News - Hero
Teens learn empowerment techniques.
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REED-CUSTER HIGH SCHOOL students Billy Barrow and Myrila Avitt explain to the members of the Braidwood Area Healthy Communities Coalition some of the lessons they learned at a special teen summit at Illinois State University this year, where the pair discussed strategies to deal with substance abuse and bullying with other teens from around the state.
RCHS students learn prevention strategies for drug abuse, bullying.
BY MARNEY SIMON
Students at Reed-Custer High School are taking the initiative to fight bad influences.
RCHS students Billy Barrow and Myrila Avitt were two of hundreds of teens from around the state in attendance at a two-day CGTI summit at Illinois State University last month.
Fishing for a Cure set to benefit Coalition.
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BAHCC chosen as 2017 Exelon charity recipient
Staff report
When an angler competes in this year’s Exelon Generation “Fishing for a Cure” bass fishing tournament, he or she might just save a life.
Exelon’s Braidwood Station will host its 16th annual fishing tournament this spring, with the theme “Cast a line, save a life.” This year, proceeds of the event will stay in Braidwood, benefiting the Braidwood Area Healthy Community Coalition (BAHCC).
The community has really come together under this coalition to take action,” said Pete Dell’Aquila, project coordinator for BAHCC. “We are grateful to Exelon Generation for the support it is providing through ‘Fishing for a Cure.’ The resources will allow us, quite literally, to save lives in our community.”
Community coalition focuses on prevention, safety.
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Marney Simon
Staff writer
Two years ago, a handful of community members got together with a vision of a healthier Braidwood. Today, the Braidwood Area Healthy Communities Coalition (BAHCC) remains small, but active in the community and looking to grow.Members of the BAHCC met on Tuesday, Sept. 7 to discuss a busy fall schedule working with the Reed-Custer School District. The coalition will take part in the Reed-Custer High School open house tonight (Wednesday). One of the main programs the coalition will focus on again will be additions to the Safe Homes directory.
Residents urged to stand up, take notice.
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Community forum set for end of the month.
Marney Simon
Staff writer
Braidwood teens know their way around.
That's one of several messages included in the results of the most recent Illinois Youth Survey, conducted in the Reed-Custer School District in October and November 2010.
Now, members of the Braidwood Area Healthy Communities Coalition (BAHCC) are hoping that parents and community members will stand up and take notice of what the kids in town doing.
Coalition gets ready for a Celebration.
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Marney Simon
Staff writer
Coming together for the good of the community is the whole purpose behind the Braidwood Area Healthy Community Coalition (BAHCC). And after nearly four years of ups and downs, building and reaching out, the coalition is ready to host their inaugural celebration event. It's one that members hope will open up their membership, while recognizing all their work for the city of Braidwood thus far.
Members of the BAHCC met on Monday, Feb. 13 to discuss plans for the Celebration. The event is slated for Thursday, April 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Fossil Ridge Public Library. The event will feature raffles, demonstrations, a jump house and refreshments, as well as information for parents and community members on how to create a better Braidwood.
Coalition receives $75,000 grant to fight drug and alcohol abuse.
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Marney Simon
Staff writer
The problems related to teenage drug and alcohol use and abuse is not limited to big city kids. For the past several years, members of the Braidwood Area Healthy Community Coalition (BAHCC) have been working to educate both children and their parents on the dangers of illegal drugs and drinking, and providing resources for how families can deal with the issues that are prevalent in most towns, including Braidwood. Now, the small but active organization has gotten a boost from the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Community Health and Prevention.
Coalition members complete prevention training.
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Marney Simon
Staff writer
The message is simple - stay clean and stay safe.But the delivery, especially when it comes to adults relating to teens, is far from simple.
The members of the Braidwood Area Healthy Communities Coalition have worked in recent years to engage the public in the effort to fight the illegal use of drugs and alcohol by area youth. Over the past several months, the group has picked up steam, adding to its membership, creating by-laws and working on long term plans.
Coalition works toward bigger role in Braidwood.
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Marney Simon
Staff writer
The members of the Braidwood Area Healthy Community Coalition (BAHCC) are using state funding to advance their causes. Now, the coalition is laying out a solid foundation for firming up their group's regulations, in order to become a more powerful presence in the Braidwood community.
Last week, members of the BAHCC attended a two-day training session on community assessments. The training was paid for as part of a $75,000 state grant to conduct community assessment and planning around youth substance abuse. That grant was obtained by Chestnut Health Systems, the partner organization for the BAHCC.
If they changed one mind... their actions mattered.
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Pam Monson
Editor
Civic-minded students made it a little harder for teens to get alcohol last week, as they participated in the statewide Your Actions Matter campaign.
Your Actions Matter is an underage drinking awareness program coordinated through the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. It was sponsored locally by the Wilmington Coalition for a Healthy Community, the Braidwood Area Healthy Community Coalition, the Wilmington and Braidwood police departments, Will County Sheriff's Department, Wilmington superintendent of schools Jay Plese, Wilmington Mayor Marty Orr and Braidwood Mayor Bill Rulien. The event brings the month of April, Alcohol Awareness Month in the state of Illinois, to a close.
Coalition announces new website and resource directory
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by Tonya Michalec
Staff writer
The Braidwood Area Healthy Community Coalition is keeping up with the times by creating and establishing a website that gives residents access to the organization's event scheduling, community healthy goal objectives and more. The coalition is a group made up of Braidwood community members, local health agencies, the police department and the fire department that are dedicated and focused on working together to support local youth in making healthy, drug and alcohol free choices.
