Our Mission
To strengthen communities through creating partnerships between individuals, families and organizations that create positive impact in the areas of prevention and wellness.
About The Program
Funding through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services in partnership with the Alcohol Drug Abuse Mental Health Board (The ADAMH Board) of Franklin County, the Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program of Franklin County (UMADAOPFC) provided evidence-based prevention workshops that primarily correlated with the phases of the Strategic Prevention Framework but more importantly responded to the needs of Franklin County’s under-served, Urban communities.
The idea behind the original marketing plan was that individuals and families need an extended family beyond mothers and fathers to provide support and encouragement for the positive growth and development of young people. Extended family includes but is not limited to: grandparents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, coaches, mentors, church members, etc.
There is a plethora of research that supports these kinds of healthy relationships. Well known studies on the risk and protective factor theory (Catalano, 1992; Hogan, 2003) indicate that the risk for substance abuse and other adverse behaviors increases as the number of risk factors increases. However protective factors may reduce the risk of youth engaging in substance use and/or other unhealthy behaviors. Bonding serves as a protective influence and it must occur through involvement with peers and adults who communicate healthy values and set clear standards for behavior. Additionally, the Search Institute has been conducting research over 25 years (Hogan, 2003) grounded on resilience, prevention and adolescent development. This research highlights the positive relationships, opportunities, competencies, values and self-perceptions that youth need to succeed. Both well-known studies provide research as a strong evidence base to support the importance of healthy relationships with adults and youth.
The notion of extended family is not new at all and in fact is well known and steeped within African-American tradition. In essence BeTheVillageOHIO is multi-collaborative effort of individuals, families and organizations working together to promote positive youth development that advances the social, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing of the entire community. Although the inception started in Columbus, it is strongly believed that this grassroots movement could be shared statewide to impact the health and wellness of all Ohioans.
If it takes a Village….BeTheVillageOHIO.
