CTC is a community-based approach, one that goes beyond specific programs and becomes a part of a vision of a healthy community shared by West Chester's residents.

CTC is a prevention planning system that helps communities develop an integrated approach to promoting the positive development of children and youth and to preventing problem behaviors, including substance abuse, delinquency, teen pregnancy, school dropout, and violence.

CTC is based on successful public health models of community action. CTC has been designed to guide communities through the five most critical and most challenging steps in this process, from community mobilization through outcomes evaluation.

Simply put, Communities That Care brings West Chester groups together so that data gathering, grant writing, and program implementation are done collectively -- in a timely, effective, and efficient manner.

And that means a greater likelihood of success -- and a healthier future for young people!