The North Oakland Community Coalition is trying to prevent teen substance abuse in Lake Orion. The coalition met last Wednesday (Nov. 14) to discuss their goals for the coalition and the community.
Right now, they have two main goals: to start a youth committee, and to expand their membership.
‘We have one thousand and one things for a youth council to do,? said Michele Novak, substance abuse prevention advisor for the high school. ‘Sometimes kids fall through the cracks. We want them to be able to get involved in the community.?
According to a 2006 survey in our schools, only 39-percent of fourth graders, 25-percent of eighth graders, and 10-percent of 11th graders believe that the community values youth. The coalition wants to change this through the youth committee.
The committee will be led by the Lake Orion High School Student Council President Joe Graffeo. He will be aided by Josh Yates, the youth pastor at Gingellville Community Church.
The coalition is also focusing on broadening their membership. Only about 15 people were present at Wednesday’s meeting.
For a complete community overhaul, the whole community needs to be aware and present.
‘We’re looking for people to donate time,? Novak said.
Dr. Joe Mastromatteo already has donated office space in the Georgetown Professional building in downtown at 312 S. Broadway.
Kathleen Allman from the Oakland County Health Division Office of Substance Abuse Services came to the meeting to congratulate the coalition for their efforts.
‘This is the most effective way of preventing substance abuse,? she said.
You can get involved by visiting the coalition’s website at www.northoaklandcoalition.org or by contacting Shawna Sawyer, community coordinator, at ssawyer@northoaklandcoalition.org or by phone at (248)520-3786.
You can also contact Novak at mnovak@lakeorion.k12.mi.us, or Lauren Sanborn, president, at lsanborn@lakeorion.k12.mi.us.