For over 30 years, the City of La Verne's Youth and Family Action Committee (YFAC) has helped advance efforts to combat substance abuse issues, gang activity and community violence. YFAC meets on a monthly basis, and residents are encouraged to participate to help shape new programs and resources that achieve the committee's goals and mission.
“La Verne is proud to have established such a collaborative program between residents, community members and City leadership to educate parents and protect our children,” said Committee Chair and Mayor Pro Tem Rick Crosby. “The program’s longtime success has helped many families by providing resources, programs and activities that promote drug prevention and education. We’re pleased to see YFAC continue to be well-attended and encourage anyone who is interested to get involved.”
YFAC is made up of representatives from Bonita Unified School District (BUSD), La Verne Police Department (LVPD), Tri-City Mental Health, City Councilmembers and community members. Members of YFAC’s Executive Board serve voluntarily and are appointed by the City Council. The committee’s mission is to support positive activities and opportunities for young people, strengthen families and combat substance abuse problems in La Verne.
The committee meets every month to collaborate on new programs and discuss hot button topics surrounding substance abuse, mental health, gang prevention and more. Notable programs YFAC sponsors include school counseling intervention, parent educational forums and the Summer Lunch Program, a program that provides lunch for students during the summer to aid those on free or reduced cost lunches. This program is entirely funded through donations from local churches and most recently through a community wellness grant from Tri-City Mental Health.
“YFAC continues to reach notable milestones, and our success wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing participation from the community,” said Lieutenant Chris Dransfeldt. “We are always looking to our residents for feedback and insights to ensure we are achieving YFAC’s mission to educate and support La Verne families through our programs and resources.”
YFAC meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The next meeting on January 24 will feature a presentation for parents about the risks children face using the internet and social media and how parents can help keep their kids safe. This presentation will be hosted in coordination with LVPD.
For more information about YFAC and to view their resources, visit the City’s website.