More than a dozen volunteers and community groups have been recognized by the region’s prevention coalitions for their efforts over the 2019-2020 school year to prevent youth substance use in Southwest Washington.
Each year, the coalitions honor volunteers from across the region with a community presentation of awards. Due to COVID-19, this year’s event was hosted online. Partners from six Southwest Washington coalitions collaborated to create a series of video recordings in celebration of the honorees.
“Volunteers are the backbone of a community coalition,” explained Jesse Jimenez, Community Prevention Project Coordinator for Educational Service District 112. “Even though we couldn’t recognize these amazing volunteers in person this year, we wanted to make sure they knew how much we appreciate them and all they do for the Coalition and their communities.”
Outstanding Volunteers of the Year include:
- Laura Bales, KLASAC (Klickitat & Lyle Against Substance Abuse Coalition)
- Xavier Barker, KLASAC (Klickitat & Lyle Against Substance Abuse Coalition)
- Kennedy Flatt, La Center United
- Joni Hancock, La Center United
- Kyle Nelson, Prevent Coalition
- Leah Howard, Prevent Coalition
- Chief Umtuch Dream Team, Prevent Together: Battle Ground Prevention Alliance
- Rita Williams, Prevent Together: Battle Ground Prevention Alliance
- Angela Hancock, Unite! Washougal
- Jennifer Chesire, Unite! Washougal
- Fort Vancouver Key Club, West Van for Youth
- Vancouver Pizza Company, West Van for Youth
- Angela Riddle, West Van for Youth
- Alaina Green, West Van for Youth
About Prevent Coalition
Supported by the fiscal agent ESD 112, Prevent Coalition (Prevent) is a community coalition formed in 2003 to increase collaboration, awareness, and reduce youth substance use in Southwest Washington. Prevent also implements initiatives for rural communities across Washington State. As a community mobilizer, we’re creating a culture promoting healthy choices; advocating for policies and regulations that protect, empower and nurture youth; and facilitating positive opportunities for youth to be involved and thrive. For more information, visit www.preventcoalition.org.
