BELLOWS FALLS — The Greater Falls Prevention Coalition (GFPC) has hired two new staff members charged with promoting the group's substance abuse campaigns and empowering youth and parents to make healthy choices.
Joining the team are Chad Simmons, media and communications coordinator, and Deb Witkus, parent outreach coordinator.
“I am so excited to see the capacity of our community substance abuse prevention efforts grow,” said GFPC Director Kari Fletcher. “The addition of Chad and Deb will allow us to expand our ability to support teens and families to incorporate a model of prevention into their own lives.”
The Greater Falls Prevention Coalition formed in 2008 and its mission is to “promote fun, productive, safe and healthy lifestyles for youth and adults” as well as to “develop and implement a comprehensive community wide prevention effort that reduces alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse.”
GFPC partners with youth, parents, community leaders and other organizations within Bellows Falls and the surrounding communities.
Simmons has several years of public outreach and advocacy experience leading media and legislative efforts for a statewide clean energy campaign. He and his wife moved to southern Vermont in 2005 so that he could attend SIT Graduate Institute where he studied Sustainable Development and Policy Advocacy.
“Chad brings to the coalition an ability to deliver our message in a manner that is embracing of differences and empowering,” Fletcher said.
Prior to SIT, he was a volunteer coordinator at the United Way in Madison, Wis., where he led youth volunteer and leadership initiatives.
“I am thrilled to once again be working with youth and am eager to promote fun, healthy lifestyles through local TV, radio, newspaper and social media outlets,” Simmons said.
“Deb's clear talent for developing meaningful connections with parents will be integral to our mission for expanding our parent education workshops and increasing parental engagement and involvement,” Fletcher said.
Witkus brings 18 years of experience as an educator working with parents to engage in shaping their child's education and future.
“Parents are amazingly resourceful and resilient. Although, I am a bit biased being one myself,” she said. As the parent outreach coordinator, she will be offering support resources and educational opportunities to area parents. “But most importantly, I want to listen to parents and engage them in strengthening their families and community,” said Witkus.
For more information about the GFPC, go to www.gfpcandtheline.org.