The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68450

Susanne B Montgomery, PhD, MPH¹, Ivy Lewis, BA², Heather Diaz, MPH³, Janet Flores, MPH, DrPH Cand¹, Ron Graybill, PhD⁴, Clifford Hackney, BS⁵, and Sharon Rushing, MPH⁶. (1) Department of Health Promotion and Education, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Nicol Hall Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (909) 558-8745, smontgomery@sph.llu.edu, (2) Consultant, Evaluation Research Unit, Loma Linda University, 10970 Parkland Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (3) School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (4) Executive Director, Community Outreach, Loma Linda University and Medical Center, Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92354, (5) Chief Professional Officer (CPO), San Bernardino Boys and Girls Club, 1180 West 9th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92411, (6) Department of International Health, Loma Linda University, School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA 92350

In its last year of operation, the imPACCT (People and Communities Changing Tomorrow) program implemented 5 programs for youth and parents/guardians within the target area of San Bernardino. Programs were based on evaluation results indicating a need for creative new approaches to reach adolescents and their families. All programs were conducted in collaboration with local non-profits providing youth development services. The five pilot programs were: 1) Peer Factor, 2) Latina Youth Diabetes Project, 3) Building Bridges: Alliance to Opportunity 2002, 4) Eco-Elite Neighborhood Youth Empowerment, and 5) Parent Involvement Project. Intensive qualitative and quantitative evaluation activities were employed. Significant program effects were found for knowledge, efficacy, future protective behavior intentions and several self-reported risk behaviors. Four of the five programs have found a permanent home in local youth serving agencies, some with continued outside funding. This pilot program initiative shows how community capacity can be built by the implementation of high quality, innovatively developed programs. Such efforts lend credibility and increase the ability of a coalition style project to function as a facilitator of youth development issues. By collaborating with local organizations, programs implemented had a direct impact on youth and their families. This approach in successful programming will be relevant to future initiatives using a community coalition model. Program process has been clearly documented. Replication steps include evaluation tools, curriculum guides, materials, staffing and financial sustainability guidelines.

Learning Objectives:

By the conclusion of the session the learner will be able to:
• Discuss community coalition as a source of successfully organizing around youth development.
• Identify why youth development is an effective modality to reach a community on the issue of teen pregnancy.
• Discuss how a pilot project initiative can be organized and implemented.
• Discuss how evaluation is a necessary and critical ingredient in building effective community youth development initiatives.

Keywords: Youth, Adolescent Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.