safe homes list

BACKGROUND     STRUCTURE     LEADERSHIP     MEMBERS     JOIN THE COALITION     FAQ

HOME          ABOUT          PROGRAM INFO.         EVENTS / CALENDAR          VOLUNTEER          CONTACT

Click above for a PDF download of the “short version” year in review.

The Chelsea community was struggling with youth substance abuse, despite having introduced a number of programs and interventions. Chelsea was not alone in this struggle, but we were to learn that there were factors unique to our community contributing to the scope and nature of the problem. School-based programs could teach students about the negative consequences of substance abuse, but they were not enough to prevent tragedies from occurring in our community, or provide parents and other concerned adults with the tools they needed to address the problem.

The Coghlan Family Foundation recognized the need for something new and different that could create positive, community-wide change. With leaders from Chelsea Community Hospital, the Coghlans put forth a vision for a community-based prevention initiative, and the necessary resources to support such an initiative. The combined energy of the foundation and the hospital inspired leaders from other key community sectors to get involved. With Chelsea’s identified need for prevention, the vision and resources of the Coghlan Family Foundation and Chelsea Community Hospital, and the support of the schools, law enforcement, faith community, businesses, library, parents and youth, the stage was set for meaningful, lasting change.

In July 2008, the Chelsea Community Youth Collaborative (CCYC), as it was referred to at that time, convened a group of community members concerned about youth substance abuse.  Lead by Chelsea residents and prevention professionals Jim and Angela O’Neill, a needs assessment was conducted using local data and conditions. Bringing together local leaders from key sectors, the CCYC identified specific concerns and community strengths that would guide the long-range planning, programming, and evaluation of success. The result of this needs assessment was a problem statement, with prioritized contributing risk and protective factors.   

Problem Statement:

In Chelsea, alcohol use (including binge drinking)

and marijuana use is rising for younger teens,

and is high for older teens.   

Priority Protective Factors:

•  Pro-social Community Involvement

•  Pro-social Family Involvement

•  School Bonding  

Priority Risk Factors:

•  Availability of Alcohol and Other Drugs

•  Parental Approval of Youth Substance Use

•  Peer Approval of Substance Use   

Shortly after the 2008 Needs Assessment, the CCYC adopted a new name and logo: SRSLY. Instead of an acronym, SRSLY stands for “seriously,” as it is commonly spelled in instant or text messages. The new identity for the coalition was designed to appeal to a younger audience, signaling the importance of youth involvement and leadership in local prevention. Focus groups conducted with local Chelsea teens provided valuable insight, and helped adults in SRSLY understand some of the issues faced by youth in this community.