January - 2021
Collaborating for Youth
Quarterly Newsletter
COLLABORATING THROUGH COVID
As we enter the year 2021, Collaborating For Youth is a determined group of community organizations and partners focused on prevention and positive youth development. We recognize the ever growing importance of the work our partners provide in the community and have been engaged in several months of strategic planning to support another 20 years of successful community building in Adams County. As the mobilizer for our coalition, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our many partners and community members, our neighbors and friends, for your engagement in these efforts. You are the perfect example of "being the change you want to see in the world." We hope this newsletter finds you healthy and happy as we embark on the year 2021.

In prevention,
Andrea Dolges, LPC
Mobilizer CFY Coalition
THE STRATEGIC PLANNING FRAMEWORK (SPF) Engaging the Whole Community in Prevention
In November, three focus groups engaging Hispanic community members were held, with discussions about adult alcohol use and youth alcohol and marijuana use.  Also in November, a ‘Town Hall’ meeting was held and open to both the English and Spanish speaking community. The event featured a conversation about adult dangerous drinking and youth underage drinking. Over 40 participants came to this virtual event. In December the Parents Who Host Lose the Most Campaign was kicked off targeting the Hispanic community. Billboards on local roads and local transit busses are running now. Several business are participating in giving out literature in both Spanish and English about underage drinking.
MEDICINE TAKE BACK
Data Report - Oct. 24, 2020 – Adams County
2,387.4 LBS of unwanted medicines were disposed with 1,019 disposers and 44+ volunteers at 10 sites. 13 law enforcement agencies participated. 16,304 in printed materials were distributed and 19 Narcan Kits. The event was definitely a success!
MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
Respective Solutions Group (RSG)
Youth Violence and the The Collaborative Violence Prevention Initiative
written by John Lewis, Director School/Community Partnerships
Youth violence is defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as the intended use of physical force or power to threaten or harm others by young people ages 10-24. It typically involves young people often hurting peers who are unrelated to them and who they may or may not know well. Youth violence can take different forms. Examples include fighting, bullying, threats with weapons, and gang related violence. A young person can be involved with youth violence as a victim, offender, or witness.

Youth violence starts early. Physical aggression can be common among toddlers, but as children learn alternatives to using violence to solve problems and express emotions before starting school some children may remain aggressive and become more violent. Some early childhood risk factors include impulsive behaviors, poor emotional control, and lack of social and problem-solving skills. Many of the risk factors are the result of experiencing chronic stress, which can alter and/or harm brain development of children and youth. Read more here...
UPCOMING EVENTS

Riding the Wave with Gab
Thursday, January 14, 2021 2:30 to 4pm EST - Click on the link to register
Gab Bonesso’s comedy is manic, frenetic, wild yet rooted in empathy. Her origin story is full of trauma, Bi-Polar, anxiety & grief. RIDE THE WAVE with Gab Bonesso is a raw, high energy & hilarious experience empowering people with mental health issues & raising awareness for those who don’t. If you are a youth or young adult; a parent, family or friend; a provider or supporter; a juvenile justice worker for youth and young adults dealing with mental illness, or just interested in being amused and educated, you don’t want to miss Gab Bonesso.

FREE virtual NARCAN training
Thursday, January 21, 2021 12 to 1pm via zoom - Email to register
Presented by Robert Willis, BA, Prevention Specialist and Narcan Coordinator with York/Adams Drug & Alcohol Commission
Please register to Jen Gastley at 717-337-4137 or email jgastley2@wellspan.org if you are interested in attending. *Registration is due by Monday, January 18, 2021

Medicine Take Back
The next event will be held on April 21, 2021 - locations and times TBD
Online Parent Café Team Training 2021
This 3 day online workshop will prepare your team to effectively host the internationally recognized Be Strong Families Parent Cafés. The Online Parent Café Team Training is an opportunity for teams of 4-6 people per agency to prepare to host Be Strong Families' Online Parent Cafés! This three-day experiential and highly interactive workshop prepares parents and providers to convene and conduct Be Strong Families Online Parent Cafés and build Strengthening Families Protective Factors. During the workshop, participants will learn the Be Strong Families' Online Parent Café anatomy, fidelity, and how to use Be Strong Families' Parent Cafés as part of their parent engagement strategy. February training dates are TBA. 
OTHER RESOURCES and PROGRAMS

  • For those receiving Medical Assistance, Community Care Behavioral Health is the insurance (managed care organization) covering substance use disorder and mental health services for Adams County residents. Feel free to share our 24/7 member line(s) for Adams County and our website: Adams County Member Services (24/7): 1-866-738-9849 / En español: 1-866-229-3187 - Website: www.ccbh.com

  • In conjunction with a grant from the York/Adams Drug & Alcohol Commission (YADAC), WellSpan Pharmacies in Dallastown, York, Apple Hill and Gettysburg are now able to dispense these free Narcan kits. Click here for more information.

  • The Children’s Aid Society’s mission is to help children and families build stronger, healthier lives through compassionate and professional services. Our Family Advocacy program serves children and their families in the greater Adams County areas through our Nicarry Center located in New Oxford, PA. through our Family Advocate. The family advocate visits families in their homes to assess home circumstances and to link the family to other needed community resources. Our family advocate also accepts referrals from the community. Family Advocacy collaborates with these families to provide increased, individualized support and works with caregivers to understand the goals they have for their family and the myriad of obstacles they face. She then helps them find the community resources they need to provide a supportive environment for their children.  Family Advocacy helps families in the areas of Housing, Employment, Mental Health, Food, Transportation, Medical Insurance, Budgeting, and Time Management. Through this process we have affected families lives directly and have prevented homelessness. For more information, please contact our Family Advocate, Jenell Boyer at 717-624-4461 or JBoyer@cassd.org

  • Project Hope Mentoring Program: Join us in celebrating January as National Mentor Month. Without our wonderful volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to support teens in foster care by providing them with a caring adult support. Help us continue the celebration by applying to become a mentor. If you are at least 25 years old, can obtain your clearances, and want to give back, please contact us for more information. Our waitlist continues to grow and we are need of mentors across Adams County for several male youth. We also need female mentors and have a particular need for bilingual mentors. E-mail projecthope@adamscounty.us for more information.