PowerUp YOUth

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Power Up YOUth is a community coalition designed to work toward creating a positive community environment concerning youth development in Hamilton County, IA. One of the unique features of our coalition is the belief held by all members that “collaboration” is essential if our vision of “All Hamilton County youth will thrive” is to be realized. A broad base of representatives must be at the table to affect the type of global change that is desired.

On behalf of the coalition, Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. wrote and received a federal Drug Free Communities grant through the Department of Health and Human Services. The purpose of this grant is to make sustainable changes in youth perception and accessibility to alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco. Since October 2007, Power Up YOUth has worked within Hamilton County to bring awareness of the problems and consequences that come with underage substance abuse. Power Up YOUth is in the midst of a marketing campaign called “Got a Minute.” The campaign is designed to empower parents to become actively involved in prevention strategies at the family level.