|
Organization Philosophy and Strategies
The programs offered by Grand Futures Prevention Coalition meet the health and human service needs of Northwest Colorado communities since they are designed to enhance protective factors and reverse risk factors associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. All of our programming is based on these substance abuse risk and protective factors and on Dr. Peter Benson’s Developmental Assets resiliency model. In addition, as demonstrated by our broad-based programming, we rely on current research showing that effective prevention efforts must utilize multiple strategies, be long-term, and target diverse segments of the population. Broad-based programming is critical since research shows that the presence of risk factors makes it more likely that a person will engage in substance abuse. Early and persistent antisocial behavior, a family history of substance abuse, a negative community norm around ATOD use, and the availability of ATODs are just some examples of risk factors. In contrast, protective factors, such as positive social orientation, an emotionally supportive family, and community norms unfavorable to substance abuse, can buffer an individual from risk.
Additionally, Grand Futures utilizes prevention strategies developed and recommended by the national Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). These strategies have been proved to be effective and include information dissemination, education, community-based process, alternative activities, and environmental prevention. Each of our programs falls into one or more of these strategies.
Alcohol Compliance Checks - Collaborating with local law enforcement and youth volunteers under the age of 21, Grand Futures Prevention Coalition conducts alcohol compliance checks. These checks are similar in nature to the tobacco compliance checks (above).
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug-free Events - Grand Futures Prevention Coalition collaborates with local organizations and schools to sponsor and coordinate safe, fun and ATOD-free events for youth. These events include Splash (see below), Battle of the Bands, Cosmic Bowling, Youth in Motion/Soap Box Derby, and Swing Dances, just to name a few. We also provide funding for local after prom and after graduation events.
Community Readiness Assessment and Data Collection – Recognizing the changing demographics and needs in Northwest Colorado, GFPC is currently providing leadership and guidance to local communities by implementing Community Readiness Assessments and collecting local data on the impact of ATOD use and abuse on youth under the age of 21 years.
Creating Lasting Family Connections (CLFC) - CLFC is a research-based, family strengthening intervention program. CLFC has been chosen as a model program on a national level by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The program involves both parents/guardians and their children and modules are held once per week for six weeks and conducted by certified CLFC facilitators. CLFC modules include Developing Positive Parental Influences/Developing a Positive Response, Raising Resilient Youth/ Developing Independence and Responsibility, and Getting Real Communications Training. We continue to recruit and train CLFC facilitators and have collaborate with other nonprofit, youth-serving organizations to implement this program.
Grand Youth Retreat – This retreat began in 1996 and is an opportunity for middle school students from both sides of Grand County to make new friends, learn about themselves by doing low R.O.P.E.S. initiatives, and learn about a variety of other topics through activities and discussions. Grand Futures Prevention Coalition has been collaborating with various agencies including GCRY, CSU Cooperative Extension, and Snow Mountain Ranch to hold this event for approximately 30 middle school students from East and West Grand County. This annual overnight retreat is held in late April at Camp Chief Ouray - Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies.
Great American Smokeout - GFPC develops, advertises, and distributes Tobacco Quit Kits to area residents in collaboration with the State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership during the annual Great American Smokeout in November. The quit kits contain information and other items tobacco users need to help them quit. Additionally, we sponsor and conduct tobacco presentations at area high schools and colleges.
Parental/Community ATOD Education and Awareness – Offering informational brochures, interactive displays, and other materials at local health fairs and other community and school events, GFPC reaches thousands of parents and community members to raise awareness of the issue of substance abuse and prevention resources available.
Red Ribbon Week – Red Ribbon Week is a national initiative that began in 1985 following the brutal murder of Drug Enforcement Agency Agent Enrique Camarena by a drug cartel in South America. Mourners at his funeral wore red ribbons in honor of his memory. Grassroots organizations across the country adopted the red ribbon and established Red Ribbon Week (October 23 – 31) to promote awareness of substance abuse issues in communities across the United States. Working with local citizens, schools, and governments, GFPC publicizes this annual drug prevention week through radio, newspaper and television advertising, speakers, educational activities, promotional items, banners, proclamations, community forums, assemblies, and other community outreach activities. For more information, go to www.redribbonweek.org.
Splash – The Splash Swimming Activity is an annual event sponsored by Grand Futures Prevention Coalition and Craig Parks and Recreation. Two nights of fun activities, including swimming, karaoke and pizza, are enjoyed by youth in 5th-8th grade.
Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness – This type of programming increases substance abuse awareness through media campaigns and public service announcements. We utilize radio and newspaper advertising, brochures, flyers and other educational materials to promote public awareness of local substance abuse issues and prevention methods. We also promote special events such as Red Ribbon Week, the Great American Smokeout, National Alcohol Awareness Month, and National Inhalants Prevention week.
School Prevention Presentations – In collaboration with school counselors and health education teachers, GFPC conducts alcohol and tobacco prevention presentations to local schools. GFPC also sponsor workshops on parenting issues.
TIPS Training – The TIPS Training program trains alcohol servers (bartenders, wait staff, liquor store clerks) to serve alcohol responsibly as well as provides information on asking for and checking identification. Many cities in our area require that anyone serving alcohol must be TIPS/Server certified.
Tobacco Compliance Checks - In cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, Grand Futures conducts yearly tobacco compliance checks. Youth volunteers under the age of 18 attempt to purchase tobacco products at local convenience stores, supermarkets, and liquor stores. The purpose of the checks is to determine if tobacco products are being sold to minors. Businesses are provided with information regarding asking for and checking identification, as well as information on the laws against selling to minors and the consequences of breaking those laws. The checks have been educational in nature some years, while other years citations have been issued to the business if they sold to the minor.
Tobacco Education and Activism -This initiative is designed to coordinate comprehensive, community-wide tobacco prevention services. Activities involved in promoting youth advocacy and empowerment include recruiting schools and community-based youth serving organizations to host a Get REAL(Resist Expose Tobacco Lies) coalition, training local GET REAL adult sponsors, providing local technical assistance to Get REAL coalitions, as well as recruiting non-coalition schools and community-based youth serving organizations to participate in the Get REAL 2006 spring statewide events. |
