YOUTH RECOVERY PROGRAM RECEIVES STATEWIDE AWARD

An area service agency has received statewide recognition for
addressing the needs of local youths struggling to deal with issues
of alcohol and drug abuse in their homes.

Recovery and Prevention Resources of Delaware and Morrow counties'
YES Program is one of two prevention programs serving elementary
students to be named an "Exemplary Prevention Program" this year by
the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services.

This is the fourth year RPR of Delaware and Morrow Counties has
offered YES, also known as the "You're Extra Special" program. It
partners with local schools to identify students ages 5 to 13 who
live in homes where alcohol or other drug abuse is believed to be a
problem.

"This is a significant recognition," said Tony Williams, chief
executive officer of RPR of Delaware and Morrow Counties. "This is
one of many programs we're proud of."

Students who participate in the program attend weekly, one-hour
sessions for a 12-week period. At the sessions, RPR counselors
attempt to reduce the risk of alcohol and other drug abuse among the
high-risk populations, increase self-esteem and self-worth of those
students and increase their coping skills.

"It is prevention," Williams said. "It's geared to help them develop
appropriate coping skills so they are less likely to repeat the cycle
of alcohol and drug abuse.

"The children in the program are particularly at-risk and
particularly vulnerable to a host of problems. The goal of this
program is to engage those children in a supportive manner, and to
engage those children to talk to others ... to realize they are not
alone."

RPR partners with Conger, Schultz, Smith and Woodward elementary
schools locally.

In 2007, 91 students participated in the YES program, including 10
students in the 9- to 13-year-old age range.

Each year, teachers of the students participating in the YES program
complete pre- and post-behavioral and life-skill observation
checklists rating self-image, understanding of feelings, anger
management, problem-solving and willingness to seek help.

Delaware teachers this year rated 86.8 percent (59 of 68) of students
improved in at least one area. Another 54.4 percent improved in at
least three of the areas measured.

Specifically, teachers reported that 54.5 percent of students
improved their self-image, and 63.6 percent of students improved
their ability to understand their feelings.

Teachers reported that 51.6 percent of participants improved anger
management skills by the end of the program, and 54.4 percent of the
students improved their problem-solving skills. Also, teachers found
that 52.9 percent increased their ability to ask for help when needed.

"In a world filled with countless challenges and temptations, it is
essential that Ohio's local and state networks offer support for our
young people and guide them towards drug- and violence-free
lifestyles," said Angela Cornelius, Ohio Department of Alcohol and
Drug Addiction Services director.

"This year's exemplary award winners have been invaluable advocates
of ODADAS' vision of an addiction-free Ohio that promotes health,
safety and economic opportunity."

RPR officials say demand for the program continues to grow as the
school staff recognizes the prevalence of alcohol- and drug-related
issues for children. Those children, according to the agency, "have a
much greater risk for substance abuse later in their own lives."

"It's certainly something we want to continue because it is of
tremendous benefit to the kids of our community," Williams said.

Funding for RPR's YES program comes from a variety of sources,
including an operating levy, United Way of Delaware County and
ODADAS. While it is limited to specific age groups within the partner
schools, Williams said the program is offered at its offices to any
individual or family living in Delaware or Morrow counties.

Additional information about the YES program or enrollment is
available by calling RPR prevention-education coordinator Julie
Krupp, at (740) 369-6811.