The Prevention Coalition for Success (PC4S) is excited to be partnering with The Child Advocacy Center for the 19 Days of Activism for the Prevention of Violence and Abuse against Children and Youth.

PC4S’s focus is drug prevention, awareness, and education. As a community organization, we know that substance abuse and violence crime can go hand and hand.

At PC4S, we partner with communities and community leaders to strengthen the community for both youth and adults of Rutherford County, through the prevention of substance abuse and violent crime.

We do so by addressing the factors that increase substance abuse and arming our community partners with the knowledge and support to minimize the risk of substance abuse. The Coalition works to increase protective factors and decrease risk factors in the community. 

This summer, the Child Advocacy Center’s Community Coordinator, Keylon Holloway presented the Darkness to Light (D2L) presentation to our community coalition. The D2L presentation helped us as a coalition understand that abuse has many forms and that we as a community must be proactive in taking the necessary steps to protect our children.

PC4S would encourage parents not to wait until it’s too late!

Take the time to talk with your children about abuse, violence, drugs and etc. Listen as well as teach, and be upfront and honest.

Always remember you don’t have to be an expert to help mold your children’s decisions, but it’s good to show that you are informed. Most importantly, get involved! The more involved in your child’s lives, the more likely they will respond favorably to your opinions.

Plan to do things together that will spur open communication and respect for each other’s opinions.

Young people respond more favorably to discussing drugs and alcohol as part of everyday conversations than they do to one long pre-planned lecture. Use natural opportunities and media cues to start a discussion. Don’t miss your chance to take advantage of “teaching moments.”

If anyone would like to be involved with PC4S we hold monthly meetings at 3 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Murfreesboro Housing Authority in the Maple Room at 415 N. Maple St. in Murfreesboro.

Also, please check out our website at www.pc4s.org and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PreventionCoalition4Success.