Posted 12:29 am Sunday, June 17, 2012
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Alcohol, Drug Abuse Group’s Reach Growing
The Tyler-based Sister Cities Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse has a new name and new determination to help more people.
The nonprofit organization is now called NEXT STEP Community Solutions.
“Our purpose has been and will continue to be a coordinated approach to the education, prevention and intervention of substance abuse but by expanding our reach we hope to offer new programs and services to better serve the community,” Kristi Roberts, coalition director, says in information sent to the paper.
NEXT STEP provides a Youth Prevention Program, a Community Assistance Service, Community Partner Coalition and Latch Free, Drug Free, an after-school program.
The nonprofit organization is now called NEXT STEP Community Solutions.
“Our purpose has been and will continue to be a coordinated approach to the education, prevention and intervention of substance abuse but by expanding our reach we hope to offer new programs and services to better serve the community,” Kristi Roberts, coalition director, says in information sent to the paper.
NEXT STEP provides a Youth Prevention Program, a Community Assistance Service, Community Partner Coalition and Latch Free, Drug Free, an after-school program.
“Prevention Specialists in our Youth Prevention Program serve in area school districts to provide prevention education,” says Ms. Roberts. “We have four curriculums (Life Skills Training, Protecting You/Protecting Me, Keep a Clear Mind and Project Toward No Drug Abuse) serving elementary to high-school age students. Our prevention specialists are well trained and currently present the state approved CSAP Model Program.”
The Community Assistance Service helps citizens find resources that will allow them to overcome alcohol and/or substance abuse problems.
“Our staff assists callers in taking the next step and work to connect them with the appropriate agency to schedule assessments, counseling and treatment. We then follow up, knowing that a little encouragement goes a long way,” says Ms. Roberts.
The Community Partner Coalition brings agencies together to find solutions to underage drinking and drug abuse. The coalition has representatives in 23 counties.
NEXT STEP plans to expand its after-school programs.
“We presently have one after-school program, Latch Free Drug Free, conducted at our North Tyler facility. This is an after-school program designed to provide a safe environment for youth after school between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m.
“Studies have shown that this is a critical time of day when young people find themselves alone while their parents are still at work.”
Ms. Roberts is confident that the best is yet to come.
“With direction from our nine-member Board of Directors, and our current Board President Robbie Campbell III and Executive Director Greg Thompson, NEXT STEP Community Solutions is set to blossom into one of the most effective and comprehensive nonprofit agencies in East Texas.”
To learn more about NEXT STEP, contact Ms. Roberts at kroberts@sccada.org or call 903-939-9010, or go to NEXTSTEPCommunitySolutions.com.
Danny Mogle can be reached at dmogle@tylerpaper.com or 903-596-6256.
The Community Assistance Service helps citizens find resources that will allow them to overcome alcohol and/or substance abuse problems.
“Our staff assists callers in taking the next step and work to connect them with the appropriate agency to schedule assessments, counseling and treatment. We then follow up, knowing that a little encouragement goes a long way,” says Ms. Roberts.
The Community Partner Coalition brings agencies together to find solutions to underage drinking and drug abuse. The coalition has representatives in 23 counties.
NEXT STEP plans to expand its after-school programs.
“We presently have one after-school program, Latch Free Drug Free, conducted at our North Tyler facility. This is an after-school program designed to provide a safe environment for youth after school between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m.
“Studies have shown that this is a critical time of day when young people find themselves alone while their parents are still at work.”
Ms. Roberts is confident that the best is yet to come.
“With direction from our nine-member Board of Directors, and our current Board President Robbie Campbell III and Executive Director Greg Thompson, NEXT STEP Community Solutions is set to blossom into one of the most effective and comprehensive nonprofit agencies in East Texas.”
To learn more about NEXT STEP, contact Ms. Roberts at kroberts@sccada.org or call 903-939-9010, or go to NEXTSTEPCommunitySolutions.com.
Danny Mogle can be reached at dmogle@tylerpaper.com or 903-596-6256.
