For 24 years, Elizabethtown Area Communities That Care (EACTC) has been offering programs and partnerships that benefit youths and families. As the school year ended, the nonprofit celebrated the success of its programs in the Elizabethtown Area School District.

In May, EACTC held its annual Turn Around Recognition Breakfast at The Gathering Place, spotlighting more than 50 students in grades six through 12 who had made improvements in their grades, behavior, attendance or attitude at school. "Each student received gift bags and certificates as well as additional prizes as they each shared their stories of success," remarked Gail Viscome, executive director. "It is always a wonderful event."

EACTC's Club Ophelia program expanded this year to two programs at the middle school and two at Bear Creek School, with an additional four-week pilot program to address online friendships, Viscome said. Club Ophelia is a weekly after-school program helping preteen and teen girls address concerns, combat bullying and develop healthy friendship skills. "The program is more popular than ever with 40 students and 16 mentors in the program at Bear Creek this fall - the largest number we have had in one session," Viscome noted. EACTC also started a campaign this year called 100 Women Supporting Girls, designed to promote Club Ophelia and to help cover the cost of the club's programming so it can be offered free to participants. Donations are needed for the program, Viscome said, adding, "This is a powerful opportunity for you to give back to the community in a meaningful way while changing lives right here in Elizabethtown."

EACTC facilitates the Paws and Think Club at the high school, which expanded to more than 100 students this year. "They spread positive messages throughout the school and community through posters, candy grams, T-shirts and other creative activities," Viscome shared. Club members also participated in the Sticker Shock campaign, placing more than 3,000 stickers on beer cases and pizza boxes with a message reminding adults not to serve alcohol to minors.

New this year, EACTC started a program called Homework Helpers in collaboration with the counseling department at the middle school. The program pairs community volunteers who give an hour or two of time each week to help students with their schoolwork.

Additionally, EACTC recognized more than 30 students in the district over the past year with Do the Right Thing Awards for exhibiting acts of kindness and setting an example for others.

Donations for EACTC programs may be made at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/eactc. For more information or to volunteer with an EACTC program, contact Viscome at 717-341-7961.