Programs & Services

Organization Philosophy and Strategies

The programs offered by Grand Futures Prevention Coalition meet the health and human service needs of Northwest Colorado communities since they are designed to enhance protective factors and reverse risk factors associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

All of our programming is based on these substance abuse risk and protective factors and on Dr. Peter Benson's Developmental Assets resiliency model, the building blocks of healthy development that help young children grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

In addition, as demonstrated by our broad-based programming, we rely on current research showing that effective prevention efforts must utilize multiple strategies, be long-term, and target diverse segments of the population. Broad-based programming is critical since research shows that the presence of risk factors makes it more likely that a person will engage in substance abuse. Early and persistent antisocial behavior, a family history of substance abuse, a negative community norm around Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) use, and the availability of ATODs are just some examples of risk factors. In contrast, protective factors, such as positive social orientation, an emotionally supportive family, and community norms unfavorable to substance abuse, can buffer an individual from risk.

Additionally, Grand Futures utilizes prevention strategies developed and recommended by the national Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). These strategies have been proved to be effective and include information dissemination, education, community-based process, alternative activities, and environmental prevention. Each of our programs falls into one or more of these strategies.