Our mission is to unite the Anderson Valley community in efforts that promote community health through grassroots organizing to reduce the presence of drugs in the community and prevent youth substance abuse.
How to Help (Non-Parents)
Helping Teens You Know
The power of a non-parent role model should not be underestimated. You can be a powerful positive influence for kids, and in some cases, you could be the only person to whom the teen can turn. If a teen confides in you that they are experimenting with or using drugs or alcohol, you can help.
What can you do?
The first thing you can do is learn as much as you can. The National Youth Anti-Drug media Campaign offers two important Web sites. The first is primarily for parents and adults who spend a lot of time with teens (
The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) will send free pamphlets and fact sheets that will help you learn about alcohol and drug use by teens. Their phone number is 1-800-788-2800, and their web site is
Who can you talk to for help?
- School counselors and student assistance professionals – AVHS Counselor, Stephanie Gold 895-3274
- Employee assistance professionals – Check with your employer's Human Resources department.
- Family doctors or pediatricians
- Nurses
- Faith leaders*
- Community Health Centers – Anderson Valley Health Center 895-3477
- Adolescent prevention or treatment programs – AODP Counselor, Kathy James, Wednesdays at AVHS, 895-2186
- Local community anti-drug coalitions &ndash the AVCAC
*Assembly of God Church, pastor Bill Nobles 895-3309; Valley Bible Fellowship, 895-3212; For St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church please call St. Mary of the Angel Church office in Ukiah to speak to a priest. 462-1431
From the brochure “When it’s not your kid, how do you deal with drug use and drinking?”
Helping Teens You Don't Know
Just say Hello
For most people, we grow out of our teen years and leave that time of our lives behind us with a sigh of relief. Sure, there are bright spots, but the awkwardness and intensity of changing from a child into an adult usually involves some degree of pain.
A lot of teens mask feelings of insecurity or uncertainty behind a veneer of indifference. They have a “You leave me alone, I’ll leave you alone” attitude. Don’t let that stop you from saying hello, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the response you hoped. Trust takes time to develop, and often teens simply don’t know how to respond when a strange adult greets them. Remember, every small kindness is one more thread strengthening the fabric of our community.
Community Organizations Serving Teens
AV Arts
The AV Arts supports art in our schools.
The Education Foundation
The Ed Foundation raises money to support educational activities in Anderson Valley. Anyone can apply for grant money to organize events with educational benefit to local kids.
The High School Internship Program
During the summer, selected teens are paid by this program to intern with local businesses in order to gain real-world experience at no cost to the business owner.
Did you know? 79% of AV High School Students disapprove of someone their age drinking alcohol frequently.*
*from AVHS California Healthy Kids Survey 2010