Fighting the Numbers
The POY tackles rising teen substance abuse rates; raises awareness; fights for change
As drug overdoses and alcohol usage collaborated to cause seventeen teen deaths in Porter County last year, the Power of Youth recognized the importance of addressing the issue of teen substance abuse.
After much discussion and a council majority vote, it was established that their campaign for the 2009-2010 school year would be to raise awareness about the teen substance abuse problem in Porter County.
Their goal would be to raise funds through events and donations that they could then allocate through grants to local nonprofit organizations for their programs that provide prevention and early treatment for teen substance abuse cases.
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The Power of Giving
The POY campaigns against substance abuse, distributes funds; gains respect in the community
After a year of working toward their goal of preventing teen substance abuse in Porter County, the Power of Youth wrapped up the year with their annual Power of Giving event.
The POY raised a total of $10,800 this past year through the Battle of the Bands, Walk for Awareness, and grant writing; $6,836 of which they allocated on July 28th to local programs that tackle teen substance abuse. Preceding the hog wrestling event in the Grandstand at the Porter County Fair, the POY presented each of their grant recipients with checks for varying amounts in front of members of the community.
Among the grant recipients were the Portage Township YMCA, Discoveries Unlimited, Valparaiso Parks Department, and the Visiting Nurse Association.
Become Your School’s POY Representative
Are you in high school and looking for more ways to be involved in your community? Want to learn how to use leadership and an active voice to advocate positive solutions to problems in Porter County?
The United Way of Porter County’s Power of Youth program offers many opportunities for teens to become engaged through volunteering, fundraising, event planning, and advocating a cause in Porter County.
With the Power of Youth, you can unearth something you believe in, rally fellow youth, and take a stand to better the Porter County community.
RACE 13.1 Valpo
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