PORTLAND NOW PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Coalition growth and development: In 2008 we welcomed many new members to join in the Coalition’s mission of reducing substance abuse.  Renewed interest and many collaborative projects allowed the Coalition to reach out to community partners to support joint projects and spread the word about the Coalition, its partners and the Portland neighborhood. Special thanks to all who have invited new people to come to monthly meetings.  Please invite your friends and neighbors to attend Coalition meetings on the third Thursday of the month at 12 noon at Neighborhood House.

Youth leadership:  CLUB PRIDE, a youth group devoted to education, awareness and prevention of substance abuse, is continuing to grow and expand its influence in the community. CLUB PRIDE took a leadership role in planning for the KICK BUTTS DAY, 2008 celebration at Neighborhood House and has helped develop anti-tobacco social norms posters for display at Western Middle School.  The group also promoted Red Ribbon Week and continues to develop new projects.

Scholarships and funding for youth development:
The Partnership has helped community youth and youth serving organizations by providing funding for membership scholarships to Mackin Boys and Girls Club, a basketball camp at St. Anthony’s Outreach Center, and the 2008 Youth Police Academy.  PRIDE club members also attended youth development conferences in Lexington and Louisville.

Mother’s Day Out is a fun event for pregnant women and provides education on how to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.  Moms are treated to crafts, massage, and gifts while learning about tobacco cessation and other pregnancy topics.  The partnership supports these events and is planning one for the Portland community in March 2009.

OUR BILLBOARDS : What are SOCIAL NORMS anyway?  Research shows that BELIEFS can predict behavior – perhaps even more than FACTS!  Social norms campaigns are designed to COUNTERACT false beliefs among youth and adults that “everyone’s doing it”. 

This year, our marketing campaign included local youth featured on area billboards with the TRUE FACTS about youth substance use in our neighborhood.  By promoting the truth, we will influence beliefs and expectations among our adults and kids.  Our messages also went out on tote-bags, tee shirts , newspaper ads and other materials to people in our neighborhood.

Literacy programs: The Partnership provides financial support to literacy programs at Neighborhood House.  These programs serve both youth and adults and provide the support needed to improve academic and work achievement.  We’re working to give parents and kids the skills needed to succeed and thrive.

Early Intervention Program:  The Partnership provides counseling and referral scholarships to families who are worried about their youth.  The program is offered through Seven Counties Services. Contact Jackie McComb if you or a friend would like more information on this or other projects of the Partnership.

WE’VE GOT SURVEYS!  The Partnership surveyed the community again in 2008 (at the Portland Festival) to get a handle on attitudes related to substance use and the Portland Community.  The results help us understand the issues facing our neighborhood and design ways to address them.  Many thanks to the youth and adult volunteers who manned our booth at the festival.

State Grant:  The partnership was able to increase funding to the project again this year through a second grant from the Kentucky Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.  More resources mean a greater impact on the lives and health of Portland residents.

Collaborations:  The Partnership has worked with many organizations over the year and extends thanks to all who have worked with us to reduce substance abuse.