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P.O. Box 23, Narberth, PA 19072 * (610) 526-8731

News & Events

"Make the Call, Take the Call" Makes Main Line Papers

May 28, 2009 -- Main Line Media newspapers featured an interview with Lower Merion High School senior Rachel Cramer about the Coalition's "Make the Call, Take the Call" campaign. Read details here.

Good Parent-Teen Relationships May Delay Teen Drinking

May 1, 2009 -- Teenagers who have a strong relationship with their parents may start drinking at a later age -- which may, in turn, lessen their risk of developing alcohol problems, a new study suggests. The findings, published in the May issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, underscore the important role parents play in the risk of problem drinking. Read more about the study on this site.

The Coalition for Youth Launches New Teen Safety Campaign:
"Make the Call, Take the Call"

April 28, 2009 -- Sometimes, teens find themselves in dangerous situations without a safe way out. As a result, they feel they have to choose between taking the risk and getting in trouble or losing face if they ask for help. The Coalition for Youth of Lower Merion and Narberth has launched a new campaign to help students and their families develop a way out. The campaign, called "Make the Call, Take the Call" is available on on this page. A Public Service Announcement on the same topic has appeared on Comcast's Lower Merion Township channel. Read more on the "Make the Call, Take the Call" page.

Thank You for Participating in the Transitions Forum!

April 27, 2009 -- Parents from various area schools found insights and answers at the recent Coalition for Youth's "Supporting Your Teen's Transition to High School" program, held in Bryn Mawr on April 26. Panelists addressed topics including adolescent development, stress management, sexuality, alcohol and drugs, and multicultural identity. Parents had the opportunity to choose a discussion group focusing on these issues and more. For links to resources, please visit the Transitions Forum page.

 

Welcome

You've reached the website of the Coalition for Youth in Lower Merion and Narberth (formerly the Lower Merion-Narberth Community Coalition), based in suburban Philadelphia, PA.

Our Purpose
The Coalition for Youth brings together young people and adults in Lower Merion and Narberth to create, support and build awareness of resources and options that are engaging, fulfilling and drug-and-alcohol free.

We Bring Together
•   Lower Merion and Narberth teens and parents
•   Public and independent schools
•   Municipal, state and federal government agencies
•   Local business and religious organizations
•   Mental and physical health professionals
•   Law enforcement officials

The Coalition for Youth unites both public and private schools.
 Members include:

  • Harriton High School
  • Lower Merion High School
  • Bala Cynwyd Middle School
  • Welsh Valley Middle School
  • The Agnes Irwin School
  • The Haverford School
  • The Baldwin School
  • Episcopal Academy
  • Friends’ Central
  • The Shipley School

Recent Activities
   The Student Life Survey: an ongoing survey of more than 5,000 middle
and high school students to assess their interests, activities, and behaviors, as well as their sense of community support

Key student perceptions and actions derived from 2006 survey:

    • Rated high in connections to family and school
    • Rated low in perceived support from community
    • 12.6 years is the average age that students begin drinking
    • 60% of 12th graders drink on a regular basis

Projects in 2008-09

  • New Website with comprehensive resources on adolescent issues for parents and educators
  • Teen Involvement Group: a collective of students from public and independent schools who will become engaged in the community and create safe activities where youth can socialize
  • Parent Education focused on the spike in risky behaviors when teens  transition from middle school to high school
  • Social Norms Campaign to encourage teens to call a caring adult when they find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation
                    
News

'E.R.' Producer Bases Series Finale on Family Tragedy

http://www.jointogether.org/news/headlines/inthenews/2009/er-producer-bases-series.html

John Wells, executive producer of the long-running television drama "E.R." incorporated the alcohol-poisoning death of his 17-year-old niece into the series finale. Read more here: http://www.jointogether.org/news/headlines/inthenews/2009/er-producer-bases-series.html

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For more news about Dads and the PTA, Girls and Bullying, and other interesting topics, please visit our News page.

 

Reading Lists Our reading lists have been expanded to include books/websites for middle school parents. Visit the Resources page for help to nagging parenting issues for those teens and tweens.
About Us

The Coalition for Youth of Lower Merion and Narberth is a partnership of community agencies and individuals working together to foster an atmosphere where children feel safe, secure, and included.

Since 1999, The Coalition for Youth of Lower Merion and Narberth has worked with Lower Merion and Narberth residents; public and private schools; municipal, state and federal governments; business and religious organizations; mental and physical health professionals, and law enforcement officials.

We provide programs and resources to build assets in our children, our families, and our community, to help reduce stress, alcohol use, drug use, violence, and other risky behavior among youth. We are increasing and strengthening our coalition through public meetings, an active central steering committee, an extended advisory committee, bringing in additional sponsors from area organizations, and dedicated community volunteers.

Coalition Members include: The Baldwin School, The Episcopal Academy, The Haverford School, The Lower Merion School District, and The Shipley School, in conjunction with Lower Merion Township, the business community, religious organizations, adolescent health professionals, and state and federal government representatives.

For more details, please call our information line at (610) 526-8731 or e-mail us at info@coalitionforyouthlmn.org.

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The Coalition for Youth of Lower Merion and Narberth
(610) 526-8731 * Contact Us
Copyright 2009