The Valley Community Coalition (VCC) was established August 2000 with the principle mission being to reduce substance abuse among youth, and over time among adults. Coalition members feel they can make a difference by addressing those factors in the community that serve to increase the risk of substance abuse. Alcohol and tobacco are the primary drugs of choice in the Valley community, but concern over use and manufacture of methamphetamine is growing.

 The VCC also wishes to strengthen collaboration between the local community and the state and local government funded treatment and prevention programs, and law enforcement agencies. The emphasis is to reshape our community into a safe environment for children and adults, individuals and families.

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Youth Subgroup
Youth Coordinator - Malinda Riley - 423-5171


 
The Youth Subgroup consists of SODA students grades 7-12 from Valley Community School.  The group coordinates substance-free youth activities and the Youth Center.  The coalition's youth group is called SODA (Students OK without Drugs or Alcohol). 

The VCC also sponsors "ALL STARS" a fun, interactive program for 6th and 7th graders.  The program's goal is to delay substance abuse, reduce violence and delinquency, and prevent premature sexual activity, and other high risk behaviors among this age group. Program centers around positive reinforcement, encouragement, personal growth, self esteem, and responsibility.  Visit their web page for more info on this exciting program.

We offer other several programs/activities for our youth.  If you would like to learn more, including about our scholarship program, please refer to the Youth Programs/
Scholarships page.

	See the SODA  WEBPAGE for more info and upcoming activities Visit the ALL STARS WEBPAGE
Youth Programs/Scholarships page.

What does a Sponsor do and How Do I Become One?

Questions? Contact Malinda Riley

SODA Homepage
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The Community sub-group helps create and distribute a regular newsletter of the VCC. If you have any items you would like included in a future newsletter, or any resources you know of, please contact a Community sub-group member. As a sub-group, they are pleased to see the progress of the VCC and hope that they serve the members well in publicizing what goes on. The Community sub-group continues to distribute magnets with resource phone numbers on them.

Current projects for this vibrant sub-group are cleaning the youth center on a monthly basis, working on providing beverage server training, and keg registration.

See the COMMUNITY WEBPAGE for more info and upcoming activities.

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Research shows mentoring: increases the self-esteem of young people, increases student academic success, increases positive social interaction by youth, reduces the risk that young people will use illegal drugs, reduces the risk that youth will begin using alcohol, and reduces the risk that students will skip school.  Please let Cassie know if you would like to be a mentor or if you would like to have a mentor in your life.
 

See the MENTORING WEBPAGE for more in-depth information on our program and sign-up forms.

The Parent Education sub-group has been active in organizing parenting classes. This sub-group has sponsored other events that increase the knowledge of parents regarding the problem of substance abuse. They regularly offer parenting tips at all VCC meetings and in the newsletter.  The Parent Education sub-group has a wonderful record of success and will continue to be a major player in the future success of the VCC.  This sub-group looks forward to working on issues to help make changes in attitudes and behaviors related to drug use.

See the PARENTING WEBPAGE for more info on this VCC subgroup, as well as parenting tips.

The VCC began in the summer of 2000. Students came to adults asking for help on how to deal with peer pressure to drink alcohol and experiment with drugs. One of the teenage girls had problems dealing with the substance abuse of a boyfriend. The boyfriend drank heavily and was starting to experiment with "harder" substances.

At this point adults started asking questions of each other and began to look for more information in the community. They discovered that the levels of drug and alcohol use were much higher than anyone had thought, and that the youth of the community were feeling pressure to experiment. Youth also reported pressure to link substance use with sexual relations.

While information has been available in the community to warn about experimentation, much of the peer pressure is linked with false information which gives substance use a glamorous appeal.

The parents invited others to join them and the Valley Community Coalition was formed in the early fall of 2000. People responded and though still in its infancy, the coalition has grown to a solid membership of 120 active community members.

In the first weeks of organization, the depth of denial in the community became apparent. Angry phone calls and threats were received and have strengthened the conviction and determination of core members. Many in the community use the excuse that youth have always drank, and feel that it is a part of growing up.

Parents began to link their efforts with local law enforcement and substance abuse professionals. Participants began to feel that their actions could make a difference and law enforcement and other professionals felt the broader support in the community. The coalition became the hub that facilitated referrals for help, and encouraged and supported the interventions of the Sheriff's Department.

From a meeting of a few people around a dining room table to a successfully functioning group that has had, is having, and will have great success, this is a wonderful story. The early meetings of just a few concerned adults turned into a meeting with over 100 adults and youth. The youth and adults who attended now know that there is support available locally for them. The VCC has been described as "the fastest growing community coalition in Iowa" and "a model coalition." And now the work continues--attending events and meetings on a regular basis.

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VCC Meetings

The VCC meets on a quarterly basis to celebrate the work of the Coalition and to keep everyone updated on current issues.  These meetings always have great food and conversation where new folds are encouraged to attend.  For meeting times, contact VCC Office - 563-423-5171
 

Please refer to our "Calendar of Events" web page for more info on upcoming activities for all VCC events and meeting dates

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VCC Successes

November, 2000--Nearly 150 community members turn out to mobilize for Coalition efforts.

August, 2001--State officials recognize the communities of Clermont, Elgin, and Wadena as SAFE coalitions providing a plan for substance-free environments.

April, 2001--A certified substance abuse counselor is on-site at the Valley Community School District to provide support for the students.

April, 2001--SODA (Students OK without Drugs and Alcohol) begins to involve students in substance-free activities.

July, 2002--Youth Center opens for operation offering a fun, safe place for youth to hang out.

September, 2002--Funding secured for Coalition work totaling $196,000

December, 2002--VCC staff hired

January, 2003--83 people gather to hear about mentoring in the Valley

April, 2003--65 community members gather to learn about the effects of methamphetamine

July, 2003--All Stars, an interactive character education and prevention program, graduates 17 students.  Across Ages mentoring program begins.