Solid Ground H.O.P.E. Builders - Healthy Outcomes through Prevention and Education - PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY Project Title: Solid Ground Healthy Outcomes through Prevention and Education (H.O.P.E. Builders) Applicant Name: Strategic Solutions for Families, Inc. Address: 300 Williams Street, Booneville, MS 38829 Contact Name: Pamela Meeks Contact Phone: 662-210-9296 Email Address: pmeeks.strategic@gmail.com The Solid Ground H.O.P.E. Builders Initiative, a program of the Prentiss County Drug-Free Community Coalition (PCDFC) and administered by Strategic Solutions for Families (SSFF), seeks funding through the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) program to strengthen community-based prevention, education, outreach, and early intervention efforts addressing youth substance use in Prentiss County, Mississippi. The initiative is grounded in the belief that communities must “Deal Hope, Not Dope” by equipping youth, families, schools, and community stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and supports necessary to prevent substance misuse. The project will implement seven comprehensive, evidence-informed strategies for community-level change designed to reduce risk factors and strengthen protective factors associated with youth opioid, methamphetamine, and prescription drug use. Through a collaborative, multi-sector community approach aligned with the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), H.O.P.E. Builders will engage schools, law enforcement, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, youth-serving agencies, businesses, parents, and youth leaders to create sustainable community-level change. Key activities will include youth prevention education workshops, parent and community awareness trainings, social media and public awareness campaigns, youth leadership development, outreach at schools and community events, referral and resource coordination, and positive youth development activities for at-risk youth. H.O.P.E. Builders will directly serve youth ages 13–18 residing in Prentiss County, Mississippi, including students attending the Booneville School District, Baldwyn School District, and Prentiss County School District. Prentiss County has a population of 25,284 and faces significant economic challenges that increase youth vulnerability to substance misuse and related behavioral health concerns. The county’s per capita income is $49,724 and approximately 22.9% of residents live below the poverty level, including 22.6% of children, while 22.1% of youth live in single-parent households. These socioeconomic factors contribute to increased risk of substance misuse, mental health concerns, academic difficulties, and limited access to prevention and support services, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive prevention and early intervention programming. Through strategic partnerships, public awareness efforts, parent and community education workshops, and evidence-based prevention activities, the initiative will increase protective factors, reduce community-level risk factors, and promote healthier, safer, and drug-free communities throughout Prentiss County.
