Who is Hartford Project Care?

Hartford Project Care, formally known as Start to Care, had its first meeting in June of 2003.  The coalition was initially brought together with representatives from local businesses, local government, law enforcement, school districts, faith communities, AODA personnel, and parks and recreation. Recognizing the current at-risk behavior of our youth, this group realized something needed to be done in terms of prevention. In August of 2003, the group televised a Roundtable Discussion and the coalition has continued to further define itself and grow since that time.

Mission:

To organize and support community programs that encourage youth to succeed and reduce at-risk behaviors as defined by the 40 Developmental Assets.

Goals and Objectives:

• Increase awareness about high risk behavior.
• Presentations for parents/youth at elementary, middle and high schools.
• Develop handouts regarding our group, goals and how to become more involved.
• Promote the Asset Approach through the media in order to help our youth succeed.
• Present materials at workshops/conferences (women's health fair, Senior health fair).
• Improve coordination of services for youth and families in the community.
• Continue to form a coalition with agencies concerned with our youth and high risk behaviors.
• Invite youth agencies to planning meetings and events that may find our programs and materials of value, such as Scouts, 4-H, faith based youth groups.
• Support initiatives consistent with our mission.
• Financially support youth/family events consistent with the mission, such as dances, lock-ins, homecoming, trips, and the balloon rally.
• Volunteer at events that lend themselves to getting out Project Care's message regarding the 40 Developmental Assets.
• Increase the community's awareness and understanding of the Asset Approach.
• Utilize existing organization to disseminate asset information throughout the community.
• Develop a public relations strategy to raise awareness of the 40 Developmental Assets, including press releases, flyers, existing newsletters, church bulletins, etc.
• Ensure Sustainability of Hartford Project Care
• Utilize existing grants and solicit future funding sources.
• Generate revenue through special events, grants, and donations.
• Establish procedures to ensure financial accountability.

Vision for 2015

• The community as a whole recognizes, understands, and embraces the 40 Developmental Assets, reducing at-risk behavior in youth.
• There is a breakdown of stereotypes and cliques leading to better youth-to-youth relationships.
• Hartford Project Care, Inc. is successfully sustained financially through business initiatives, grant, and foundation monies.
• The greater Hartford community is strengthened through a sense of volunteerism and mentoring.
• There is a greater importance placed on family values, the need to set appropriate limits, and to live healthier lifestyles; reinforcing higher values and standards.
• Youth in our community have an alcohol and drug-free resource center to spend free time and obtain information.

Values

• Leadership ? Using energy, perseverance, and collaboration for continuous growth and success.
• Responsibility ? Having honesty, integrity, and respect leading to personal pride and self-worth.
• Reconciliation ? A willingness to move forward with kindness, empathy and compassion for others.
• Tolerance ? An open-mindedness leading to acceptance of diversity while appreciating and valuing our differences.
• Community ? Coming together with passion to reduce at-risk behavior in our youth.

Activities to Date:

• Roundtable discussion on local cable station/video.
• Quarterly newsletters distributed in the community.
• Presentations to parents at freshman orientation.
• Distribution of The Asset Approach and other relevant materials.
• Participation in Celebrate Families.
• Hosted Family Fun Night in Hartford.
• Staffed educational booth at Hartford Balloon Rally.

Coalition Membership, both active and advisory, represent the following groups:

• School districts
• Faith community
• Business community
• Community government
• Law enforcement
• Parks and recreation
• Parents
• Students