SAFE 2013/2014 Annual Report

COMMUNITY

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COME GROW WITH US!

2013-2014ANNUAL REPORT

SAFESUBSTANCETT ABUSE FREE ENVIRONMENT

After every winter, comes spring! It has felt like a bitterly cold, hard winter for SAFE. We lost two of our long-time valued contributors who had worked tirelessly alongside our coalition partners to pro-duce award winning initiatives over the years. However, in spite of adversity, we in prevention continue to prepare for the next planting season to ensure a SAFE, Substance Abuse Free Environment, for future generations. In order to reap a bountiful harvest, there must be different seasons. There is a time for acquiring the land and ensuring it has the proper soil and sunlight for growth. In May, SAFE moved into new, more expansive donated space at CJW Medical Center Johnston-Willis Hospital. SAFE has also benefitted from resources previously secured through federal and state grants, enabling us to hire and train highly-skilled prevention professionals who pulled off the first statewide marijuana con-ference in just six weeks! The coalition has been

fortunate to have many strong, committed public sector partners and community members who have contributed to the successful implementation of prevention strategies. A firm foundation has been laid and the soil is rich for the next growing season. However, in order to collect a full harvest, we need the private sector working with us to till the soil for a SAFE environment for all generations. We look forward to welcoming many new business partners in the coming year. SAFE extends its sincere gratitude to our long-time county partners who continue to help us weather the storms, while increasing our community reach, thus reaping an even greater harvest of healthy, substance free youth and families. As you read this annual report, enjoy the fruit of your labors.

-Regina Whitsett, SAFE Executive Director

2013-2014 Annual Report

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-Drug and Alcohol Abuse Task Force (DAATF) founded

-Substance abuse prevention specialist position funded for Chesterfield Youth Services-Substance Abuse Free Environment (S.A.F.E) was selected as name of organization-SAFE consisted of DAATF, Chesterfield Alliance for Drug Rehabilitation and Education, Resource Committee & Youth Services

-Inaugural year for distribution of literature at driver’s license presentations

-SAFE became incorporated -Use, You Lose Campaign established in schools-Parent Alert Letter sent to parents of graduating seniors-Virginia Limousine Association initiative implemented

-SAFE website launched-New Year’s Eve Family Celebration at Chesterfield Towne Center held

-Student vs. Marijuana theatre presentation in middle schools began

-SAFE logo is developed First of 10 Bandfests held and event continued for 5 years

Our Roots

Words from Executive Director

The History of SAFE

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Juan Santacoloma, multi-cultural liaison for Chesterfield County, received the 2013 Sharyl W. Adams Award, SAFE’s most notable award recognizing “exemplary contribution to com-munity engagement for the prevention of substance abuse.” Santacoloma was

selected for his dedication and outreach efforts on SAFE’s behalf to Chesterfield County’s increasing Latino population. Through Santacoloma’s efforts with SAFE, Latino public awareness of substance abuse issues has grown. SAFE has participated in multiple Latino festivals, conducted a Latino profes-sional luncheon which hosted nearly 50 participants,

released Spanish public service announcements on radio and billboards, and translated brochures into Spanish. In 2014, the SAFE Central Virginia Latino Coalition was launched to address the issues specific to this population. Santacoloma is the coalition’s chairman. Michelle Burchett, public affairs specialist for Chesterfield County, received the 2013 SAFE Media Award. This award is given to an individual in the media who has been a catalyst in getting SAFE’s name and mission out into the public sector. Burchett received this award because through her thoughtful, diligent pursuit of the various media sectors, SAFE’s name and initiatives have become more widely recognized. Dr. Glen Miller, chairman of the board for SAFE and retired school improvement manager for Chesterfield County Public Schools, received the 2013 21st Century Champion Award for his long-standing support as a faithful and dedicated board member and partner of SAFE.

SAFE’s partners are essential to our success. In 2013, three outstanding individuals were recognized

for their contributions to SAFE.

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-Coaches Handbook developed for use with Chesterfield Boys’ Basketball League-Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant awarded

-Hired SAFE’s first executive director -Gained approval for youth community suvey and conducted first comprehensive needs assessment -Inhalants identified as top priority -Underage Drinking Task Force established

-Compliance Checks collaboration strategy originated

-First Medication Take-Back event held at Chesterfield fair-grounds-First Town Hall meeting held on Medication Abuse-Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act grant awarded

-Locking caps initiative developed-First of four Prescription Drug Summits conducted-Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF-SIG) awarded-Alternative Forms of Tobacco Work-shop convened-Teen Ambassadors collaboration began

-“Lock Your Meds” and SPF-SIG “Drinks Cost More Than You Think” media campaigns implemented-Latino outreach began -Four students sent to Youth Alco-hol & Drug Abuse Prevention Proj-ect resulting in “Enduring Regret” presentation in 2014-DFC Mentoring grant awarded

-Marijuana strategies started with first statewide conference-Central Virginia SAFE Latino Coalition launched-Tobacco Merchant Education strategy implemented

SAFE Champions

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SAFE in 2014…..in 100 words or less… “ Impossible!” Why? Because we have continued to make an impact on Chesterfield and Virginia in our efforts to reduce drug use in our community and beyond. With a small staff and amazing task forces we have continued to inform the public about the dangers of legalizing marijuana, drunk driving, underage drinking, and selling new tobacco products to teens. We have expanded the anti-drug message with the creation of the SAFE Latino Coalition and advised

those who advise the Governor. AND we have received national recognition with the 2014 Dose of Prevention Award. Well, that’s my 100 words – not nearly enough. You will learn much more as you read our annual report. Thanks for viewing it, and thanks for your support of SAFE in 2015!

Dr. Glen Miller, SAFE Chairman of the Board

Not pictured: Fred Carreras, Jody Enoch, Dr. James Evans, Dr. Bank Greene, Dr. Sandy Johnson, Darrell Jones, Rosalind Watkins, and Mary Wright

Melissa Ackley

Leslie Haley Col.Thierry Dupuis Dr. Glen Miller, Chair

Eileen Brown Jana Carter

Chris Sheppard

Dr. Imad Damaj Dr. Tom Doland

Master GardenersCultivating a Healthy Community

SAFE Board


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Chesterfield County Mental Health and Prevention Services for their support and implementation of the highly successful Teen Ambassadors program Chesterfield County Police Department for assisting SAFE with implementing initiatives and offering useful data for developing new community strategiesChesterfield County Public Schools for their continued support in administering the Community Youth Survey and for including SAFE collaborative programs in the schoolsVirginia Commonwealth University Center for Community Collaboration for their continued support and fund-ing under the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant

Virginia Department of Behavioral Health Services for their collaboration on the first statewide marijuana conference and for other efforts related to marijuanaVirginia Department of Health/Chesterfield for their volunteers at Medication Take Backs and task force involvementVirginia State Police for assisting SAFE with imple-menting initiatives and offering useful data for developing new community strategies

Please see page 18 for a complete list of our many contributors.

Kelly Mathis, Patty Glazier, Jana Carter, and Kimberly Reynolds

Chesterfield County Youth Planning and Development (YP&D) has been a faithful partner since SAFE’s initial planting in the community. Over the years, with their daily support, SAFE has become a strong non-profit coalition which continues to grow and thrive in the community. The ladies at YP&D are invaluable to our efforts. They are available for whatever the SAFE team needs from serving on the board, assisting in presentations, sharing relevant information, ordering educational brochures, overseeing conference registrations,

fielding community phone calls, volunteering at events, and numerous other support services. One member of the YP&D team is designated as an in-kind prevention specialist to assist SAFE in the development and implementation of effective strategies and grant writing. Without this dedicated group of professionals, SAFE wouldn’t be thriving. Their continued encouragement makes our entire community stronger.

Thank you YP&D! We appreciate you!

SAFE would also like to thank these important contributors:

Youth Planning and Development


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When youth are cultivated properly, they set the standard for the society in which we live. Their ac-tions, beliefs and standards flourish our community with new ideas. Youth are hard-working, gifted and talented, and when combined with their determination and passion, they mature and bloom. SAFE has learned that the youth community cares about substance abuse issues but have no out-let to express their concerns. To address this need, SAFE and some of Chesterfield’s best and brightest young people, have planted the seeds of a Youth Coalition with the goal of working side by side, to not only educate youth on substance abuse issues, but to also form partnerships with them to be a positive voice in our community. This summer the group held its first official Youth Coalition meeting. As a result, the young people conducted youth focus groups, environmental scans, and “On the Street” interviews. SAFE has encouraged the Youth Coali-tion to utilize their gifts and talents to strategically highlight the importance of choosing a substance abuse free lifestyle. Through social media, partici-pating at various community events, and the “But it is Our Business” campaign, the Youth Coalition has effectively begun to sow awareness among their peers. Though this coalition is still developing, it is projected to grow and flourish within the next year throughout the community. For a sample of their “On the Street” interviews, click here.

For two years DeJohn has worked as a SAFE summer intern, a Teen Ambassador and on the Un-derage Drinking Task Force. Some of his volunteer-ing highlights include attending the Youth Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Project Conference and the creation and implementation of a plan in which representatives from “Enduring Regret” spoke to 1,600 high school students within Chesterfield County. At this event, students signed up to help begin SAFE’s Youth Coalition. DeJohn’s efforts with SAFE have enabled the organization to win national and local awards and accolades. “At a time in which I was seeking to turn my life around, I found an organization that helped me grow and blossom into who I am today,” DeJohn said. “SAFE is like a family to me. It has had a profound impact on my life and many opportunities have become available for me. As I enter my college years at American University, I carry SAFE’s mission with me.”

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Planting SeedsYouth Coalition

DeJohn Taylor

“SAFE is like a family to me. It has had a profound impact on my life.”

For nearly two years, SAFE has been intentionally sowing relationships within Chesterfield County’s ever increasing Latino community. Through needs assessments, SAFE discovered Latino youth are particularly susceptible to underage drinking because their perception of parental disapproval of youth drinking is low, and youth access to alcohol is high due to the Latino community’s lack of under-standing and awareness of alcohol laws in Virginia. As a result, SAFE, with the aid of a dedicated group of Latino professionals, combined efforts to apply for a 2014 Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Education and Prevention Grant. SAFE was awarded the nearly $8,000 grant in July to plant the Central Virginia SAFE Latino Coalition (SAFE Latino). Three goals exist within the year-long grant cycle: build the coalition, alert alcohol customers of the VA ABC laws regarding no drinking in parking

lots, and create a Spanish substance abuse educational media campaign while also bringing education to Latino neighborhoods. This group meets monthly and plans to become a deeply rooted planting that nurtures positive relationships among Latinos, law enforcement, VA ABC, the judicial system, and oth-ers within the Chesterfield, Henrico, Richmond and Petersburg areas. The coalition is open to all who are interested. Click here for meeting invitation.

This new seedling is possible because of the generous support of the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Chesterfield Public Affairs, Chesterfield County Police Department, Futuro Latino, Virginia Broadcast Solutions (along with Telemundo and Radio Poder), and a network of area Latino community leaders. Thank you for your continued support.

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Maya has served as SAFE’s community coordinator for more than two years. She’s a long-time resident of Chesterfield County and a graduate of Monacan High School. She earned a journalism degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and has worked as a freelance journalist and pastor’s wife while raising her five children. Maya brings her writing and media relations skills and her enthusiastic love for people to SAFE. She has worked in a variety of roles including volunteer coordination and presenter at community events and outreach opportunities, overseeing the Underage Drinking Task Force, implementing SAFE’s Youth Coalition and the SAFE Latino Coalition, grant writing, and public and community relations. Maya is passionate about her work because substance abuse affects our entire community. “Life is worth living substance abuse free,” she said. “The devastating effects of substance abuse are preventable. We can make a choice and encourage others to do the same.”

Latino Coalition

Maya Brewer

Marla Watson


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Weeding the Garden

Virginia’s First Marijuana Conference

The topic of marijuana is rapidly growing nationwide. Medical marijuana and decriminalization bills continue to pass in states across the nation and a few states have taken the next step, legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes. SAFE’s former executive

director attended a conference in California a year ago and came back with an urgency to attack the growing issue of marijuana. It was time to weed out the rumors and spread seeds of facts.

SAFE decided it was critical to educate the Commonwealth about the real impacts of marijuana. In March, in collaboration with Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Community Coalitions of Virginia and Chesterfield County Youth Planning and Development, we presented “Marijuana? Virginia’s Big Question”, the

first statewide marijuana conference. This conference was a huge success. It was extremely informative and sparked great interest and future action. The ground in Virginia needed cultivating in order to yield healthy results, and this was the beginning of providing knowledge and tools to keep the weeds from destroying youth, families and communities.

Marla joined the SAFE staff in February as SAFE began planning the state’s first Marijuana Conference. Her role as executive assistant involves her with virtually all aspects of the organization. In addition to office administration, Marla’s main focuses are the Central Virginia Marijuana Task Force, the Tobacco Task Force and the Drug Free Communities Mentoring grant. She is a North Carolina native but has enjoyed living in Chesterfield County for almost 20 years. Marla’s educational background includes degrees in Communications and Marketing from Appalachian State University. Most of her previous professional career was spent as a manufacturer’s representative. After

having two children Marla spent nine years at home enjoying motherhood. She is thrilled to be back at work in a positive and uplifting atmosphere, as the work at SAFE promises to make impacts on so many lives. “I love coming to work every day knowing that I am making a difference,” said Marla. “My children and our communities are worth too much not to do everything possible to prevent and reduce substance abuse.”

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Central Virginia Marijuana Task Force

Regina Whitsett

The marijuana conference brought many partners to the field. The Central Virginia Marijuana Task Force spawned as a result of this conference and is establishing strong roots for growth. It consists of varied professionals and the goal is to increase collaboration among all sectors of the community, in order to reduce and prevent marijuana use in Virginia. The adopted vision of the taskforce is: “To have a community that is well educated about the public health and safety impacts of marijuana use.” The mission is: “To engage and empower Virginia communities to reduce and prevent marijuana use.” The task force meets monthly and consists of four committees: medical, public safety, commu-nity education/health, and legislative. Educational presentations have been given to groups and organizations such as the Substance Abuse Services Council, Attorney General’s office, and juvenile

court judges. Additional educational events include “Student vs. Marijuana” presentations in Chester-field County schools this fall. SAFE’s 2014 Chesterfield County youth survey data reveals that “past 30 day marijuana use” in 12th graders is above the national average. Youth survey results also report marijuana usage has exceeded tobacco usage in 8th, 10th and 12th graders. Not only is marijuana an issue affecting our country and our state but it is an issue very relevant right here in our own backyard. The more the Central Virginia Marijuana Taskforce educates, the more they become aware of how much work needs to be done in the field. There are a great number of weeds still growing, but with dedication and strong collaborations, we will overcome the barriers, removing one weed at a time.

Regina is the Executive Director of Substance Abuse Free Environment, Inc. (SAFE). During Regina’s 18-year career as a substance abuse prevention specialist, she has gained expertise on the adverse effects of drugs on youth, families, public health and safety. Prior to lead-ing SAFE, Regina was the chair of the national and state award win-ning Alcohol and Aging Awareness Group (AAAG) and vice-chair of Community Coalitions of Virginia (CCoVA) while in her five-year position as an Education Coordinator with the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Regina joined SAFE as coordinator of the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF-SIG) and “to work with the best coalition in the Commonwealth of Virginia”. She assumed the Interim Executive Director position in December

2013 when her mentor resigned and she was unanimously appointed Executive Director of SAFE in May 2014. Under her leadership, SAFE spearheaded the first Virginia statewide marijuana education conference, created the Central Virginia Marijuana Taskforce, and has spoken about medical marijuana to a variety of state government groups. Before relocating to Virginia, Regina was a certified civil trial paralegal for 12 years in Naples, Florida. “I left the legal field because I wanted to use my personal life experience to make a difference in the lives of others,” Regina said. “I found my purpose in the world. One of my favorite stories is about saving at least one starfish on the beach! I love going to work each day and collaborating with an awesome staff and valuable coalition partners to make our community a safer place for all.” Regina is married, has five children, four grandchildren and is a huge Florida Gator fan.


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Clean Air Means GrowthTobacco Task Force

Quality air is essential for positive community development. SAFE’s Tobacco Task Force keeps this issue on the forefront by providing merchant education to tobacco retailers, creating educational campaigns, enhancing substance abuse classroom curriculum for area 5th graders, and by conduct-ing environmental scans throughout Chesterfield County tobacco retailers.

On July 1, 2014 the Commonwealth of Virginia passed a new law prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes and alternative nicotine products to minors. Prior to this law, minors could easily purchase these products from tobacco retailers. Through a new initiative, known as Merchant Education, area Community Service Boards (CSB) were required to educate tobacco retailers of the new law.

Members of SAFE’s Tobacco Task Force, including Chesterfield CSB members, Chesterfield County Police, Chesterfield Mental Health and Prevention Services, Virginia Department of Health, county youth and SAFE staff, visited retailers to educate them regarding the new law and to thank them for their compliance.

Not only is educating the sellers important, but also educating and encouraging current smokers towards breaking the habit is vital. SAFE, C-Fit and Ches-terfield County Public Affairs created and designed a tobacco cessation poster, “Break the Habit”, to display in county facilities as a reminder of the value of health for the entire community.

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Rachel Hunley

SAFE has discovered that chewing and smoke-less tobacco usage rose to five percent, indicating the highest use in four years according to the 2014 Youth Survey Results. The Tobacco Task Force is en-hancing its efforts towards children in order to teach them the value of living tobacco free. The taskforce worked with two Virginia Commonwealth University students to enhance the Success through Edu-cation and Proactive Policing (STEPP) curriculum to include emerging forms of tobacco. This annual curriculum educates over 4,000 fifth grade stu-dents about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse.

Looking for potentially harmful influences through environmental scans is yet another way to insure flourishing growth. Task force members conducted

random environmental scans among 58 Chesterfield County tobacco retailers to evaluate the display and advertisement of tobacco products. Each store received an alert letter with their scoring. High scoring retailers received a recognition, while low scoring retailers received recommendations for needed changes.

Thanks to SAFE’s Tobacco Task Force for your commitment to ensure quality air in Chesterfield County.

Rachel volunteered for SAFE as a 2014 summer intern to assist in the coalition’s efforts to start the SAFE Youth Coalition. However, because of her strengths and talents, Rachel has officially joined the SAFE team as the part-time Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant Coordinator funded by VCU Center for School-Community Collabora-tion. She also works on grant writing, facilitating outreach and community events, and other responsibilities related to the Tobacco Task Force and SAFE activities. Rachel is currently a senior at Liberty University, seeking her degree in Interdisciplinary Science with Cognates in Public Health and Business. Her passion comes as a result of losing her mom to stage 4 lung cancer two years ago. “My mom showed me that having compassion for someone, regardless of what walk of life they come from, is the root of life’s

happiness,” Rachel said. “I feel connected to the Tobacco Task Force because I refuse to let another person suffer from this deadly drug. SAFE has given me the opportunity to explore a field that I am passionate about, and has solidified my desires of becoming a Doctor in Public Health.”

The Proper Use of Legal Products (PULP) Task Force is SAFE’s workgroup that highlights the need for using caution with everyday products in cultivating a healthy environment. Some-times products commonly found in our homes, such as household cleaners, aerosols, paints,

prescription medicines and over-the-counter drugs, can be misused or abused, resulting in damage to the brain and body, addiction and even death. Developing community awareness about this issue is crucial to maintaining individual and community health.

Cough medicine abuse is a problem across the country. Chesterfield’s 2012 youth survey found the percentage of Chesterfield’s youths abusing cough medications to be significantly higher than the national average. In February, SAFE was present-ed the 2014 Dose of Prevention Award from the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America

and the Consumer Healthcare Products Associa-tion for our efforts to increase community aware-ness about this issue. To watch a short video about SAFE’s award-winning approach to preventing cough medicine abuse, click here.

Protecting a Thriving Community

PULP Task Force

Dose of Prevention Award


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Residents in Chesterfield County have been weed-ing out their medicine cabinets and as a result, are reducing the availability of prescription drugs that might be abused. Residents simply collect their expired or unused prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, bring them to a specified location and drop them off to our Chesterfield County Police partners for proper disposal. The drive-by/drop-off service is anonymous. SAFE volunteers personally thank each visitor for their participation and offer packets of helpful substance abuse prevention information. Since the first medication take-back in 2010,

nearly six tons of medications have been collected. All gathered medications are safely disposed through an incineration process approved by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This program works because of the participation of many partners. Thanks to Chesterfield County Police Department, Bon Secours Health System, Chesterfield County Libraries, Chesterfield Towne Center, John Tyler Community College, Virginia Department of Health and the many volunteers for your faithful support.

SAFE and Chesterfield County Department of Youth Planning and Development (YP&D) hosted a special retirement party for Ms. Adams in May. Ms. Adams began her career in 1995 as the sub-stance abuse prevention specialist for the YP&D. She was charged with providing critical support for the newly launched Chesterfield Mobilization Against Substance Abuse and with cultivating the development of a comprehensive, communitywide approach to sub-stance-abuse prevention. Through her dedicated ef for ts while working with key stakeholders, in 1999 Ms. Adams helped establish Substance Abuse Free Environ-ment Inc., better known as SAFE, as the new identity for community mobilization efforts and as a non-profit organization. The SAFE sapling grew

strong under Ms. Adams’ tireless dedication and was awarded a 10-year Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support grant in 2004 and other grants

totaling $2 million. Ms. Adams served as the DFC grant project coordinator. Ms. Adams also developed SAFE’s Proper Use of Legal Products Task Force and was instrumental in providing in-halant prevention and medication and cough abuse prevention ini-tiatives, which have drawn state and national attention and awards. Ms. Adams’ contribution to SAFE and

the community will continue as a legacy to her enduring efforts in the fight against substance abuse. Many thanks go to Ms. Adams for the positive community impact that her green thumb has tended over the years.

Medication Take-Backs have been a huge success in cultivating fertile soil for a healthy community environment.

Sharyl Adams

Medication Take Backs

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SAFE’s SPF-SIG goal is protecting all Chesterfield County residents by decreasing alcohol-related crash-es among 18 to 24 year old males. To accomplish this goal, Virginia State Police issued 27 DUIs between December 2013-April 2014 and June-August 2014.“Lights, Camera, Take Action” media campaign aired 411 commercial spots of “Drinks Cost More Than You Think” on FOX over a 3 month period, reaching 70% of men between 18 to 24 years of age. The media campaign included the commercial, bill-boards (in English and Spanish), with a total billboard reach of two million. A WWBT Call 12 segment aired and there were two Latino radio talk shows on WBTK AM 1380 with Chesterfield County Police and Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (VA ABC) agents talking about DUI and alcohol laws. SAFE and VA ABC conducted Responsible Seller and Server training in April 2014 for Latino estab-lishment owners and staff. The training was highly evaluated with additional trainings desired. Alcohol compliance surveys were conducted at 147 estab-lishments with a compliance rate of 84%. There was a non-compliance rate of 16%, a 1% increase from last year’s non-compliance rate. There is still much weeding to be accomplished in our fields.SPF-SIG expanded to include Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students “BASICS” with students at Virginia State University during the 2014-2015 academic years. Reported June 2014, according to data from 2012, the alcohol-related crash rate among 15 to 24 year old males decreased by 5% from 2009-2010; among females, it decreased by 10%. SAFE, law enforcement, media, universities and young adults are sheltering our community from harm by pruning the alcohol-related crashes from our roadways.

During her years at Matoaca High School, Melissa worked as an underage buyer for SAFE’s a l c o h o l compliance checks, a program conduct-ed in coordination with the Chesterfield County Police Depart-ment. Melissa, now a ju-

nior at Champlain College in Vermont, brought her experience back to SAFE to join us for 6 weeks this summer as a part-time SPF-SIG coordinator to facilitate SAFE’s Alcohol Compliance Surveys, a strategy where 21 to 24 year olds checked to see if area restaurants carded them in their attempts to purchase alcohol. “I was thrilled at the opportunity to reunite with SAFE and take charge of this project,” Melissa said. “The fact we could survey all 175 estab-lishments in four days blows my mind. I’m thankful to the surveyors for being so enthu-siastic in assisting with this project, and I’m even more thankful that so many establishments in Chesterfield County stand in alliance with us in keeping the community safe for our youth.”

“The alcohol-related crash rate among 15 to 24 year old males decreased by 5% and among females, it decreased by 10%.”

Sheltering from HarmStrategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant

Melissa Walden


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Through the collaborative efforts of SAFE’s Under-age Drinking Task Force (UDTF), DeJohn Taylor, a senior at Matoaca High School and UDTF member, Dr. Stephen Cunningham, principal of Matoaca High School, and Dr. Diane Marks, principal of Clover Hill High School, nearly 1,600 juniors and seniors were challenged with a vital message presented by Chris Sandy and Eric Krug of “Enduring Regret”. Sandy was imprisoned for seven years when he was convicted as an 18-year-old for killing two people after drinking and driving. Krug, a college baseball star, was paralyzed after riding with a drunk driver on his 21st birthday. The two tell of their heartache at making wrong choices, the consequences, and how they are using their stories to help others not make the same mistakes. We hope the message will be carried in the hearts and minds of our young people as they make choices throughout their lives. Thank you to our community partners for enabling DeJohn’s vision to come to fruition.

Check out www.enduringregret.org

It is with pleasure we welcome Kimberly as the new substance abuse pre-vention program analyst for Chesterfield County Youth Planning and De-velopment. Kimberly joined the staff in early August. Many of you may have worked with Kimberly in her role as Communities In Schools coordina-tor at Ettrick Elementary School, where she worked for the past six years. Kimberly is also a long-time resident of Chesterfield County and has served the community as a children and family pastor and Christian edu-cation director for many years. She and her husband have seven children, six boys and one girl, and a four-year-old grandson. Kimberly will be providing support for the county’s substance abuse prevention efforts and

serving as in-kind staff to SAFE, where she will guide a variety of task forces and initiatives, including the Underage Drinking Task Force and the Proper Use of Legal Products (PULP) Task Force. Kimberly plans to use her passion and love for young people and families to assist both YP&D and SAFE! “I believe each of us has a purpose to bring grace, hope and joy to people we encounter each day,” Kimberly said. “Each is created with unique and special gifts to share with one another to make the world a better place.”

Welcome Kimberly!

“Enduring Regret”

Kimberly Reynolds


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“Enduring Regret”- Chris Sandy and Eric Krug

The Community Youth Survey is a critical tool for providing information about the attitudes and behaviors of our young people. Administered every two years since November 2005 to a representative sample of youths in grades 8, 10 and 12, the survey provides a means to measure usage rates, perceptions about use and emerging trends. SAFE partners with Chesterfield County Youth Planning and Development to administer the survey and analyzes and publicizes survey results, including highlights of the survey. Because the data numbers can’t tell the whole story, SAFE has also collected additional information on alcohol use and other drugs from youth through informal questionnaires and focus groups. Each participant shares his or her perspective anony-mously to promote honest answers and discussions. This information helps the coalition understand when and where teens are drinking and using other drugs and how and where the alcohol and drugs are obtained. SAFE also gathers input from the community through community forums, focus groups, surveys

and interviews to help understand community concerns and issues. In addition to survey information, SAFE uses statistical data kept by a variety of public agency partners to help determine its areas of focus. Data relating to youth substance use, such as school disci-plinary actions, juvenile arrests, and alcohol-related injuries and fatalities are contained in the Chester-field County Youth and Family Indicators Report, published annually by the Chesterfield County Youth Planning and Development.

For quick highlights of SAFE’s 2014 Community Youth Survey, click here.

In order to harvest a hearty crop, the condition of the soil needs to be evaluated. An inventory needs to be collected and an understanding of strengths and weak-nesses in the field need to be assessed. SAFE conducts this same process before our efforts within the community begin. We gather information and listen to the community, especially our partners within the Chesterfield County Public Schools, parents, students, and others who have a long history and pulse on community conditions.

SAFE’s first priority is understanding the risk factors affecting substance abuse in the community before identifying and implementing evidence-based best practices to change local conditions. SAFE’s initiatives are developed in response to issues identified through youth survey data, statistical data and community input. The 2014 youth survey was administered in February and March 2014 to randomly selected 8th, 10th and 12th grade Chesterfield County youth.

National Night Out at Greenleigh Community

Harvest Time

2014 Youth Community Survey


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It is important to sow back into the broader community and create lasting collaborative relationships in order to grow strong. These key partnerships make for stronger roots and bigger yields. SAFE proudly mentors its counterpart in Henrico County, the Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition. This past year many buds have flowered and the garden continues to grow. In May 2014, Too Smart 2 Start sponsored a Strategic Planning workshop, emphasizing the use of the Strategic Prevention Framework to become a successful coalition. In September 2014, the coalition sponsored an additional workshop, “Building Blocks for Nonprofit Board Members.” Both workshops proved very successful and both coalitions were at the table.In the spring of 2014, Henrico Too Smart 2 Start coalition members interviewed key representatives from multiple sectors of the community to gather information regarding their perceptions and insights about substance abuse in Henrico County. Another round of interviews will take place this fall to even

further detail the current status of substance abuse among youth and families.Not only do Henrico Too Smart 2 Start coalition members sponsor educational and training events but they also continue to participate in Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) coalition trainings conducted bi-annually as well as participate in the CADCA National Coalition Academy.There can never be too much attention focused on substance abuse prevention and reduction in our community gardens. We will continue to teach each other, learn from each other, and work together to flourish.

Check out their website: www.toosmart.2start.com

Sowing the SeedDrug Free Community Mentoring Grant


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Kim Day


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Giving of our time, energy and resources helps our community to thrive and grow. We have a choice to invest in the change and the type of cultivation that we want to see. Substance abuse affects us all. It destroys lives, damages families and weakens communities. It is particularly harmful to our youths. Our 2014 data shows that marijuana usage is double that of cig-arette usage among eighth, tenth and twelfth graders. Studies show that parents are the most effective resource in preventing and reducing drug and alcohol abuse and addiction in youths. SAFE engages our community in working together to prevent and reduce substance abuse. We serve as a catalyst for collaboration, engaging multiple community partners in identifying, planning and implementing initiatives that lead to commu-nity-wide changes that strengthen the health and well-being of our children, families and community.With half of our grant funding sources expiring in January 2015, Substance Abuse Free Environment Inc. is actively seeking partnerships with private businesses, faith communities and individuals to

secure funding, and to recruit board members and volunteers. Come grow with us. Give of your time, energy and resources. Be a community cultivator. We welcome you to become a part of the team.

Supporters will be recognized at SAFE’s annual meeting, in the media and in SAFE’s annual report.Contributors may wish to consider sponsoring one of SAFE’s specific projects. Please contact us at [email protected] or call 804-796-7100 for more information.

Kim recently entered the non-profit world as SAFE’s Development Coordinator after 30 plus years in the corporate world in legal and property management positions. A Chesterfield native and proud graduate of Clover Hill High School and Longwood College, Kim is the mother of an elementary school teacher and a college sophomore, and the wife of a busy grocery store manager. She is active in her church and works with K-5 kids helping them establish firm foundations before they take the leap to middle and high school. Her primary responsibilities include identifying potential board members and community partners, and her favorite phrase is, “The answer is always no until you ask.” Kim is very excited to be part of the SAFE team.

Levels of Support:

Platinum $25,000 and upGold $10,000 - $24,999Sliver $5,000 - $9,999Bronze $1,000 - $4,999Champion $500 - $999Partner $1 - $499

Giving to Grow

Help keep us growing!

SAFE 18


Thank you to the following individuals and organizations that contributed monetary or in-kind gifts or both for fiscal year 2013-2014:

Individuals

Sharyl Adams Bryan AhnCorrin BrewerJames BrewerJohn and Kimberli Burgner Jana CarterDr. Imad DamajKim DavisPatrick and Pamela DeRitterDr. James EvansDale FickettWayne Frith Mary Garber Jim and Patty GlazierMegan GordonDr. Bancroft and Susan GreeneDr. Linda HancockDr. Bill HarpRachel HunleyRachelle Hunley Janice JacobyDr. Barbara Lester Noah LivelyEdward and Victoria MarksDr. Glen and Marsha Miller John and Sheila Peddy Aaron SpanglerDeJohn TaylorSunita and Shantaram TalegaonkarJohn and Rosalind WatkinsGreg WhitsettMary WrightThomas and Paula Wriston

Organizations

Angus DentistryBizWorks Enterprise CenterBon Secours Health SystemBrandermill Rotary ClubCaron Treatment CenterCathedral of the Sacred HeartChester Christian ChurchChesterfield Commonwealth’s Attorney’s OfficeChesterfield County Adolescent Reporting CenterChesterfield County/Colonial Heights Drug CourtsChesterfield County Health DepartmentChesterfield County Juvenile ProbationChesterfield County Public Affairs Department

Chesterfield County Public Libraries Chesterfield County Sheriff ’s DepartmentChesterfield County Technical Center School Print ShopChesterfield County Youth Planning & DevelopmentChesterfield ObserverCommonwealth of Virginia Campaign DonorsCommunities In Schools (Chesterfield)Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)Community Coalitions of Virginia (CCoVA)Consumer Healthcare Products AssociationEttrick Neighborhood and Business FoundationFarmers InsuranceGordon, Dodson, Gordon & RowlettHenrico County Drug Courts Henrico County Mental Health and Developmen-tal Services, Prevention Services Henrico County Police DepartmentHouse of Carpets Hunton & Williams LLP John Tyler ASAPJohn Tyler Community College-Chester CampusKiwanis Club of ChesterLAMAR AdvertisingLa Milpa RestaurantLatino FuturoLeClair Ryan Martin’s (at Chesterfield Towne Center)Network for GoodPearson InfinityPollo Campero RestaurantRadio Poder 1380 AMRichmond Times DispatchRiver City Rotary ClubSafeguard Printing and PromotionsMonte Stiles, LLCSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationSwift Creek Animal Hospital Telemundo RichmondThe JHW FoundationThe Progress-IndexTM Accounting and Administrative Services, LLCTom Leonard’s Farmers MarketUnited Way DonorsUniversity of RichmondVillage BankVillage News Virginia Broadcast SolutionsVirginia Commonwealth UniversityVirginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage ControlVirginian Hispanic Chamber of CommerceVirginia Lawyers Helping Lawyers Virginia State UniversityWCVE Community Idea StationsWildes & Company PLLCWRLH-TV FOX RICHMONDWRIC-TV8WTVR- CBS 6WWBT-TV NBC 1212th District Juvenile Court

Individual volunteers for SAFE donated 2,913 hours of service.

A special thanks to CJW Medical Center Johnston-Willis Hospital for providing SAFE with in-kind office space and to the staff at Chesterfield County Youth Plan-ning and Development for their many hours of in-kind support.

Click here for financial information about SAFE.

Click here for SAFE’s 2013-14 audit.

Community Cultivators

Designed and Illustrated by Corrin Brewer

P.O. Box 35413 North Chesterfield, VA 23235

E-Mail us at: [email protected]

chesterfieldsafe.org

Documents

SAFE 2013/2014 Annual Report