Lincoln County Unite for Youth
Connect. Support. Inspire.
Together... for a strong, safe, and healthy community!
Our Vision
We envision a strong, safe and healthy community in which youth and families feel connected and supported and have all they need to thrive.
Roadblocks and Detours
Risk and Protection
As a community, we want our kids to do and be their best. But for too many, problem behaviors such as substance use, violence and mental health concerns are detouring plans, delaying accomplishments, and making it difficult for young people to make their way.
Healthy youth development can be derailed by a variety of factors that exist at home, with friends, in school, and in the community.
Risk factors make it more likely for young people to engage in problem behaviors. and more likely for them to experience depression, anxiety and disconnection.
Protective factors work in the opposite direction and serve as buffers against harm. Protective factors promote health and well-being and make problem behaviors less likely.
Unfortunately, Lincoln County youth in grades 8-12 report higher than average levels of risk factors, and lower than average levels of protective factors in all domains. These conditions make it more difficult for young people to steer clear of problem behaviors and more likely for them to experience physical, emotional, and academic difficulties as a result (2018 Montana Prevention Needs Assessment).
Let's work together to reduce risk and increase protection in Lincoln County. Our kids... are worth it.
Together...Making a Difference
Positive Community Change
Collaborative community-level prevention efforts have contributed to significant and measurable youth substance abuse outcomes. Since 2008, the average age of onset for alcohol use has increased 21.9 percent, binge drinking among high school seniors has decreased 42.07 percent, and past 30-day alcohol use for youth in grades 8-12 has decreased 31.7 percent. More youth in grades 8-12 report having clear family rules about alcohol and drug use, and say their parents set clear boundaries and monitor behavior (MPNA, 2016).
YOU Are an Essential Piece
Make a Difference for Kids
We need you! Your unique skills, abilities, insights, and perspectives will help to identify
and prioritize risk and protective factors, connect and expand available resources, and implement tested and effective programs and policies that positively impact the lives of young people.
UFY is committed to working alongside individuals, agencies and organizations as together, we increase capacity and infrastructure to effectively reduce and prevent youth behaviors of concern and contribute to a stronger, safer, healthier community for all of us.
Make a difference for kids...
Contact us to learn more about the many ways YOU can make a positive and lasting impact in Lincoln County
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.'
Margaret Mead