By Mary Ann Krems and Dee Erlandson, PCAY
Portage County Alliance for Youth, an all volunteer group of individuals and agencies who care about youth and promote positive youth development, is proudly celebrating 25 years of service in 2009.
A bit of PCAY history:
In 1982, following four teen deaths (all related to alcohol and other drugs), a group of concerned parents and school personnel began to address the problem of alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) in our community. Serious concerns were raised when the group learned that chemical abuse is one of the most common causes of injury and death in the fifteen through twenty-one year old population.
Our most precious resource, our children, were at risk. Research and information presented at conferences with law enforcement, educators, and concerned citizens indicated that the best approach to addressing the problems of AODA among youth was school-based awareness, early intervention, and prevention programming.
In 1983, a State Department of Public Instruction grant was applied for and awarded to fund the beginning of an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Intervention program. A full time AODA Intervention Coordinator, the first in the state, was hired at Stevens Point Area Senior High and a part time coordinator was identified at Pacelli High School. Students were trained and supported to be peer advisors in both schools. A core group of teachers traveled to Community Intervention in St. Paul, Minnesota for special workshops to address youth issues.
The Citizen’s Committee continued to function and in 1984 incorporated as Portage County Chemical Intervention for Youth, Inc. PCIFY, Inc. not only laid the foundation for prevention curriculum and support groups in the schools, but they also led the way in providing chemical-free, fun activities like MORP.
In 2001, PCIFY changed their name to Portage County Alliance for Youth and joined the larger state organization Wisconsin Alliance for Youth. The Developmental Asset® process from Search Institute was introduced into PCAY programming. The County Board passed a resolution to support the concept and practice of building Developmental Assets throughout Portage County. Presentations on building Developmental Assets and implementing these assets into their views are offered to all schools and youth, civic, and religious groups when requested. Teaching parents and training each school staff as well as the students themselves on how to build assets continues.
Celebrating 25 years of prevention outreach and education in Portage County, PCAY continues as a group of committed volunteers who address the important issues for youth in prevention and positive youth development. Our members believe that building assets in youth from birth to adulthood will reduce their level of high-risk behaviors. Youth engaged in high-risk bring a high cost to communities who face reduced funding when it comes to addressing and supporting youth issues and concerns.
PCAY continues collaboration with the Portage County AODA Coalition and the Northwoods Coalition to stay updated on the latest research and best practices in working with youth.
For more information on Developmental Assets, go to www.search-institute.org or http://search-institute.org/hc-hy/initiative/portage-county-alliance-youth.
