Foundation Grant Funds Prevention Program

Goal is reducing court involvement among at-risk youth

NEWAYGO, MI – Arbor Circle celebrates a recent grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation  in support of prevention education services for high risk youth and their families aimed at reducing court  system involvement and building a strong future for the county’s most at risk youth. 

According to the 2022 Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth, 63% of 9th grade students and 47% of 11th  grade students indicated they had used alcohol in the past 30 days. In Newaygo County, high rates of  early use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs have a significant impact on youth post-secondary  success, mental health, and risk for addiction in adulthood.  

“We are proud to support Arbor Circle’s prevention education programming,” said Shelly Kasprzycki,  President and CEO of Fremont Area Community Foundation. “Arbor Circle has a long history in Newaygo  County, and they are doing important work to help local young people and their families build healthier,  stronger futures.”
 
Arbor Circle has provided substance use disorder prevention programs in Newaygo County since 2011, with the goal of building life skills for youth to empower them to make healthy choices and achieve their  full potential. Building and sustaining early success for youth increases the likelihood they complete high  school and engage in post-secondary education; both traditional college or skilled labor.
 
“We are so grateful for the Fremont Area Community Foundation’s support of this important work,” shared Leigh Moerdyke, Arbor Circle’s Director of Prevention and Advocacy. “These funds will  strengthen our ability to effectively collaborate with our community partners in guiding youth towards  healthy choices.” 
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These funds will support Arbor Circle in working with Newaygo County Juvenile Justice and other  partners to develop and implement enhanced prevention education services for high risk, underserved  youth and their families aimed at reducing youth recidivism in the court system and encouraging youth  in making healthy decisions for their future.

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