This week, I will be starting with
a continuation of last week’s column on substance abuse.
The Happy Camp Community Coalition on youth substance abuse decided
that it would support programs that had goals of: Providing youth with a sense of
belonging to their school and community; increasing the social and communication skills of
youth; strengthening family bonds; developing assets and promoting spiritual growth.
The desired outcomes from the program would be: to promote academic
success; develop job skills; promote positive attitudes; improve family functioning;
provide healthy alternative activities; and improve community norms.
It would please me greatly to see similar coalitions coming together
to tackle the problem of youth substance abuse throughout District 5 and Siskiyou County.
Some attempts have been made before. Why didn’t they succeed?
A 1995 study indicates that communities will not be successful in
tackling the problem of drug and alcohol abuse until they have reached “readiness.”
This process involves several steps: The first step is for a community to find substance
abuse unacceptable. The second step is recognizing that a local problem does exist and
then believing that something can be done about it. The third step is local leadership
stepping forward to organize a committee to work on the problem. The fourth step is
gathering general information about the local problem and various examples of prevention
programs. The fifth step is planning. (A blueprint was presented in last week’s
column.) The last steps are implementation, evaluation and modification.
As the saying goes, “are we there yet?”
On another note, now is the time to think about signing up for JEDI’s
(Jefferson Economic Development Institute) “It’s Your Business” class. The
course will be given at the Scott Valley Family Resource Center in Fort Jones, (across
from Lalo’s Restaurant.) Hours will run from 6-9 p.m., Tuesdays, September 7 through
November 23. This is a COS (College of the Siskiyous) course BA 86, code 8126. To
register, call COS at 530-938-5555 or 888-397-4339. You can also register online at
www.Siskiyous.edu/online
“It’s Your Business” is a “how to” class
covering; targeting the right customer; developing a realistic business budget;
understanding your cash flow; writing a successful business plan; developing a strategic
market plan and meeting other business owners. The key to economic development in our area
is small business and entrepreneurialism. This
class should help those folks who have ever dreamed of starting their own business, or had
an idea for a business, understand what that would be like and how to go about making
their dreams a reality. Contact Stephanie
Hoffman at JEDI 530-926-6670 for more information.
The Siskiyou County Economic Development Council (EDC) is planning a
fall forum. There will be presentations from local panelists with their success stories on
the "ABC's" of their success. Luncheon will include a keynote speaker. The
afternoon will include breakout sessions with information to help promote the success of
local private enterprise and entrepreneurialism - more details later.
The Scott Valley Swap Meet and Carnival will be held again this year
in Greenview, on Saturday, September 11. This year, it will be held in the field behind
Premier West Bank. The event is a great opportunity for local clubs and nonprofits to set
up a fundraising game, food or informational booth. If you are interested in volunteering
to help or if you wish to participate, please call the Scott Valley Family Resource Center
at 468-2450. |
