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Students Conversing Together
A community-led prevention system supporting youth and families across our region.

Communities That Care (CTC) Program

"Normalize being the reason kids thrive"

What is Communities That Care (CTC)?

Communities That Care (CTC) brings together schools, families, community organizations, local leaders, and youth to create healthier, safer communities where young people can thrive. CTC uses local data and proven prevention strategies to understand the strengths and needs of a community and work together on solutions that make a lasting difference.

Our Local CTC Approach

CTC in our region is built on collaboration, data, and community voice. We bring together partners who care about youth wellbeing and give them the tools to create meaningful, lasting change.

Who makes CTC Possible?

Schools

Youth

Healthcare Workers

Families

Community Organizations

Local Leaders 

Law Enforcement

Businesses

Others

We focus on:

Building protective factors that help youth succeed

Programs & Initiatives

Here are some of the ways CTC supports youth and families in our community:

Youth Playing Pool

Youth Leadership & Voice

We create opportunities for young people to lead, speak up, and shape the solutions that affect them. Youth help guide campaigns, events, and prevention strategies.

Child Hugging Parent

Parent & Caregiver Support

Workshops, resources, and community events that strengthen family connection and communication.

Students Using Devices

Positive Community Norms Campaigns

Messaging that highlights the strengths of our youth and community — shifting the narrative toward hope, resilience, and belonging.

Community Volunteer Event

Community Events & Engagement

Seasonal events, outreach activities, and collaborative projects that bring families, partners, and youth together.

School Laboratory

School & Community Partnerships

Working with schools, youth programs, and local organizations to support prevention efforts and build consistent, supportive environments.

How Communities That Cares Works

1. Get Started

2. Get Organized

3. Develop a Community Profile

4. Create a Community Action Plan

5. Implement & Evaluate

9-25/CTC Community Board

What is it

   o The 9-25 Committee serves as the CTC Community Board, bringing community partners together to support the well-being of youth and young adults ages 9–25. The group provides an opportunity for community members, organizations, schools, youth, and local leaders to share ideas, identify needs, and work together on prevention efforts.

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Who participates

   o Anyone can participate in the 9-25 Committee. Having a diverse community board will benefit the CTC initiative by broadening our scope of community issues.

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Meeting info

   o The 9-25 Committee meets once a month before our Full Collaborative Meeting from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. There is a virtual option available that is provided in the Full Collaborative Registration process.

Image by Quilia
How can you get involved? – Have Questions?

Contact

Claire Firkus

Phone Number

320-444-1405

Email 

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