Yonkers 4 youth - the yonkers 4 youth coalition serves the fourth precinct in the city of yonkers new york 10703 in order to reduce substance use among youth and create positive long-term outcomes

Our primary goals are to increase community collaboration and to prevent and reduce substance use among youth in grades 7-12. Mission statement: yonkers 4 youth is a coalition of local community based organizations, law enforcement, local government, schools, and individuals that serve the fourth precinct in yonkers new york who are committed to promoting long-term health and wellness by inspiring youth, parents, and community leaders to foster healthy behaviors and reduce youth substance use. Bordering new york city to the south and the hudson river on the west, yonkers is often called new york city's "sixth borough." the fourth precinct encompasses the northwest quadrant of the city of yonkers. Located within its boundaries are in excess of 57,000 residents. Much of the 4TH precinct is comprise of the lowest income neighborhoods and is one of the most impoverished sections of yonkers. The yonkers 4 youth coalition will employ multiple evidence based strategies utilizing the substance abuse and mental health services administration strategic prevention framework (SPF) across various domains. These include but are not limited to: educating about effective prevention policies, training professionals and individuals that represent all 12 sectors in order to reach our goal of changing the culture and context in which youth make decisions through outreach and engagement to youth and parents. The coalition will employ the five steps (assessment, capacity, planning, implementation and evaluation) within the context of the two guiding principles (cultural competence and sustainability). The SPF will be the foundation for the coalition action plan the coalition initiatives as we frame our comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing the drugs of abuse and related behavioral health problems facing our youth and community. The coalition will build logic models in its efforts prioritize risk and protective factors, identify problems and related behaviors, select appropriate programs and practices to address each priority factor and combine programs and practices to ensure a comprehensive approach. The coalition will also be intentional in its ensure the cultural relevance of our prevention efforts.