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- Welcome Wagon for spending a lot of hours collecting information from businesses and the coalition resource center
to take and welcome new residents in our community. We want to thank Marge Trayer and Imogene Hewitt for all their time and
miles spent.
- Concerned Citizens for putting together two town meetings to “hear your neighbor” and present information
at the Senior Center. Also, they have been active getting “Meth Watch” and Concerned Citizens signs out in
every incorporated town in the County. We want to thank Don and Imogene Hewitt and their cohorts, Joe Dickie and Norma Birdsall.
- The Health Department, Extension Office, and Clinic for hosting and promoting the Health Fair last March. The fair
promoted a healthy community with a lot of information disseminated. Thanks to Cheryl Jones, Carol Corier, and Patty Williams
for providing the coalition with the opportunity to host a booth. The “Vision goggles” were a big hit with the
teenagers.
- USD 284: The staff, teachers, board, and administrators have been outstanding partners with evidenced-based curriculum
in the schools (Reconnecting Youth at CCHS and Project Alert at CCMS), holding assemblies in conjunction with Sheriff Dorneker
and the coalition, and award-winning Red Ribbon Week activities.
- Parents As Teachers: Jill Lauer has again completed an outstanding year as coordinator and is working with others
to extend the program throughout the next school year with alternative funding.
- The Chamber of Commerce and other businesses have shown their support by helping with Red Ribbon Week celebration,
information dissemination, and supporting SYNAR and ABC Beverage Service Training.
- The Ministerial Alliance and area churches have promoted Red Ribbon Week and other special events and announcements.
They have supported summer camp, delivered messages on substance abuse and rehabilitation. They also serve numerous youth
of all ages with their youth programs, giving the youth of Chase County multiple opportunities for drug free alternative activities.
- Law Enforcement: Sheriff Dorneker has been very pro-active on the prevention of tobacco and alcohol use among our
youth. He has given assemblies at all the schools on substance abuse, bullying, and safety issues. The number of arrests for MIPs
and DUIs have increased since his election.
- Media: The Chase County Leader News has provided covereage and free advertisment for our events consistently throughout
the year. Channel 36 has broadcast meetings, trainings, events, and PSAs throughout the year to keep the community informed.
This coverage from both sources has allowed shut-ins and those unable to attend coalition activities to stay informed.
- Chase County Youth Technology Center: The Tech Center has hosted our office space and provided technology for the
coalition for five years. It provides afterschool, weekend, and summer programs for youth as drug free alternative activities.
In July, 2007, they began Chase County Mentors, adding dimension to the programs that are offered with tutoring, one-on-one
mentoring, group activities, community service, and monthly events. Thanks go to Liz Scott, Amy Budke, Mary Sharp, and all
the wonderful adult and youth volunteers that make it work.
- Girl Scouts Council of the Flint Hills: Kitty Frank has brought a new partner into our coalition and we have partnered
with the Girl Scouts on Mall Madness, bullying training, and other youth leadership programs. Kitty and her organization have
provided excellent opportunities for our youth and adults to participate in.
- Youth have been very active in the community, state and nationally. Volunteers have attended national conferences,
state conferences, SADD meetings, Teens and Tweens Taking Action meetings, local retreats, and have advocated for change at
the State House. Their energetic participation in Red Ribbon Week and other events has proven that they are the movement in
drug and alcohol prevention in Chase County. Over 40 youth participated in trainings conferences at the State and National
level last year.
- Parents are key in the success of our coalition, also. Members Carrie Cress, Mary Sharp, Tommy Butter, Pam Gile,
Davy Sharp, and Erica Grayson are frequent volunteers at drug free alternative activities.
- Civic Club: Thanks to the Lions Club, under the leadership of James Redick, the community has come together to
raise enough money to replace playground equipment in Swope Park and add a fitness trail. This will be a great family-friendly
area to promote good clean fun.
- Judicial: 5th District Judge Fowler has shared information with us on underage drinking laws and was
a major supporter in attaining funding through the Juvenile Justice Authority for the creation of the Chase County Mentor
program.
- Regional Agencies, including the Mental Health Center of East Central Kansas and Corner House, have not only provided
services to residents of Chase County, but have proven to be valuable resources for treatment to our coalition.
- State Agencies provide a wealth of knowledge, information, and volunteers in our coalition work.
- SRS Outreach Coordinator Ken Grochowsky performed outstanding secretarial duties for monthly meetings, attended
several youth events, and worked with Parents As Teachers on a Father program. He is engaged in every aspect of coalition
development and activities.
- Regional Prevention Center of the Flint Hills has served as an excellent resource for our coalition. Teresa Walters,
Richard Nibarger, and their newest recruit, Dorothy Jochem, work with staff and board members in training, assessments, and
evaluation.
- Other State Agencies providing training, staff, and fiscal and education opportunities include: Kansas Family Partnership,
Kansas Red Ribbon Committee, Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free, Kansas National Guard, Kansas Drug Endangered Children
Alliance, Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Drunk Driving Prevention Office, and Kansas Department
of Transportation.
- State and Federal Legislators: U. S. Congressman Jerry Moran, Representatives Donald Dahl and Peggy Mast, and State
Senator Dr. James Barnett have worked diligently to promote an alcohol and drug free community throughout our state. Their
efforts and time have improved legislation and funding for our efforts tremendously.
- Board and Coalition Members: We are very fortunate to have a group of volunteers attend the monthly meetings and
trainings for the coalition. To coin an old African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child”, no one sector
is responsible to prevent the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. We feel fortunate to have all sectors of our community
working together, giving out the same consistent message, and everyone’s hard work is deeply appreciated.
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