About I CARE
Increased Community Awareness Requires Everyone!The I CARE Coalition is dedicated to helping Hanover kids grow up alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free. This is a community organization that welcomes anyone interested in helping kids make positive choices. I CARE is a partnership of Hanover parents, citizens, youth-serving organizations, and county agencies dedicated to positive youth development.
The coalition has two primary goals:- To increase parental awareness and community involvement in preventing youth substance use and related problem behaviors;
- To engage youth in creating positive change in their community and celebrate their efforts.
Research shows that the top reason youth cite for NOT using drugs and alcohol is that they "don't want to disappoint my parents." Parents are often unaware that they have such a tremendous influence on their teens. As a result, the coalition promotes the following message in its work: Parents have a powerful voice in their teen's lives. Keep talking. Kids do listen. This statement summarizes the coalition's mission and provides the framework for all education and awareness activities.
I CARE Vision
Hanover County is a community where parents have the information and support they need to raise healthy, drug-free children. We are a community that values awareness and information regarding youth problem behaviors. Through action and involvement, we remain committed to supporting change in our community. We celebrate the healthy choices of Hanover citizens and invest our time in creating positive opportunities for youth and their families.I CARE Mission
I CARE is dedicated to mobilizing the awareness of community substance use issues into action. Our investment results in collaborative solutions that promote healthy opportunities for both youth and parents.We believe in the following values:
Involvement: get parents and others involved, address risk factors, develop solutions;Education and support: inform parents of issues, give parents new tools, provide information and education, educate citizens and community, support and empower families, provide a safety net for families in need;
Increasing awareness: to keep substance abuse in the news, to make those aware that are unaware;
Promoting healthy behaviors: promote positive behaviors, recognize the good things kids and parents are doing;
Giving back to the community: fulfill a need, give back, invest in our community;
Sharing resources: facilitate regional collaboration.
