Cait Healy, Nederland.

2018 Review & 2019 Forecast

1. 100 percent consensus of priority factors selected by our coalition for its prevention work in a community-decision making process. We have worded the factors with a strengths-based approach to suit our vision for positive change:
   

   a.) Safeguard substances and strengthen community laws and norms around substance use.
   

   b.) Build support for early academic success.
   

   c.) Create community opportunities for pro-social involvement.

2. Great participation of Nederland youth serving agencies at The Shared Risk and Protective Factors Conference for 3 days in Keystone, Colorado!
3. Youth Leadership Academy has grown! The YLA consists of Six Youth Consultants. Matthew M. and Helen C. remain from the inaugural group established in 2017! New members hired in 2018 are Ely, Adam, Olivia and Carlos.
4. A growing base of strong partnerships and community members as well as our participation in other area coalition work.
5. An all-day Youth Mental First Aid training was organized and open to the entire community. The room was packed including TEENS, Inc employees, Nederland First Responders and various other community members!
6. A strong presence of Nederland area youth attending the weekly Natural Highs after school group in Boulder.
7. The Sources of Strength program at NMSHS has 24 active youth members along with adult mentors.
8. Me! I am so pleased to have made the list that I compiled. Hi, I am Cait and I work at TEENS, Inc. and am now involved with CTC in the role of Communications and Outreach Assistant!
9. All of the YLA’s awesome work! Including regular speaking engagements scheduled and continued leadership development.
10. Leaving 2018 in an excellent spot to hit the ground running in 2019!

The year 2019 is looking to be extremely active for the Coalition. Our community resources assessment is our current focus going into the new year: a review of services, programs and policies in the Nederland area that is framed by the chosen risk and protective factors. We are looking forward to facilitating trainings, YLA speaking engagements, a CTC retreat and outreaching healthy opportunities for youth and adults alike. Thank you, Nederland, for all of your support in 2018!

Keep an eye out towards the end of the month for a 2019 kickoff event!

(Originally published in the January 10, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)