The county's shared plan for prevention that works.
Every program we run and every dollar we grant traces back to this plan — a data-driven strategy, built with the community and refreshed each year, for reducing substance use and strengthening wellness across Starke County.
Community Action Plan
Framework
Strategic Prevention (SPF)Scope
Starke County, IndianaPriorities
4 strategic goalsCycle
Reviewed annually
4
Strategic priorities guiding the coalitionSPF
Grounded in the Strategic Prevention Framework$38k
Directed to member agencies in 20261 yr
Review cycle, revised with fresh data
Not a binder on a shelf. A working plan.
A Community Action Plan is the roadmap an Indiana Local Coordinating Council uses to turn local data into local action — and to stay accountable for the results.
Because it follows the Strategic Prevention Framework, the plan is never truly “finished.” Each year we assess, act, measure, and revise — so priorities keep pace with what the county actually needs.
Assess
Plan
Act
Measure
Revise
Four priorities, and how each gets done.
Priority 01
Reduce youth substance use
Objectives
- Increase the age of first use for alcohol, nicotine, and other substances.
- Grow the number of students reached by prevention education each year.
- Expand active youth-led prevention groups in county schools.
Strategies
- School-based prevention education and anti-vaping campaigns.
- Peer-led youth groups, PSAs, and the annual D.C. leadership trip.
- Scholarships and youth project grants that reward prevention work.
Priority 02
Strengthen recovery & mental wellness
Objectives
- Increase connections to recovery and mental-health resources countywide.
- Support the growth of recovery-friendly workplaces.
- Reduce measurable stigma around seeking help.
Strategies
- Maintain and promote a current local resource directory.
- Recovery-friendly workplace outreach with local employers.
- Awareness campaigns that normalize help-seeking.
Priority 03
Build community education & capacity
Objectives
- Deliver regular training and professional development to partners.
- Increase the number of trained prevention volunteers and members.
- Raise general community awareness of local risks and resources.
Strategies
- Free training sessions and presentations at monthly meetings.
- Professional development for educators and providers.
- Public outreach at community events across the county.
Priority 04
Advance advocacy & collaboration
Objectives
- Grow the number of active cross-sector coalition partners.
- Represent prevention priorities to local decision-makers.
- Direct community grant funding to the highest-need efforts.
Strategies
- Recruit and retain members across schools, health, and law enforcement.
- Annual community grant cycle (~$38k) tied to plan priorities.
- Advocacy and collaboration with county partners and officials.
How we know it's working.
Measured against data
Each objective ties back to indicators we track through county surveys and program records — not guesswork
Culturally competent evaluation
We evaluate honestly and in local context, so results reflect what actually helps Starke County residents.
Reported to the community
Progress is shared at monthly meetings and folded back into next year’s plan — the loop stays open.
The complete plan — assessment findings, priorities, objectives, and measures — is available as a PDF. Contact us for the current edition.
The plan only works when the county shows up.
Join the coalition, serve on a committee, or apply for grant funding tied to these priorities.