The Stop Watch Coalition, formed in 2006, is still in the developmental stage, but very much alive and active in Boone County.
Its
members are made up of concerned and interested individuals from
various groups and organizations. Their goal is to stop substance abuse
that is occurring in homes and to watch families grow in a much more
stronger environment. Their mission is to eliminate substance abuse and
its devastating effects in Boone County.
The Stop Watch Coalition met at the Wharton-Barrett Community Center on Oct. 18, 2007.
The
meeting opened up with Chairman Scott Caldwell discussing the various
ways of advertisement to let the Boone County communities and families
know Stop Watch exists and are in commission to reach out and help the
growing needs of the county.
Secretary Tracy Lambert and
Michele Baranaskas, regional executive director of the Regional Family
Resource Network, continued the discussion, along with other Stop Watch
members.
After looking over the many ways and means of getting
the message out that Stop Watch exists and is searching for more
members, Stop Watch decided the best way to inform Boone County of
their existence through advertisements in homecoming programs and
school yearbooks, area restaurant placemats, business cards, pamphlets
and a large banner.
Stop Watch continued the meeting by
discussing upcoming events that would be a benefit to our communities.
Organizing the events geared towards youth and family is their main
goal. They believe that youth attending event with a fun-filled
atmosphere will help to eliminate crime and substance abuse.
Next
spring, the communities will see first hand the newly developed Stop
Watch group in action, for the group is gearing up and expanding into
three areas of Boone County. They are hoping that families take some
time out of their busy schedules and come to attend these events as a
family activity.
Stop Watch already helped sponsor a
successful event with National Night Out in August. Those who attended
the event experienced what life is suppose to be about- free of hurt
and pain caused from substance abuse.
The following agencies are
currently actively involved in the coalition: Regional Family Resource
Network, WV DHHR Boone District, WVU Extension, WV Division of Juvenile
Services, United Way of Central West Virginia (which includes
AmeriCorps/VISTA from Van and Wharton Family Resource centers and the
Adolescent Health Director), Boone County Sheriff's Department, Victim
Services, Cornerstone Family Interventions and Prestera Center for
Mental Health. Many of those representing these agencies are also Boone
County residents.
In addition, several adult and youth volunteers from Van, Wharton and Prenter are actively involved.
So far in 2007, Boone County Community Foundation awarded Regional Family Resource Network $2,500 for Stop Watch.
Officers
for the coalition have also been elected, and are: Scott Caldwell,
chair; Dan Holstein, co-chair; Tracy Lambert, secretary; and Robin
Bunch Bailey, communications coordinator.
Additional funds are
needed to support projects working toward Stop Watch's mission.
Donations for Stop Watch may be sent to Regional Family Resource
Network, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization registered with the
Secretary of State as a charitable organization. Please be sure to
designate the funds for Stop Watch.
Stop Watch meets monthly at various locations throughout Boone County.
The
next meeting is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 30, at noon at Park Avenue
Restaurant, in Danville. Attendees will be responsible for the cost of
their lunch. Anyone interested in combating substance abuse in Boone
County is welcome to attend.
For more information, contact the
Regional Family Resource Network or call 304-414-4470 or e-mail
executive director@regionalfrn.org.
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