Highlighting America’s 100 Best Communities for Young People
The 100 Best Communities for Young People competition honors outstanding efforts on behalf of young people by multiple sectors of communities. In cities, suburbs, small towns and counties across the country, this annual competition is leading communities to assess their efforts, work more effectively together for young people, and share best practices. Each week one of the 2007 100 Best Communities will be highlighted in the America’s Promise Bulletin and on our web site.
Stoughton, Massachusetts
By Christopher Epps
First settled in 1713, Stoughton is a community that continues to demonstrate its commitment and ability to creating an environment that allows youth to flourish and grow into responsible and Caring Adults. Driven to improve programs and existing opportunities through established partnerships and collaborations of all community members, key stakeholders, including youth and their families, are engaged in the planning of youth-centered activities.
Everyone in and around Stoughton goes to “The Spa” when they want to see neighbors and friends and eat world-class pizza; one of many local businesses that sponsors this town's youth sports teams, it has been the heart of Stoughton for over 50 years. As much a community meeting place as it is an eatery, families, teachers, business people, police and civic leaders gather there to find out what's going on around town.
A few things occurring in this 100 Best community include the vital role of establishing the importance of prevention, and preserving and enhancing ongoing supports and services in the community. Members of Stoughton work hard to enhance a secure atmosphere while dedicating an equal amount of time to decrease risk factors to keep its children safe and on track. The Community Policing Unit sponsors youth activities such as a weekend mountain biking event, a weekly bowling league and an explore program simulating a police academy.
To implement activities for students, staff and parents, the Safe and Drug Free Schools (SFDS) coordinator meets frequently with other program coordinators, administrators and community members to address specific needs. One such need met was the establishment of a peer mediation program for middle and high school students. The SFDS and other coordinators offer students a chance to learn conflict mediation and resolution skills, and provide additional training to teachers on conflict resolution and peer mediation, while also providing training for the health education staff and parents.
The community of Stoughton has established a number of safe places within the borders of the town. The police have worked towards creating “safe zones” through the DARE Program and school-related partnerships. In addition, a number of after-school programs, summer trips and groups including pre-teen esteem, babysitter training and Get Real Get Fit, all work toward the goal of creating safe environments in a variety of settings.
Other programs and initiatives that led this community to be recognized as one of 100 Best include:
OASIS
(Organizing Against Substances in Stoughton) is a community coalition of individuals who work to enhance community partnerships, create more positive opportunities for youth, and reduce youth substance abuse. As a result of partnerships and collaborations, the coalition successfully received a five year $500,000 Drug Free Communities Grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Strengthening Families Program
(SFP) is a skills training program for families proven to help build communication skills, family and behavior management while incorporating fun in the process. Each year, qualitative data from the implementation of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is used to assess parenting skills, family relationships, and youth social skills to evaluate risk and protective factors.
Youth Commission
, a town-funded human service agency, provides free counseling services to youth and their families. The commission has three full-time licensed social workers who, at times, collaborate with the police to provide comprehensive services to identified at-risk families. The commission’s staff runs a number of psycho-educational groups including an adventure-based counseling group designed to promote self-esteem and discovery. In addition, the commission hosts an eight-week summer program for youth ages 10-16.