Boyertown PAYS Task Force: Community Heroes Creating Safe Spaces for Youth
It sends the message to young people: you're worth the investment, you're worth having information, valuable information and a toolbox, something in your toolbox that you will have with you all school year long and even throughout The Weekend, that you're worth the investment, and I think that that is just very applaudable for the work that you're doing.
Imagine a town where everyone from students to law enforcement comes together to create a safer, healthier environment for its youth. That’s exactly what’s happening in Boyertown. In this episode of 'Your Bridge to Addiction Resources', Yvonne Stroman sits down with Rob Scorboria, Assistant Superintendent of Boyertown School District, and Marilee Cassidy, School Counselor, to talk about the Boyertown PAYS Task Force.
Formed in 2013, this task force is a true community effort, involving school administrators, parents, law enforcement, youth, and social service agencies. They meet monthly to tackle the challenges facing their community. One of their key strategies? Listening to the students themselves. Regular surveys help the task force understand the real issues kids are dealing with and shape programs that genuinely make a difference.
From mental health support to drug and alcohol education, their evidence-based initiatives are designed to promote overall wellness. Thanks to grant funding, they’ve been able to expand these programs and reach even more young people. Their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed; in 2015, they received the Bud Haines Community Service Award from the Council on Chemical Abuse.
This episode shines a light on how dedicated individuals can come together to create lasting change, ensuring safe spaces for the youth of Boyertown.