Downingtown Communities That Care Gets Award, Funds

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown was named Coalition of the Year by the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance and has since received state funding for its programs.

State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten (D-155th) on Wednesday shared the news that Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown has received $51,000 in state funding to expand youth prevention programming.

"Even before the challenges of virtual school and a global pandemic, today's children and teens have faced a growing mental health crisis and very different pressures than any of us had while we were growing up," the legislator said.

"As both a legislator and a parent, I am grateful to CTC for the work they are doing to promote the importance of mental and behavioral health and positive choices for our youth in the greater Downingtown area," Friel Otten said.

CTC's 2021 recognition as 'Coalition of the Year' by Commonwealth Prevention Alliance came in response to CTC of Greater Downingtown creating and implementing programming to meet the needs of its community and to support youth and families.

In 2021, CTC of Greater Downingtown offered a parent speaker series, developed a comprehensive social media campaign, focused on using data to drive their decisions and assist in selecting appropriate programming, increased coalition participation, and participated in the Coalition Check-Up Project, which provides technical assistance for coalitions, according to the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance.

In the 2020-21 school year, more than 900 sixth-grade students participated in the CTC "Signs of Suicide" program.

"This honor is a reflection of the dedication of CTC staff, Board of Directors, and community prevention partners and their commitment to supporting a healthy community for youth to make positive choices and meet their full potential," said CTC Greater Downingtown Executive Director Bethann Cinelli, D.Ed. in a newsletter statement.

Friel Otten said, "By facilitating student-led programs and normalizing conversations about mental and behavioral health among students, parents, and school communities, CTC is both empowering youth and helping to provide the supports and resources they need."

The coalition's prevention work this school year also includes the Healthy Youth Positive Energy Clubs (HYPE) and continuing the parent speaker series with topics addressing mental health and substance use prevention.

This week CTC will join Downingtown Area School District for another event in the virtual parent speaker series. "Being Comfortable in the Uncomfortable: How to Have Tough Conversations with Your Kids" is happening Monday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. Dr. Jennifer Benjamin from the Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center is the main speaker. The talk will look at how caregivers can create a "you can tell me anything" relationship.

To find more information and to register, go here.

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