Healthy Community/ Healthy Youth Initiative

In response to the United Way’s 2007 Needs Assessment, the Family Resource Center of Sheboygan County and the Sheboygan County YMCA are leading a countywide initiative that highlights positive youth development. This effort will utilize the 40 Developmental Assets framework, as designed by the Search Institute, which identifies building blocks of healthy development that help youth grow up to be caring, responsible, and successful.

Search Institute has surveyed over two million youth across the United States and Canada since 1989. Researchers have learned about the experiences, attitudes, behaviors, and the number of Developmental Assets at work for these young people. Studies reveal strong and consistent relationships between the number of assets present in young people’s lives and the degree to which they develop in positive and healthful ways. Results show that the greater the numbers of Developmental Assets are experienced by young people, the more positive and successful their development. The fewer the number of assets present, the greater the possibility youth will engage in risky behaviors such as drug use, unsafe sex, and violence.

The reality is that the average young person surveyed in the United States experiences only 19 of the 40 assets. Overall, 59% of young people surveyed have 20 or fewer of the 40 assets. In short, the majority of young people in this country--from all walks of life--are lacking in sufficient Developmental Assets needed for healthy development. These statistics, as well as the role assets play in predicting both positive and negative outcomes for youth, underscore the importance of the developmental asset framework and its application.

The links below give additional information, resources, events, and collective efforts related to the Healthy Community Healthy Youth Initiative.  For more information on how you can get involved contact via telephone or email either of the Healthy Community Healthy Youth Coordinators.

Current United Community for Youth Newsletter (PDF):  A Collaborative Newsletter featuring the Healthy Community/ Healthy Youth Initiative, Tobacco Prevention, and Drug-Free Community Support Program with articles, events, and information focused on positive youth development. 

Past Newsletters: Mar.-Apr.09  May-June.09  July-Aug.09  Sept.-Oct.09  Nov.-Dec.09   Jan.-Feb.10 

Healthy Community Healthy Youth Professional Resources:  A list of all resources pertaining to the Healthy Community Healthy Youth Initiative and the 40 Developmental Asset Framework currently held by either the Family Resource Center of Sheboygan County(FRC) or the Sheboygan YMCA.  All organizations are welcome to these resources and can be checked out through either the FRC or the YMCA. 

Specific Sheboygan County Information pamphlet (PDF): This pamphlet displays the evidence behind and a list of the 40 Developmental Assets, action strategies and specific actions the community can take to increase Assets and other information related to positive youth development.

Asset of the Month: (Printable Flyer and Bulletin and Boletin en Espanol)  Check out the Asset of the Month!  This is a great way for all of Sheboygan County to work together to positively influence our yourh.  There are activities, links, and other information relating to one of the 40 Developmental Assets.

Healthy Community Healthy Youth Coordinators:

Erik Wagner: (920) 892-6706 or erikfrc@excel.net

Mike Burns: (920) 451-8001 ext. 118 or ysports@sheboygancountyymca.org