Local coalition offers Hooper help with Healthy Community redesignation and youth prevention programs

Nicole Blanch, coordinator for the Western Weaver Communities That Care Coalition, asked Hooper City to partner on renewing the city's Healthy Community designation. She described the coalition's prevention work with schools and families and offered support in three areas: program delivery and youth-engagement (youth council and leadership opportunities), data collection/evaluation (school-based student surveys), and assistance writing and managing small grants.

Nicole told the council the coalition can provide evidence-based programs and help staff apply for modest grants; she cited a $2,500 grant opportunity through a state Department of Health program and said the coalition could support an intern stipend and program materials. Council members asked about curriculum review and liability; Nicole said the coalition's fiscal agent is the county human services department and that curriculum has been vetted through that agency. The council asked staff to review the draft partnership agreement and return with recommended edits before any formal commitment.