A strong community is one where young people feel connected, supported, and empowered to build healthy futures. In Franklin County and the North Quabbin region, the Communities That Care Coalition (CTC) works to make that vision a reality by bringing together families, schools, young people, and local organizations to improve youth health and well-being.
As part of our Notice Non-Profits series, we are highlighting the coalition's work to strengthen local communities, prevent substance use and other risky behaviors, and create opportunities for young people to thrive.
A Community Effort That Began in 2002
The Communities That Care Coalition was formed in Franklin County in 2002, when local community members came together to address alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among young people. They recognized that supporting youth requires more than the efforts of any single school, family, or organization. It takes a coordinated community approach.
Today, CTC provides a structure for local partners to work together using research, community input, and local data to identify needs and develop effective prevention strategies. Its work focuses not only on reducing risk factors but also on strengthening the protective factors that help young people thrive.
Building Healthier Communities for Young People
The coalition's mission is to bring together schools, families, youth, young adults, and the wider community to improve health and well-being for all young people. Its vision is for Franklin County and the North Quabbin region to be places where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
Rather than focusing solely on individual choices, CTC recognizes that young people's health is influenced by their surroundings, including their families, friends, schools, neighborhoods, and broader culture.
The coalition works to create environments where healthy choices are easier to make and where young people have meaningful connections and opportunities to participate in their communities. Its approach emphasizes collaboration, equity, community-building, and youth leadership.
Connecting Schools, Families, and Local Organizations
One of the Communities That Care Coalition's greatest strengths is its collaborative approach. Its network includes representatives from local government, schools, businesses, law enforcement, healthcare, faith-based organizations, service providers, parents, and youth.
The coalition is co-hosted by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments and Community Action Pioneer Valley. It also works alongside other regional initiatives, including the North Quabbin Community Coalition and the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region.
Through this network, CTC helps organizations coordinate their efforts, share information, and address challenges that affect young people across town and district boundaries.
Programs That Put Youth and Families at the Center
The coalition's work is organized through several workgroups and initiatives that address different aspects of youth health, family engagement, education, and community support.
These include:
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Youth Leadership in Prevention: Encouraging young people to participate in prevention efforts and take an active role in their communities.
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Parent and Family Engagement: Supporting families and helping parents connect with resources and opportunities to contribute to local prevention work.
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Regional School Health Task Force: Bringing partners together to address issues affecting student health and well-being.
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Regional Policy and Norms Workgroup: Working toward community policies and social environments that support healthy choices.
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Grand Rising: Supporting community-led work focused on young people's well-being.
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Community Supports for Young People: Connecting local partners around the resources and support young people need.
These workgroups help turn the coalition's broader mission into practical community action. CTC also maintains a Community Action Plan that identifies priorities, goals, and evidence-based strategies, with regular updates to reflect local needs.
Why This Work Matters Locally
Healthy communities depend on young people having the support they need to grow, learn, and build positive relationships. By bringing different parts of the community together, the Communities That Care Coalition helps address challenges that cannot be solved by one organization alone.
Its emphasis on local data and proven prevention strategies also helps ensure that programs respond to the needs of Franklin County and the North Quabbin region rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
The coalition reports that its work has contributed to declines in local youth substance use over time and has received national recognition for its efforts.
For families, schools, and residents, the coalition offers a way to become involved in building a healthier environment for the next generation.
How to Get Involved
Community members who want to support youth well-being can learn more about the Communities That Care Coalition, explore its workgroups, and sign up for its mailing list to hear about coalition events and opportunities to participate.
The organization welcomes community input and recognizes that lasting change depends on the involvement of people with different experiences and perspectives.
Learn more at the Communities That Care Coalition website.
Communities That Care Coalition
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Location: 12 Olive Street, Suite 2, Greenfield, MA 01301
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Phone: (413) 774-3167
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Website: communitiesthatcarecoalition.com
Through collaboration, prevention, and youth leadership, the Communities That Care Coalition is helping build a stronger future for Franklin County and the North Quabbin region, one in which young people have the connections, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Franklin County and the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts are known for their vibrant small towns, local farms, artists, and independent businesses. As a longtime local real estate expert, Wanda Mooney shares insights about the communities, lifestyle, and real estate opportunities that make this region such a special place to live.
For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog, or feel free to contact Wanda for professional real estate assistance.
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