Who We Are
My TOWN coalition was founded in 2013 in response to a Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) funding invitation from our State partner (Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Behavior Health and Recovery) to focus prevention efforts in Hoquiam. Prevention initiatives around youth substance use have very clear and tangible effects on positive student outcomes both in the school environment and in personal achievement.
On a larger scale, CPWI is a partnership of state agencies, counties, schools and local prevention coalitions supporting communities in preventing alcohol and other drug abuse and its negative consequences. To date there are 82 communities in Washington State implementing CPWI. CPWI priorities include reducing underage drinking, marijuana use and opioid misuse/abuse among middle and high school aged youth.
My TOWN members represent a variety of community sectors and all are passionate about providing evidence-based practices and promoting positive changes to help build a healthier community.
Strategic Plan
Each year our Coalition updates our strategic plan. This means we look at the data we have available, determine our community’s needs, and assess if our strategies are successfully meeting those needs. With this process we have the ability to respond more effectively to our local conditions.
Click or tap the image below to view the 2019 Strategic Plan
Current Coalition Members
Coordinator, Wilma Weber– Grays Harbor Public Health
Co-Chair, Sarah Livingston– Hoquiam Timberland Library
Co-Chair, Nikki Gwin– Hoquiam High School
Jessica Verboomen– True North
Izzy Chavez– True North
Kent Gravley– Immanuel Baptist Church
Brock Maxfield– Hoquiam High School
Paul McMillan– Hoquiam City Council
Katri Pelan– Inspire Advisors
Laura Brydon– HHS Parent
Franzine Potts– YMCA of Grays Harbor
Corey Benjamin– Providence Centralia Hospital
News
Tall Cop Visits Grays Harbor
Officer Jermaine Galloway visited Grays Harbor and led trainings in Hoquiam, Aberdeen, and Elma. He is one of the nations leading experts on drug culture and trends, and tours the U.S. training over 50,000 people per year. We were very proud to partner with Grays...
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My TOWN at the Back to School March
Hoquiam School District teachers, staff, and students led a community march from Central Elementary to Hoquiam Middle School, where a back to school celebration followed! My TOWN Coalition members were there giving away prizes and free medication lock boxes and...
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Grizzly Prevention Squad at the 2018 Spring Youth Forum
GPS had the opportunity to participate in the 2018 Spring Youth Forum. At the forum, youth prevention teams are invited to speak about, and be honored for their successful project in their communities. GPS presented their "R U OK? Fun Run for Mental Health Awareness"...
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