Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown (CTC) has received $51,000 in state funding to expand its youth prevention programming. These funds will support the CTC collective and staff in providing evidence-based programs that aim to encourage and empower youths to make positive choices, as well as to promote positive mental health and prevent substance use.

CTC plans to use these funds to support and expand its Healthy Youth Positive Energy (HYPE) clubs, which are student-led clubs that work to create a healthy school community through advocacy, peer-to-peer support, and leadership. By engaging youths directly in a collaborative, community-based change effort, HYPE aims to give young people the skills, confidence, and experiences they need to become effective advocates for positive social change.

In addition, the funds will assist with the expansion of the SOS: Signs of Suicide prevention program. SOS: Signs of Suicide is an evidence-based mental health prevention program and early intervention program. SOS teaches students how to identify the signs of depression and suicide in themselves and their peers, as well as help-seeking skills to access resources in the school and community.

State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten was instrumental in assisting CTC of Greater Downingtown in securing the state grant, which came from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

CTC of Greater Downingtown is a coalition of organizations, businesses, schools, faith communities, law enforcement, and health care providers using evidence-based prevention programs and policies to foster positive mental health and youth development. Through a collective impact approach, CTC helps communities identify and implement changes intended to help students be successful at school, at home, and in the community. CTC's mission is to empower youths to make positive choices to reach their full potential. To learn more, visit http://www.dtownctc.org.