Coalition for CHANGE Recognizes Community

The MHS Central Valley Prevention Program recently hosted their annual recognition ceremony for the Community Coalition for CHANGE, the 2014 Shooting Stars. The coalition focuses their efforts on preventing underage drinking and addresses the issues that contribute to the accessibility of alcohol to minors. They work hand in hand with the community, faith-based organizations, police departments, and active citizens to support strategies that reduce social access to alcohol. “As a community, collectively, we work to create a safe and healthy environment for our youth. By doing that collectively as a community, keeping youth away from alcohol and other drugs, we give them a better chance to reach their full potential. We can’t do this alone however, we need the help of all sectors, schools, churches, medias, etc... This event is to recognize our partners, coalition members and others, who have made a commitment to work toward this goal,” said Michael Townshend, Prevention Specialist for the Central Valley Prevention Program. Members of the community coalitions engage in several different events such as the Think-O No Drink-O campaign, Don't Go There community forums, Spanish community forum, and the Super Hero ME campaign. The coalition has rapidly grown since their beginning in 2010. This year, 93 teachers from Colton High School were active in events for the coalition and parents from all communities have taken it upon themselves to walk door to door to spread the word about their organization and the importance of alcohol safety. The coalition has been a point of commonality for many groups and leaders who are looking to spread the message that underage drinking needs to stop. “We can’t do it by ourselves,” said Rialto Chief of Police William Farrar. “We are lucky to partner with the group to get our message out; not just about alcohol but about other problems in the community as well.” “We believe in your organization,” said Colton City Mayor Sarah Zamora. “I love that the parents are so involved in the our future leaders.” The Coalition for CHANGE was a fundamental contributor to the passing of the Social Host Ordinance (SHO) in the community. The SHO has given teeth to the police departments to come down hard on homeowners, holding them responsible for any underage drinking on their property. Since the ordinance has been passed there has been close to a 35% decrease on parties that enable underage drinking in the community. “If we each contribute our own part then together we can make a difference,” said Townshend. “You are the stars we want to see shine,” said Marza Martinez. “We work together in this community and coalition to make sure you shine.” The coalition will continue to be active in the community and do what they can to eliminate the use of underage drinking and environments that enable it.