 Congratulations to our December 2020 Asset Builder, Barella's Barber Shop and The Chowder Stop! The award was presented by our Executive at-large member, Elly Rosaire. In Elly's words:
Two businesses, one goal: to build bonds and strengthen community by being part of the community on multiple levels and various business ventures. Bridging the gaps between being a consumer and successful business owners. Community minded and youth focused. This “Dynamic Duo” hit downtown energetically, showing a sense of community by continuously advertising, contributing, and participating in community events, programs, and other services or products offered locally. Since Barella’s Barber Shop ribbon cutting on February 28, 2019, Gail has been community minded focusing on the needs of our teens. One of the first programs that made a direct impact was the Barella’s Fancy Clothes Closet. This program catered to young men needing dressy clothes for job interviews, dances, dates, or any other special occasion. The young man can come pick out an outfit and enjoy a free haircut. Gail has also offered free haircuts for school dances, music performances, back to school, and is now offering free haircuts for boys & young men K-12th grade. Barella’s continues the holiday giving by promoting and donating to Shoeboxes of Joy; donating $1 from every haircut sold for Christmas gifts for local kids. Since the Chowder Stop’s ribbon cutting on October 2, 2019 Casey has pioneered some pretty amazing community projects. April 25, 2020 they hosted a Community Soup Feed and food drive for our local food banks. In addition: November 11, 2020 – on Veterans day, Vets could come get a free cup of chowder. November 19, 2020 – a FREE drive through Thanksgiving was provided to all members of our community. This was in partnership with various other local businesses. On November 23, 2020 His Supper Table shared on social media, that a generous donation including 25 Turkey dinners was given to His Supper Table by Chowder Stop to distribute to members of our community that may have not otherwise had a dinner to cook over Thanksgiving. Casey and Gail are always friendly, approachable, hire local, and promote local. I am happy to know them on a professional and personal level – they are truly a blessing to our community.  During these difficult pandemic times, remember that Pacific County is here for you! If you haven't done so already, we encourage you to check out our county-specific COVID-19 website. On this website you'll find daily updates regarding test numbers and data, along with resources for parents, kids, veterans, insurance, and food. If you have any updates or resources you'd like added to the website, please let us know! Stay healthy!
 We are proud to announce our November 2020 Asset Builder, Mary Goelz! Mary retired from her position as director of Pacific County Health & Human Services in early 2020, and has recently joined the department again on a part-time basis to assist in "picking up the slack" in services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mary was essential in the inception of WellSpring Community Network 15 years ago, and assisted in bringing in new funding and new programs, such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Her tireless work for her community and her genuine care for everyone she meets is inspiring! Mary, we thank you for your many years of service to us. We are thrilled to have Jermaine Galloway, the "Tall Cop," join us virtually for a town hall event on Monday, November 16th at 5 pm, designed to inform parents about emerging trends in tobacco usage among our youth. This event is FREE, will be delivered virtually (you can watch it in your PJs!) and there will be a great question-and-answer portion after the presentation. Registration before the event is encouraged (and there is even a free gift!). Please click the EventBrite link below to register. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tall-cop-says-stop-vape-pens-trends-and-dabbing-tickets-126331080663   What is Red Ribbon Week, exactly? National Family Partnership, formerly the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth, was established as a grassroots, nonprofit organization in 1980 by a handful of concerned and determined parents who were convinced they should begin to play a leadership role in drug prevention. Since its founding thirty years ago, NFP has devoted its efforts to the well-being of youth. Today, NFP is a national leader in drug prevention education & advocacy. Our mission is to lead and support our nation’s families and communities in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug free youth. What We DoAWARENESS – NFP provides drug awareness by sponsoring the annual National Red Ribbon Campaign™. Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction cause by drugs in America. In 1988, NFP sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. ADVOCACY – NFP is active in bringing the concerns and agenda of America’s parents and families to policy makers on a local, state, and national level. Joining NFP enables parents and coalitions to have direct access to our nation’s leaders and decision makers. RESOURCES – Our organization acts as a national clearinghouse of prevention literature. NFP has developed a series of prevention brochures to help educate our Partners with all the latest information on our Universal Campaigns such as: Red Ribbon Campaign, Red Ribbon Certified Schools, Lock Your Meds , and Safe Homes / Safe Parties. THE RED RIBBON CAMPAIGN™ AND ENRIQUE KIKI CAMARENASince its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction cause by drugs in America. Enrique (Kiki) Camarena was a Drug Enforcement Administration Agent who was tortured and killed in Mexico in 1985. When he decided to join the US Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out of it. "I'm only one person", he told her, "but I want to make a difference." On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena's body was found. He had been tortured to death. In honor of Camarena's memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. Parents, sick of the destruction of alcohol and other drugs, had begun forming coalitions. Some of these new coalitions took Camarena as their model and embraced his belief that one person can make a difference. These coalitions also adopted the symbol of Camarena's memory, the red ribbon. In 1988, NFP sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Since that time, the campaign has reached millions of U.S. children and families. The National Family Partnership (NFP) and its network of individuals and organizations continue to deliver his message of hope to millions of people every year, through the National Red Ribbon Campaign™. ed Ribbon Campaign's list of FAQ's National Prescription Drug Takeback Day is just a few days away! But don’t worry, cleaning out your medicine cabinet takes just a few minutes and there are plenty of convenient collection sites near you. Sharing this post takes seconds too. Just a small effort can have a huge impact! This year's event will be held as a drive thru event, as we work to maintain social distancing. Join us at Sid's Market in Seaview, WA, from 10am - 2pm, and dispose of any unused, unwanted or expired medications. No questions asked.   WellSpring Community Network needs your help!
Please take 2 minutes to complete the 2020 Community Survey! This survey allows your local prevention coalitions to see your views on youth substance use in Pacific County and helps fund prevention programming in our community. Use this link. Thank you! https://www.research.net/r/PALOBEEN2020 https://www.research.net/r/PALOBEEN2020https://www.research.net/r/PALOBEEN2020  We are pleased to award this month's Asset Builder to Pacific County Immigrant Support. Pacific County Immigrant Support (PCIS) learns about and supports the needs of undocumented immigrant families threatened by arrest, detention, and deportation by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
A few of their many wonderful supports and activities include:
 We are proud to announce that this month's Asset Builder is Howard Chang, a retired volunteer for the Pacific County Sheriff's Office. Since the county's activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in March, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Howard has been instrumental in creating and operating a drive-through testing program on both ends of Pacific County, which has seen more than 4,000 participants.
Howard is a joy to work with, personable, kind, reliable, and a positive example to all who know him. In short, the perfect Asset Builder! Congratulations, Howard! |
