community.
Based on the analysis of the data and input from the community, the following priority risk factors were identified for the community to focus on over the next several years:
· Low Neighborhood Attachment
· Depressive Symptoms
· Perceived Risk of Drug Use
· Parental Attitudes Toward Antisocial Behavior
These risk factors were selected as priorities because the data indicated that they are among the most elevated throughout the Wilson Area Community. They will be given particular attention while implementing strategies or programs to address these four risk factors when developing a prevention plan. In addition, “Opportunities and Rewards for Prosocial Involvement” have been identified as the most important protective factors and will be the focus of the prevention effort.
The Wilson Area Communities that Care (CTC) Coalition is a group of youth, families, community leaders, business members, and residents from the Wilson Area School District and surrounding communities. The coalition consists of a key leader board, to provide group guidance and organization; coalition members, to raise community concerns and develop possible solutions; and work groups that put the plan into action. Our members include WASD students, district parents, residents, local health care experts, law enforcement members, community leaders, and members of non-profit organizations.
Key Accomplishments to Date
· In fall of 2021, the Communities That Care Youth Survey was administered to 6-12th graders in Wilson Area schools.
· In July of 2022, community leaders attended a Key Leader Orientation and committed to the Communities That Care effort.
· In September of 2022, a Community Board was formed. Members attended a three part Community Board Orientation and established a structure for the Wilson Area Communities That Care Coalition. This included forming work groups to achieve the various steps in implementing the Communities That Care system.
· In December, the six workgroups began meeting to assess data from the PAYS survey, draft by-laws, vote on board officers, and establish a vision statement: Wilson Area is an inclusive and nurturing community that provides opportunities for success, purpose and well-being to empower our youth to become respectful, confident and healthy adults, who contribute positively to society.
Communities That Care (CTC) is an evidence-based coalition model that targets the prevention of substance misuse, school dropout, delinquency, violence, and mental health among youth. It has been widely implemented with demonstrated success throughout communities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania since 1998.
Organizations and individuals who are interested in attending a meeting or joining the coalition are encouraged to email LINCS@wilsonareasd.org or call 484-373-6200.
#PreventionHappensHere
#LINCSFamilyCenter
The LINCS Family Center is committed to providing a compassionate and sensitive community resource that empowers Wilson Area School District families by linking them to direct, comprehensive programs addressing social, emotional and physical well-being, educational assistance, and resources needed to raise healthy children and enhance the quality of life of all residents.
Information Provided By:
Trina Johnson-Brady
Community Coordinator
The Wilson Area LINCS Family Center
2400 Firmstone Street Easton, PA
LINCSfamilycenter.org
