our mission

Through advocacy, awareness, and action, our group of dedicated community volunteers aim to foster an inclusive community culture that strengthens families, reduces substance abuse, and promotes mental, emotional, and physical wellness.

Smiling Teenage Boy

Monthly Coalition Meeting

​

Coalition meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm. Due to COVID-19 meetings are currently held via Zoom. 

 

All are welcome! 

​

​

join us

what we do

OHYC members use local, state and federal data to assess the needs of youth in our community. We then work collaboratively with schools and other agencies to implement evidence-based programs and advocate on their behalf. We are funded through the Washington Health Care Authority as part of the Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative. Our goal is identify local risk factors and replace them with protective factors wherever possible. We want to give the next generation the tools they need to make healthy choices and lead successful lives.

our process

Increase Protective Factors

  • Opportunities for youth empowerment

  • Recognition of achievements 

  • Skills development

  • Family education

  • Community connectedness

  • Peer to peer leadership

  • Developing healthy coping strategies  

  • Equitable access to mental health resources 

decrease risk factors

  • Community disconnect

  • Early initiation of substance use 

  • Access to substances

  • Trauma

  • Lack of commitment to school 

  • Economic disparity

  • Family conflict

  • Friends who engage in harmful behavior

Community

representation

Coalition members represent at least 8 sectors of the community, including students, educators, community members, youth organizations, first responders, and mental health professionals.