Ribbon Cutting for the Van Buren County Prevention Coalition

Prevention is an often-overlooked part of combating addiction and substance use disorders. Still, prevention is the goal of the Van Buren County Prevention Coalition, which just hosted their ribbon cutting May 12. Located at 164 Spring Street, the Prevention Coalition is dedicated to putting a stop to drugs and the problems they pose to individuals, their families, and their communities.

Jennie King has fought this battle herself, and so she knows how important prevention can be. She has worked hard to get the building for the Prevention Coalition, with the county’s help, to provide a place for struggling families to gather. The county has lent the building and pays maintenance costs, while the Coalition handles any other amenities.

The Prevention Coalition has plenty of events and programs to assist in prevention. One of the most eye-catching is their art room, as well as a dedicated artist who comes to offer lessons during the activity. The walls of the building were lined with paintings, such as a long line of pictures made by children depicting a weekly “theme.”

The Prevention Coalition also hosts a monthly peer support group, believing that interaction with others can really help build a good foundation against addiction. They even have a full-time CPRS, or a “Certified Peer Recovery Specialist.” This is an individual with lived experience in substance use, so they can offer support and guidance using their own experience to help navigate others.

In June, there will be a faith-based leaders’ breakfast. Partnering with the Farmers Market in September, parenting classes, and even visiting the jail for classes are all a part of the Coalition’s mission.

The Van Buren-Spencer Chamber of Commerce was eager to welcome the business into the Spencer community as well. A ribbon cutting can be one of the most important and effective ways for a new business or organization to spread the word off the bat. Van Buren Prevention Coalition certainly has a tough road ahead of it, given the subject matter they wish to combat, but Jennie King knows it is a battle worth fighting for the sake of her community.