This post is submitted by Erin Stewart Elliot on behalf of Communities That Care. Erin lives in Birken, and has three significant passions: a) collaboration and teamwork, b) individual and community capacity building, and c) being an artist. Erin is interested in conducting research, exploring how people learn, creating the potential for positive change, and sharing complex concepts through art.

In October 2013, Communities That Care will be surveying youth in Squamish and Pemberton in grades 6-12 (coordinated and approved through the School Board). Survey results will be available about January 2014, and everyone in the community will be invited to look at them to explore what they mean and how to take action.

What is Communities That Care and why is it important?

Communities That Care is a research proven way for people in our community to work together. It is designed to increase the health and resiliency for youth and families.  All the programs put in place through the CTC process reduce risk and enhance protection for children, youth and families.

Several successful programs were implemented and are still running today from the results of the previous youth survey which took place in 2005.  These include:

• High Scope Preschools – helps prepare children for early and sustained success
• Strengthening Families Program – works on family management issues with both children and their parents
• Positive Action –changes negative thought patterns and actions into positive life changing tools to better self, family, and community relations

What is the youth survey and why is it important?

• The CTC youth survey is important because it tells us how we can respond to issues in our community. Without it, programming can become unfocused, and limited resources wasted.
• The survey is 119 questions and takes about 45 minutes for students to complete.
• The survey asks questions to help us assess 6 youth health and behaviour problems – anxiety/depression, violence, substance abuse, school drop out, teenage pregnancy, and delinquency so we can accurately target interventions in both schools and the wider community

What does Communities That Care need help with?

• If this process excites you, and you want to become more involved, you are invited to an orientation for community members!
• Squamish – September 25 – location TBA
• Pemberton – September 27 – Pemberton Community Centre

For information about Communities That Care visit our website: www.ctcseatosky.com or email Erin Stewart Elliott: erin@ctcseatosky.com