Impact Partners with Faith Leaders to Institute WV Day of Hope

The Faith Community Calls for Hope in WV's Substance Abuse Epidemic
Wheeling, W Va. – The Community Impact Coalition & the West Virginia Council of Churches continue to collaborate to bring the 2^nd annual prevention & recovery celebratory day called “West Virginia Day of Hope.” This year it falls on September 18, 2016 and it will be celebrated yearly on the 3^rd Sunday in September.  The idea for the day originated in Wheeling at a coalition round table discussion.  The goal of the initiative is to promote a drug free life-style with folks across West Virginia.  

Faith organizations are encouraged to celebrate in accordance with their own traditions, beliefs and missions as they organize and plan the event for their congregations.  The observance is meant to be open to all faiths so it can be celebrated anytime during the weekend.  West Virginia churches and other ministries will have the opportunity to promote, educate and advocate for substance abuse prevention and recovery from addiction.  Faith organizations can make a great impact on the lives of West Virginians.  

It is promoted to all churches in WV by WV Council of Churches.  Last year it was observed in many ways including: candle light services, prayers, litanies, vigils, fundraisers & donations to recovery organizations, sermons, information in bulletins, provided resources, and connecting with prevention or recovery contacts.  After the Day of Hope, the WV Council or Churches acquired grant funding to host trainings especially tailored to the faith community.  They will also hold 10-12 listening events throughout the state.  The local event is called Project Hope and it will be held on October 27, 2016 from 6-8pm at Simpson United Methodist Church in Moundsville.     

Martha Polinsky, Project Coordinator, states, “Who better to bring hope and compassion but the faith community?  It’s what they do.  We are experts in prevention and they are experts in hope which is a powerful partnership for West Virginia.”

On Fleek Parents Don't Provide Alcohol

Check out this 30 second PSA!  Our youth interns worked with adult coalition members to create it!  On fleek parenting means not providing alcohol or hosting alcohol parties for teens or anyone under 21.  Yes, our youth agree!

!MPACT Youth Interns & The Amazing Act

Community Impact Coalition has four high school interns creating and planning a youth forum and media campaign.  We thank Angela Stevens, Jeff Voanakis, Isabella Gillespie and Cameron McCabe on their great work.  The Amazing Act Youth Forum will take place on July 21, 2016.  It is co-hosted by Laughlin Chapel's summer youth program.  The media campaign will feature a TV & radio PSA as well as billboards in Ohio County.  The media campaign promotes alcohol free youth by urging parents not to supply alcohol to those under 21

WE ARE COMMUNITY !MPACT COALITION #impactwv

Wheeling, WV - The Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition has been in existence since 2005 and over the years, it has evolved and expanded in its ability to promote positive change and impact the community.  Members are proud of their collective accomplishments, thus far, and they want to pave the way for maximum impact.  The members of the community-based group decided it was time for a new name and logo to reflect the group’s change and growth. The coalition’s goals remain the same, however, as science progresses and more is known, the group has adapted existing strategies and developed new ones.  Lessons learned make the organization older and wiser.  Furthermore, a name change would allow the group to be open to the possibility of expanding its goals in the future. 

Coalition participants view the group as a true community-based coalition driven by community members with the support of key leaders!  We are a community up organization not a leadership down organization.  This is the best recipe for real and lasting change!  Come join us as we celebrate our past and renew our commitment to positively impacting youth and families in Ohio County.  

Choose a Clear Mind Poster Winners

We are posting to top 3 winners from Ohio County Schools 4th Grade Students!  

They are in random order.  All will appear on billboards in Ohio County!