Wake-UP (Wakefield Unified Prevention Coalition) is a group of concerned community members, providers, public officials, youth, and parents. The group uses proven strategies to address and reduce the unique community factors that contribute to high risk behavior in youth and promotes the development of healthy Wakefield youth and families. We are led by a full time project director and part time youth coordinator, who help lead the coalition to implement several strategies including: increased community education, building skills in youth, parents, educators, and community members, addressing the physical environment, and changing policies.
Our History
Wake-Up was formed in 2011 by the Wakefield Health Department, Wakefield Police Department, Wakefield Public Schools and concerned residents. In September 2013, Wake-Up was awarded the competitive Drug-Free Communities grant, a five-year contract totaling $625,000. This grant allowed the coalition to hire a project director and youth coordinator, as well as use funding to implement evidence-based strategies. We have grown substantially over the past two years and have recently convened a Youth Action Team with fifteen members. Wakefield Unified Prevention Coalition has over fifty members with a regular meeting attendance of at least 15-20 people.
Amy Chiaravalloti: Prevention & Wellness Coordinator,
Town of Wakefield Health & Human Services
Our new Prevention and Wellness Coordinator Amy Chiaravalloti, MEd came to Wakefield with 15 years of experience as a secondary health and English educator. Amy quickly adapted to her new role, managing the Youth Action Tea and coordinating prevention programs related to substance use, mental health, violence prevention, social media use, active living, and more.
Amy works with the Wakefield Public Schools Health and Wellness team to support training for educators, curriculum development, and supplementary materials. She has also joined Wakefield Memorial High School athletics staff to provide information to parents of student-athletes on how to keep their teens healthy and safe.
Meet the Youth Action Team Leaders
View our Meeting Schedule
