The Skowhegan REACH Coalition (REACH) is a diverse committee of school and community stakeholders based in Skowhegan, Maine and serves the communities served by Maine School Administrative District # 54. These communities include Canaan, Cornville, Mercer, Norridgewock, Skowhegan, and Smithfield. REACH’s goal of reducing youth substance use will focus on reducing the prevalence of marijuana use and vaping in MSAD #54, particularly Skowhegan Area Middle School and Skowhegan Area High School. To prevent the initiation of and use of substances among youth, REACH will build capacity and change systems that address ACEs, trauma, and school/community connectedness in MSAD #54 students; all key factors for youth substance use. REACH will focus on data-driven strategies that mitigate risk factors and promote protective factors. Emphasis will be made to reduce substance use rates by addressing the following:
Youth Engagement—REACH will facilitate systems change and provide training to adults at school and in the community that foster practices that improve adult/youth relationships. REACH will promote connections for youth and families from the school district to community-based resources and activities.
Adverse Childhood Experiences/Trauma—REACH will provide training opportunities to develop trauma-informed practices throughout the MSAD #54 district that promote healthy neurodevelopment and healing with the goal of becoming a trauma-informed organization.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) – REACH will seek to implement a district-wide social emotional learning curriculum to improve self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. Early interventions that target these five competencies can shift trajectories away from problem behaviors such as substance misuse, and towards positive outcomes.
School and Community Environment—REACH increase positive messaging, promote inclusion, and provide support to youth and adults improve relationships both in the schools and in the community.
Youth Empowerment & Voice- REACH will include students in decision making by establishing a youth advisory board and having active youth participation in REACH Coalition meetings. Their expertise, perspective, and ideas will inform Coalition work.
