About the Safe Community Coalition

 

The SCC is a primarily volunteer-driven organization dedicated to creating a safe and healthy environment for our youth. Our activities are supported by a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)/Drug-Free Community federal grant, corporate and private donations, and various fund-raising activities.

 

The SCC invites everyone in the community to participate in building a better environment for our young people.

 

 

 

Our Mission

The Safe Community Coalition’s vision is a community where youth learn to make responsible decisions and where they are safe, healthy, and free from alcohol and drug use. The SCC offers programs for youth, parents, and the community in collaboration with other community sectors concerned about our youth: schools, parent/teacher associations, faith organizations, businesses, public safety organizations, the medical community, and civic organizations.

 

 

Our Activities

The SCC brings together members of the community who have a stake in keeping youth safe to give them opportunities to connect, interact, and learn. We offer programs and resources that help parents and children in making positive choices. Our events and programs:

 

  • Promote prevention efforts and increase community awareness of violence, alcohol, and substance abuse
  • Increase communication and collaboration among all entities involved with youth
  • Help young people develop the skills and knowledge to resist dangerous activities
  • Support parents in raising healthy and responsible children.

Learn more about our Programs and Services >

 

 

Our Members and Partners

The SCC considers all members of the community to be members of the SCC and encourages everyone to participate in supporting safe communities for our children and youth. The organization is governed by an annually elected Board of Directors.

 

SCC Officers and Board Members

Debbie Witchey, President
Mimi Weisberg, Vice President
Jacky Longwell,  Vice President

Jennifer Salopek, Corresponding Secretary
Natalie Sturm, Recording Secretary
Ann Landrum, Treasurer

 

David Crystal, Director
Ellen Nasanow, Director

Susan Nolan, Director
Diane Pechstein, Director
Melissa Sporn, Director

 

 

Our Partners

The SCC would not be able to accomplish its mission without the support and participation of its partners. The SCC interacts with many community sectors to accomplish its goals:

  • Business community
  • Civic organizations or associations
  • Faith community
  • Federal government
  • Health community
  • Law enforcement
  • Local and state government
  • Media
  • Parents
  • Schools
  • Youth associations

Our History

Since its inception, SCC has offered programs and resources to help parents and children in our community make responsible decisions that keep our young people alcohol- and drug-free and our community safe. 1995 marks the year the coalition was formed. Here are the events that led up to its formation:

 

Spring 1995:

  • The federal government makes funds available through local school systems to help localities prevent alcohol and drug abuse and violence among young people.
  • The Fairfax County Public School System arranges to distribute these federal funds through its Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Use Prevention (AOD). AOD was later renamed the Safe and Drug Free Youth Section.
  • AOD sponsors a symposium in St. Michael’s, Maryland to provide up-to-date information on drug and alcohol use and violence among young people. The representatives also receive information about prevention efforts and guidance in establishing community programs for school-aged youth.
  • Attending representatives from the Langley and McLean High School pyramids decide to create a coalition that would serve both pyramids jointly.

November 1995: The SCC establishes the goals and initiatives that continue to be the backbone of its efforts.

 

December 1995: The SCC is the first coalition to incorporate under Virginia law, establish a board of officers, and obtain non-profit status under the Internal Revenue Code, giving the SCC the ability to receive contributions and undertake fundraising activities to supplement its funding.