Accomplishments in 2016 
- “In Plain Sight”: Open House & mock bedroom at Wakefield Town Hall introduced over 200 parents/community members to warning signs of risky behaviors including drug use, self-harm, eating disorders, & risky internet behavior.
- 3rd Annual Parent University: was a great success with over 150 parents attending. The post-event evaluations demonstrated parents gained a lot from the Keynote, and workshops. Many parents commented about the ability to connect with one another and the community-school link they feel is thriving in Wakefield.
- E-cig/vaping presentations YATL’s and WHS club members presented to 9th graders in their health classes on why vaping is not safe and tobacco industry tactics.
- 2016 Health & Safety Guide: Every parent/caregiver with students in grades 5-12 received information on topics including social host liability, risks of adolescent marijuana use, the Wakefield Rx Take Back program, dating violence, and more. Proceeds from ad sales went to support the Wake-Up Youth Action Team.
- Galvin Youth Action Team managed several successful projects over the course of the ’15-’16 School Year. These projects included a school-wide video contest, 7th grade movie night, Family Feud event, and the monthly News Flush newsletter.
- Kick Butts Day Wakefield Youth Action Team leaders headed to the statehouse and met with local Law Makers to talk about how big tobacco, including flavored cigars and e-cigarettes are impacting youth in Wakefield.
- Annual Meeting drew over 60 people and featured dinner (sponsored by WCAT), a keynote address from District Attorney Marian Ryan, and Year in Review Video produced by Youth Action Team Leader Joe Boudreau. This year’s Community Award was given to Jill Charie, Director of Wakefield Memorial High School’s Alternative program. “Jill was nominated for her dedication to former students struggling with addiction. Jill has gone above and beyond to find and develop support systems for this vulnerable population.”
- Youth Action Team Films Show on Teen Underage drinking in Wakefield and Social Host Liability. Special Guests were SRO’s Officer Kelley Tobyne and SRO Jason Skillings.
- S.O.A.R. Group Launches as a new program starting in Wakefield for young adults focused on recovery, healing, and support. The S.O.A.R. Program (Substance & Opiate Awareness & Reduction) is a weekly support group lead by a Licensed Mental Health Clinician, Alcohol and Drug Counselor from South Bay Community Services. The Clinician leads discussions and works with an evidence based curriculum focused on recovery and harm reduction. The group also links participants to important local and regional resources to aid in their treatment and recovery. Participants must go through an in-take process (most insurances accepted). Individuals without insurance can be assisted in obtaining Mass Health. There will be a maximum of 15 participants.
