Who We Are
West River Valley Thrives Mission
West River Valley Thrives is a coalition whose mission is to create opportunities for meaningful contributions to support and promote healthy lifestyle choices with an emphasis on the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use by young people.
We welcome members of the community to engage with our coalition. Each member is a valued resource who brings creative ideas and diverse skills that strengthen and motivate the group as a whole to make a positive difference in people’s lives and the community environment.
We serve seven towns (and their associated villages) in the West River Valley that are part of the Windham Central Supervisory Union; Brookline, Jamaica, Marlboro, Newfane, Townshend, Wardsboro, Windham.
What We Want to Accomplish
Build Community
- Increase parent participation in local healthy activities with youth
- Promote substance-free events in our community
- Use place-based strategies to root our youth in Windham County
Impact Policy
- Work with our local select boards to create an environment that lowers youth perception that community norms encourage substance us
- Aid regional partners in ensuring county-wide success in youth prevention
- Partner with our state and local legislators to impact state-wide policy
Increase Awareness
- Increase student knowledge of harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
- Increase parents’ skills to help prevent youth substance use
- Inform community members on safe storage and disposal techniques for various substances
Involve Youth
- Increase youth participation in healthy activities
- Change student acceptance and perceptions of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use
- Offer service learning opportunities that help youth build skills