ALLIANCE FOR HEALTHY YOUTH

THE PURPOSE OF ALLIANCE FOR HEALTHY YOUTH IS TO EMPOWER, ENCOURAGE AND EDUCATE YOUTH TO MAKE AND KEEP HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES. OUR GOAL IS TO EQUIP YOUTH WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO MAKE DECISIONS AND PRACTICE BEHAVIORS THAT ENHANCE HEALTH AND WELLNESS. PROGRAMS ARE SCHOOL-BASED AT THE INVITATION OF MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS IN SUMMIT AND IN SEVEN OTHER OHIO COUNTIES:PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: MIDDLE SCHOOL PREVENTION EDUCATION CURRICULUM, RSVP, SETS STANDARDS FOR RISK AVOIDANCE OF PREMARITAL SEX AND SUBSTANCE USE. HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, FUTURE DATING STANDARDS INCLUDING DATING VIOLENCE EDUCATION, HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS, BENEFITS OF AVOIDING ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG USE, AND GOAL SETTING HELP TO ACHIEVE A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE. STUDENTS LEARN THAT PARENTING IS AN ADULT RESPONSIBILITY, HOW TO SET AND KEEP PHYSICAL LIMITS, HOW ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG USE ARE INTERCONNECTED WITH OTHER RISK BEHAVIORS, AND HEALTHY DECISION-MAKING SKILLS. LESSON PLANS HELP STUDENTS CORRELATE DECISION MAKING WITH THE RISKS OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG USE, ADDICTION, TOBACCO/NICOTINE/VAPING USE AND PREMARITAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY. RSVPARENT MEETINGS AND PARENT/GUARDIAN CHILD HOMEWORK HELP STIMULATE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES. C.A.T.S. YOUTH LED PREVENTION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED FOR HIGH SCHOOLS AND ADDRESSES AVOIDANCE OF RISK ACTIVITIES, HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, INTERNET SAFETY, MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS TOPICS. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE TRAINED BY THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR WHO IS OCPS CERTIFIED. STUDENTS DEVELOP ORIGINAL, CREATIVE FACT-BASED PRESENTATIONS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE SKILLS TO AVOID SUBSTANCE USE, HOW TO CHOOSE HEALTHY ACTIVITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS, AVOID DATING VIOLENCE PREVENT HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND TO ASK FOR HELP WHEN NEEDED. C.A.T.C.H. PROGRAM IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING YOUTH-LED PEER SUPPORT AND SCHOOL-BASED HELP FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING AND COULD BE PART OF THE ELEVEN PERCENT OF AREA STUDENTS WHO REPORT HAVING NO FRIENDS.