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Causes: Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention
Mission: TOGETHER! prevents youth violence and substance abuse through awareness, advocacy and action to support youth and families.
Results: We have been working in the community for 21 years. During that time, testimony from our staff and youth has contributed to rules and laws being passed, by the Legislature and by state agencies. We have cleaned up city parks and gotten smoking bans enacted on these parks as well. Through education and social norms campaigns, we have seen a decrease in the number of youth using alcohol and drugs and in the number of youth who think these things are acceptable. We have helped countless low-income youth avoid gangs and be much more successful in their education, sending some on to college that would otherwise not have gone if not for our programs.
Target demographics: Youth and families in Thurston County, WA
Direct beneficiaries per year: Hundreds
Geographic areas served: Thurston County, WA
Programs: Neighborhood Center and after-school programs offer tutoring, mentoring, social skill-building, snacks and more. Education programs in schools, such as Social Norms, Teens Against Tobacco Use and Project ALERT, teach kids about the positives (most kids do NOT use alcohol/drugs) and educates them on substance abuse dangers. Rx360 Washington teaches the community about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and how everyone can help reduce the problem. Library Nights promote literacy and family togetherness. Our Resource Library provides printed materials on a variety of subjects. We have numerous substance abuse prevention programs, too.