Prevention
STEPS Prevention and Community Education department provides a full continuum of services which include:
School Programs and Teacher Training
Our qualified Prevention staff is available to facilitate student groups and to give classroom presentations. Our staff can also provide training programs for school personnel on the latest information and resources about substance use and abuse.
Teen Institute (T.I.)
Students who are members of Teen Institute (T.I.) promise to be drug free and to work to prevent the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. T.I. Students pledge to promote healthy life choices among their peers and in their communities. There are T.I. groups in most Wayne County junior high and high schools.
Countywide meetings are held monthly during the school year along with special events for junior high and high school members. These meeting and events are coordinated by our Prevention staff.
Community Resource Library
More than 2000 videos are available for use. Tapes may be borrowed for one week at a time. A list of titles is available at our Wooster office. In addition, a wide variety of books, pamphlets and print-ready flyers are available . Most resources are available free of charge.
Volunteer Services
Volunteers are an essential part of the continued growth of our agency. Volunteers do not need special knowledge or training in the area of chemical dependency to make a significant contribution. Some important services provided by volunteers include child care, transpiration of clients, and tutoring and monitoring of both youth and adolescent program participants. Volunteers may also present educational programs for clients on topics such as parenting skills, leisure activities and nutrition. If you have time and skills to share, please contact the Prevention Department for details.
Speakers Bureau
Our staff is available to speak at community organization meetings on a variety of topics related to substance abuse. Popular topics include, but are not limited to, Current Drugs of Choice; Use, Abuse & Dependency; Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use; Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; and How to Talk with Your Kids About Drugs.
Student Assistance Program with Wooster City Schools and Orrville Area Schools
Wooster and Orrville school districts have contracted with STEPS to provide a full-time Student Assistance Program Coordinator. Based out of the local districts, these staff members coordinate an alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) prevention and intervention program for the school systems. School staff work with the SAP Coordinator to provide a variety of services for students and their families.
Services and activities include classroom presentation, individual student meetings, leadership retreats, student support groups, parent support groups, community service projects and facilitation of the Teen Institute program. The SAP Coordinator also provides teacher in-service on an as-needed basis.
Community Coalitions
Our staff assists communities in Wayne and Holmes counties with the process of coalition building. Coalitions are designed to give residents a voice increasing and maintaining safe and drug free schools and communities. Members hold regular meetings and develop programs and special events. They also work to solve issues of concern in their communities. Each coalition forms an action plan and sets its own goal. STEPS staff members provide assistance to these coalitions.
Advocacy and National Program Participation
We strive to keep substance abuse issues "on the front page" locally by joining a nation awareness and advocacy campaigns. Each October, the national Red Ribbon Campaign takes place. Red Ribbon honors a drug enforcement officer killed in the line of duty and is Ohio's largest prevention activity. Many local schools and community personnel join in this annual fall activity. Schools also embrace Prom Promise during the high school prom season. Prom Promise is an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving among high school students. Students sign alcohol and other drug free pledges, which are then posted at prom time. STEPS staff members help to coordinate these and many other awareness programs.
Life of the Party - Alcohol-Free Beverage Service
Life of the Party is a refreshing alternative to a standard bar, tailored to meet the needs of your special event. This alcohol-free service adds fun and peace of mind to weddings, business meetings and other occasions. A fee is charged for this service.