CASE FOR SUPPORT ELIZABETHTOWN AREA COMMUNITIES THAT CARE
Gail Viscome Executive Director, EACTC
As I reflect on all that the EACTC and our community has accomplished to support its children, youth, and families, I am humbled and amazed It has been a great honor to work alongside such excellent community leaders from different sectors to promote the health and safety of our community, families, and children, empowering them to meet the challenges of life events and transitions.
A LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR
Dear Friends,
Twenty years ago, a group of committed citizens came together to support the well being of Elizabethtown’s youth. What started as a plan to create a community resource guide for families quickly grew into an organization focused on healthy youth development Since our founding, EACTC has been providing young people with opportunities, skills and recognition which strengthens bonding with family, school and community Strong bonds motivate young people and families to adopt healthy standards for behavior. EACTC promotes the health and safety of our youth and empowers them to meet the challenges of life. The goal has been to create a comprehensive, community wide approach to support children, teens, and families EACTC has done this by collaborating with many organizations, partners, and individuals to provide strategies that directly serve youth, programs that support families and parenting, and initiatives reducing substance use
While our accomplishments are significant, there is still more work to be done. I feel grateful to have worked alongside so many wonderful leaders, partners, and students in our efforts. Whatever role you have played in our mission, I thank you! I cannot wait to see what the next 10 years and beyond hold for our small but mighty non profit Please continue to join us on the journey!
these
experience unclear expectations for behavior
Belief in the Moral Order
Family Opportunities and Rewards for Prosocial Involvement:
HOW EACTC WORKS
Most Significant Risk Factors in
are more likely to
seeing being a student in a positive light
Students risks associated with drug alcohol use especially of substances
perception of the
Elizabethtown
Students
Students not feel a sense of belonging and attachment in their neighborhoods and report changing homes multiple times in one year
do
Perceived
is low,
Risk of Drug Use (46%): Family Management (47%): Low Neighborhood Attachment (47%):
Family Attachment
Most Significant Protective Factors in Elizabethtown Students have a belief in what is "right" and "wrong"
There is a clear association between these risk factors and unhealthy, risky behaviors Similarly, there is an association between the protective factors and healthy youth development. Our programs are delivered directly to youth and families in Elizabethtown to target these risk areas and boost protective factors. Community engagement is essential in addressing these issues to help keep our children healthy and safe. EACTC partners with Elizabethtown Area School District, Civic Clubs, the local faith community, community businesses, Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol, Compass Mark, Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Centers for Disease Control, PA Liquor Control Board, parents and individuals. We serve local families and the Elizabethtown Area School District by providing additional tools and supports to help our youth lead healthy, purposeful lives. EACTC initiatives and programs focus on community based prevention, school based programs and prevention, and community education.
Students feel that they are a valued part of their family Students have opportunities and rewards within their families for positive participation in activities, which helps youth bond to the community and lowers their risk for substance use
From 2021 Elizabethtown PA Youth Survey Data
Low
Commitment to School (56%):
EACTC supports children and families in Elizabethtown by using the Communities That Care model process developed by researchers at the University of Washington. By balancing hope and concern, EACTC takes a comprehensive approach to understanding the causes of issues facing our community and developing effective strategies to address them. EACTC has collaborated for the past twenty years with the Elizabethtown Area School District and the Penn State University Evidence Based Intervention and Support (EPIS) Project to administer the PA Youth Survey which helps us understand the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that our middle school and high school students have towards alcohol, drugs, and other concerning behaviors
Students have stopped
and
in binge use
Trinity has been in PEP Club for two years at Bear Creek School. She loves PEP because she "gets to learn new things and to learn that making new friends isn't so bad. I have made a lot of new friends in PEP". This club has been run since 1999 and has served over 1000 students. PEP students engage with Etown College mentors on fun activities designed to improve friendship skills and teach positive ways to express and understand emotions.
Amiah is a 5th grade student who participated in EACTC's Club Ophelia, a weekly after school club focused on helping students develop healthy relationship skills and learn successful ways of handling bullying. Amiah participated in Club Ophelia in both the Fall and Spring because she "learned a lot about friendship and avoiding drama" Amiah's mentor Maddie reflected that "Club O is such a great way to give young girl's confidence and problem solving skills to lead them into an amazing and healthy life. It creates many friendships between the girls in the club."
ZOEY GUTIERREZ TURNAROUND RECOGNITION BREAKFAST
Zoey is an Elizabethtown Area High School student who was nominated by her teachers and recognized at the annual Turnaround Recognition Breakfast, an event for students that have shown significant, positive improvements during the academic year. Zoey reflected that "the harder you work for something, the greater you'll feel when you achieve it" when describing her accomplishments this year.
Mia participated in one of EACTC's QPR trainings, a program designed to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives through suicide prevention training by empowering participants to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know. "Knowing how to recognize the signs of a person contemplating suicide and learning how to refer that person for help can be life changing for all students. The QPR training gave me the tools to know what to say and do to recognize and help someone in need."
MIA ROTH MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND PREVENTION
MADDIE FANUS & AMIAH EISENHOWER CLUB OPHELIA
TRINITY HAMMOND PEP CLUB
STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Maya Kenley has been involved in the PAWS and Think Club for three ye PAWS...And Think student leaders work to change school wide misperce about student substance use. "I loved working with the elementary scho children in the Plant the Promise program. I have learned a lot through PAWS...And Think about the importance of healthy choices and in devel leadership skills".
Cristian was recognized this year as part of the Do The Right Thing program. Cristian has a kind, generous spirit and helps his teachers by assisting ESL students throughout every school day. He has done tremendously well as a student himself this year. Cristian will be recognized several times throughout the year at a School Board meeting, in the local newspaper, and at a Hershey Bears game.
Emmi and Jenna participated in the Bigs & Littles after-school program together. Emmi says that "Bigs and Littles gave me something to look forward to every Monday. I loved getting to see my Little, Jenna, and bond with her. Jenna helped me realize that I want to become a teacher and continue to work with amazing kiddos like her. Jenna reflected that "Emmi was super nice and funny and I really liked making crafts with her. She also helped me through some tough feelings by helping me stay calm Mondays were always good for me because of Bigs and Littles and getting to see my Big."
MAYA KENLEY PAWS AND THINK CLUB
ANTHONY PAGAN ATTOLLO PROGRAM
EMMI DWORSAK & JENNA SPADE BIGS & LITTLES
Anthony is an EASD Senior who has participated in the Attollo leadership and college prep program for two years. Anthony shared that "Attollo is important because it really helps people with figuring out who they truly are inside, helps people build up their future, and find out what they want to do with their lives What I gained from Attollo was a whole new person. To me, Attollo helped me really stretch out of my comfort zone, become a better person, and it helped me who I want to be no matter where I am!".
CRISTIAN FRANCISCO AGUILAR DO THE RIGHT THING
"Every kid is ONE caring adult away from being a success story. Many of our students simply need one on one adult support to help them become successful students! Some students do not have adults at home in the evening who can help them with assignments, organization, or studying. The Homework Helpers partnership has turned struggling students into success stories Last year, the Homework Helpers worked with 7th grade students to help them with skills needed to be successful academically. Every student who participated in the Homework Helpers program was at risk of failing a course at the start of their participation, but by the end of the year, all of our students passed their classes and were promoted to 8th grade! Volunteers naturally developed close connections and built mentoring relationships with students through this process of helping them succeed. Volunteers do not need to be an expert by any means in subject areas! EACTC was extremely helpful in recruiting volunteers, assisting them in completing the required district paperwork in order to be a volunteer, and even funding the necessary clearances, which are part of that paperwork. EAMS is looking forward to this school year where we can continue to grow and strengthen Homework Helpers, not only to increase our students' connections to the community, but also to promote their academic and personal success." Homework Helper adult volunteers work with students to help identify what assignments they need to complete, organize and make a plan to complete work, study and prepare for tests and quizzes, work with students to complete assignments and projects together.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK INITIATIVES
"Keeping prescription medications safe and secure reduces substance abuse. The Medication Drop Boxs at local police stations has been an excellent resource for citizens to safely dispose of unwanted prescription medication EACTC provides medication lock boxs to residents who need to keep their prescription medication safe and secure " Over 1,188 pounds of medication was returned to Elizabethtown law enforcement in 2018 2019.
EACTC supports the Elizabethtown Area School District on a range of initiatives, including the Suite 360 program, Incredible Years, Leader In Me Parent Program, Botvin Life Skills, and the Pre Natal to Grade 3 Initiative. EASD Superintendent Dr. Michele Balliet shares that "Raising children is hard work. Educating children is hard work. It definitely takes a community to do this work The partnership with EACTC that we have to come to value, trust, and rely on over these past twenty years has been absolutely invaluable."
DIANA CHANDRA
DR. MICHELE BALLIET, EASD SUPERINTENDENT SCHOOL BASED PROGRAMS
MIDDLE SCHOOL HOMEWORK HELPERS
CHIEF MARK MAYBERRY
From Elizabethtown's PA Youth Survey data
EACTChasprogramsand initiativesthatrangefrom focusingonhelpingindividual studentsbuildsocialemotional skillstoinitiativesdireted towardsbuildingasafer, healthiercommunityforover 36,000residentswithinthe ElizabethtownAreaSchool District Forevery$1spent onprevention,$11is savedinfuture addictiontreatment costs EACTC Prevention Works 22% less likely to use marijuana 17% less likely to use cigarettes 15% less likely to use alcohol 12% less likely to be arrested
The PA Youth Survey data for Elizabethtown shows significant reductions in problem youth drinking and drug use in Elizabethtown. The amount of prescription medications returned at Prescription Take Back events and community drop boxes has significantly increased and remains strong. In conjunction with these events EACTC has given out hundreds of lock boxes to keep homes safe and has distributed Narcan to community members. EACTC program outcomes have demonstrated that children in our programs are learning positive social emotional skills, friendship skills and conflict resolution.
InCTC communities youthare: https://www prevention psu edu/news/communities that care prevention system helps to protect youth study finds
Future Funding Needs
Grant dollars have funded the majority of EACTC's programs over the past twenty years, however, federal grant funding for prevention has significantly decreased. Beginning In 2020, EACTC's funding no longer included the Drug Free Communities Grant as it came to a close after 15 years, which had accounted for 60% of the current operating budget.
EACTC Financial Overview
While grant funding is limited, the community needs are very real The Elizabethtown community needs your support to ensure that these programs and initiatives remain and that prevention is a continued community priority.
Current Funding Breakdown
Teens need resources, opportunities for engagement, and recognition from supportive adults. PAWS and Think, the Turnaround Recognition Breakfast, Club Ophelia for Middle School, Attollo, and opportunities to mentor children in EACTC’s programs support teens as they develop into young adulthood. Champions will have spotlights in the EACTC newsletter and social media spotlights.
Programs like Club Ophelia, PEP, Do The Right Thing, and Bigs and Littles make a difference in the lives of children. These types of activities offer opportunities for kids to create mentoring relationships, be recognized, and develop skills - all of the critical components for healthy youth development. Friends will spotlights in the EACTC newsletter and sponsor group social media spotlights.
EACTC Business Sponsor Packages
Parenting is both rewarding and challenging. EACTC supports families through programs for children, resources, and parent/family programs. The Incredible Years and Strengthening Families are two evidence-based family programs that EACTC has brought to the community to support parents and families in Elizabethtown. Advocates will have spotlights in the EACTC newsletter, business logo placement on selected EACTC materials, and social media spotlights.
Supporter - $5,000
Promoter - $3,000
Champion - $1,500
EACTC's comprehensive approach to understanding the causes of issues facing our community and developing effective strategies to address them helps bridge the gap for families, children, and teens to lead healthy lives. Champions will have opportunities for on-site workshops for employees, spotlights in the EACTC newsletter, business logo placement on selected EACTC materials, social media spotlights, and opportunities for program naming
Supporting the healthy development of kids and families requires more than direct service programs. Community education and initiatives such as prescription drug take back are essential to create an environment that is safe and healthy. Promoters will have spotlights in the EACTC newsletter, business logo placement on selected EACTC materials, social media spotlights, and opportunities for program naming
Friends - $350
Advocate- $750
www.eactc.org/make-a-donation/
