Mission: TEAM FORT COLLINS IS DEDICATED TO PREVENTING THE ABUSE AND ILLEGAL USE OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND DRUGS, ESPECIALLY AMOUNG YOUTH AND FAMILIES, BY PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFE STYLES THROUGH COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, AND INTERACTIVE EVENTS.
Target demographics: youth, young adults, parents
Direct beneficiaries per year: over 10,000
Geographic areas served: Greater Fort Collins
Programs: Underage drinking prevention - the prevention of underage drinking advocating for effective public policy and initiating enforcement collaborations to reduce youth access to alcohol.
decreasing persistent drunk driving - the program focuses on a social norm campaign at the community college level, information dissemination, and increased supervision of persistent drunk drivers.
define youth program - this mentorship program was developed to reach youth on the brink of substance use or before being pulled in unhealthy directions. The mission of this program is to promote wellness and prevent future substance use issues through education, volunteerism, and personal projects focused on the strengths and interests of each participant.
actuality social norm marketing campaign - this program challenges teen misperceptions about unhealthy behavior ranging from school climate to substance abuse. Using a social norms model, actuality engages students and communities in a positive approach to health promotion. Other program services include the campus community coalition, a group of key leaders on the colorado state university campus and in the community, with a goal of reducing the high risk and underage drinking and marijuana use. Transition talks consist of parent talks at local schools that address teen issues. Responsible alcohol retailers and downtown after dark provide strategies for responsible alcohol use. The community information resource center provides current and relevant information for educating the community on the effects of alcohol, tobacco and drug use.
My son is a skate boarder and there were some serious issues at the Northside skate park that the police were not able to help me with, but I finally found someone there who directed me to TFC. When I went to them, I talked to Stacey who was incredibly kind and willing to help me. I went to visit in person and was thrilled to find they were very interested in my concern. To make a long story short, they were able to form a coalition of various people to work on the issues our community is having at the local skate board parks. I've been trhilled with their willingness to be proactive in solving some of these issues. The issues are very serious in my mind and since I was hitting dead ends everywhere else I turned, I was excited to see that they were glad to help and found the issues as troublesome as I did. It's been awesome to work with the people of TFC and I'm SO glad to have them in our community...they are truly and asset for Fort Collins.
I have been involved with TEAM for 15 years and have been involved with many of the activities and serve on the Board. I teach in the High Schools Reality Check a program of awareness and education with social norms. We talk about the influences that the media has and flash judgements and how to handle stress and the good ways to handle the stresses in our lives.
As a parent and business owner, I am proud to be on the Board of Directors. I feel this is a small way I can give back to the community. I believe in what TEAM is doing to help our youth and the future of Northern Colorado.
