KOSCIUSKO CARES

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photography Provided

The name of the agency tucked into a modest suite of offices is simply: Kosciusko Cares.

But, oh, what a wealth of wisdom that is encompassed by those two little words. For so many young people who are in need of guidance, outreach, and empathy, Kosciusko Cares is not only defined as a place to grow--it represents a way of being.

“The mission of the Kosciusko Cares Youth Services is to advocate, support, and promote healthy youth development,” Melanie Wilhite says, who serves as the director. “We work to prevent substance use in youth and help youth make healthy decisions through our evidence-based programs. We serve youth through schools, Baker’s Youth Club, teen court, and probation. We measure outcomes using survey instruments designed by the curriculum developers and we use outcomes measurement tools designed by the Indiana Youth Institute. All of our programs are theoretically connected to risk and protective factors in the community.”

This initiative was launched in 2012, financed through a grant funded by the Indiana Department of Mental Health and Addiction. Their operation exists under the 501(c)3 umbrella of the Otis R. Bowen Center for Human Services, Inc. Kosciusko Cares is located in the Health Services Pavilion on Provident Drive, just off of U.S. 30 in Warsaw.

ABOUT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, OUTREACH AND EMPOWERMENT

The Kosciusko Cares team of leaders is bolstered by the talents of Heidi Blake, Director of Drug-Free Communities, along with Jackie Thornsbury, Program Coordinator. Together, these women have carefully cultivated a series of programs for youngsters on the best ways to navigate some of the more pressing challenges that face kids of today. Through empowerment, kids can be encouraged to make better decisions that are so detrimental to their journey as they face down the unique situations and various crossroads that have come about in merely a short stretch of years.

For example, one of the ongoing platforms that Kosciusko Cares has recently launched is “Social Norms: Positive Cultural Framework.” By reinforcing positive messages, the platform lends credence to the reality of how the majority of teens are not subjecting themselves to the harmful practices of using chemical substances. These messages are delivered in colorful, attention garnering means, like using restroom stall covers, posters, movie theater posters and billboards and social media bites. The takeaway motto is: “We do what’s right...not what’s easy.”

Another buzzy campaign that Kosciusko Cares is giving traction to is based upon the simplest of principles called: “Talk... They Hear You.” Although it sounds quite basic, the campaign stresses the importance and significance of engaging children in conversation often and especially when they are young. Similar forms of promotional methods are being used to move this incentive forward and work to strengthen trust between parents and children.

With the rise of the Covid pandemic, combined with the technological age the current generation is evolving within, information can come at children at an intense and dizzying measure of speed. It’s an environment that makes their lives so much more complex and it can sometimes cloud their judgment—which is why,

Wilhite says, that these programs are perhaps more important today than ever before.

“Covid had a serious impact on the mental health and wellbeing of our youth and families,” she says. “Vaping has become an epidemic, and youth alcohol rates have increased. Family units have become fragmented with divorce, substance use and incarceration, with grandparents raising their grandkids.”

To that end, Kosciusko Cares has courses that are customized to the appropriate age levels and situations that face families today.

There is “Al’s Pals: Kids Making Healthy Choices,” which involves a teacher-based curriculum to help children ages three to eight practice self-control, good decision making, and working to become better problem solvers. For older children, there is Botvin Lifeskills Training, which is a more intensive program to educate on alternatives to dangerous behaviors, often utilizing frank discussions and group activities.

There is also a movement known as “W.A.I.T. What Am I Thinking,” which is modified for all ages. With books, group discussions, videos, and other facilitation items, the goal is to give children and adults a reason to pause before plunging headlong into a situation and realizing that actions have consequences. A program of a longer duration is the 14-week course for “Strengthening Families,” which includes the entire family in a deeper exploration of the dynamics that drive their daily lives and how the course of everyone’s lives can be improved upon.

And while Kosciusko Cares is emboldened by the success stories of the organization, they understand there is always work to be done.

“We are discussing parent cafes and youth brain summits with our youth coalition,” Wilhite says. “Hosting more community events to build awareness on substance use. Continuing to collect local data through our surveys, we know what strategies and programs to implement in our community. We are planning a “Strengthening Families” program in partnership with Kosciusko County Community Corrections, and we plan to partner with the Kosciusko County Jail in 2024 with programs to help inmates successfully reenter into the community.”

The successes of one person can create a ripple effect that reaches far and wide and the folks behind Kosciusko Cares are very aware of this.

“We are blessed with a robust coalition comprised of influential community leaders who are dedicated to our mission,” Wilhite says.

“They help us to gather data and engage in community events to combat substance use. We partner together to use their individual strengths to build awareness of Kosciusko Cares and our services.”

To learn about the services offered by Kosciusko Cares, contact Wilhite directly at (574) 372-3528, or via e-mail at melanie@ kosciuskocares.org. The office is located at 1515 Provident Drive, Suite 240 in Warsaw. Take a glance at their extensive website to learn more about their services by visiting www.kosciuskocares.org.