Our Growing Accomplishments
The Livonia Save Our Youth Task Force is still forming; however, we have had a number of positive highlights since our first starting year. Listed below are just some of our strong accomplishments.
2009
Check back soon!
Check back soon for the wonderful events and accomplishments we have planned for this year. New faces are always welcome, and we'd love to have your support and participation. Come to our meetings and events to learn how you can help. See you in 2009!
June 14, 2008
2nd Annual Run Drugs Out of Town
It was another great turn out this year with approximately 800 registrants and involved students, local businesses, families, the Livonia Police Department, Livonia Mayor Jack Kirksey, the 16th District Court, St. Mary Mercy Hospital, addiction treatment programs, and many others. We also presented the 2008 Brian Montes Memorial Award to the Livonia Police Department for their outstanding efforts to protect Livonia youth from drugs and alcohol.
June 1, 2008
Livonia Police Department P.E.R.K. Program
The Livonia Police Department and the Save Our Youth Task Force have teamed up to bring this wonderful program to Livonia citizens. Its mission is to assist Livonia parents who don't know where to turn when their children begin to show signs of a drug problem. A kit contains a large amount of information and convenient drug and alcohol test that produce immediate results in the privacy and safety of their own home. Learn more at livoniapd.com.
March 19, 2008
Teens, Addiction, and Recovery
This presentation by professionals from Growth Works Jim Tumidanski, Sarah Parker, Darcy Brohman, and a panel of recovering teens gave the audience a unique perspective into the topics of addiction and recovery. The recovering teens told their powerful stories about their struggles with addiction. The presentation gave haunting realities but also great hope because recovery is possible.
January 16, 2008
Addiction 101
A great community turn out was present for a presentation to answer questions regarding addiction, how it begins, who is likely to become addicted, why it continues, how it can be treated, and more. This information was presented by professionals Michael Fox, D.O. and
Lisa Schirmer, PhD, LP. Visual presentations, video clips, discussion, and an audience question and answer session created an informative evening and wonderful first event of the year.
September 25, 2007
Addiction: A Treatable Disease
A community forum discussion was held featuring Donald L. Allen, Jr., the Director of the Office of Drug Control Policy for Michigan. Other panelists included Dr. Michael Fox, St. Mary Mercy Hospital; Dr. Mark Menestrina, Brighton Hospital; Jason Schwartz, Clinical Director, Dawn Farm; and Diane Montes, Livonia Save Our Youth Task Force.
June 24, 2007
Livonia Spree Freedom Run
The Task Force organized this fun 1, 3, and 5 mile walk/run through the streets of Livonia with an all-you-can-eat breakfast provided afterward. Family and friends could then enjoy the day at the Spree. It was a great turn-out and even received televised attention from the local news channel who cheered the participants off at the starting line.
June 9, 2007
Livonia Run Drugs Out of Town
An amazing college student took on the organization of this event to benefit the Task Force. This 5K run/walk and 1 mile walk brought in over 500 people to Hines Park for a day of fun and awareness on substance abuse. The event was supported by many great sponsors from all over the area, including radio's 100.3 WNIC's Chris Edmonds.
Some people formed teams and wore shirts to remember and support loved ones affected by the problem. Others enjoyed cheering the runners on and having fun with the endless activities that surrounded the park. Lunch was provided, and the event concluded with prizes and a long line of surprising raffles. It was an amazing turn out that far exceeded the expectations of a first-year event. The Task Force is looking forward to a positive second year in 2008.
February 8, 2007
Town Hall Meeting
Exceeding over the 300 guest seating capacity, the Livonia Save Our Youth Task Force held a televised Town Hall Meeting at Livonia City Hall. With a panel of professionals, recovering drug addicts, and a grieving mother, the discussion provided a powerful look at the problems of substance abuse within the community.
October 18, 2006
Our First General Meeting
The Livonia Save Our Youth Task Force welcomed over 140 guests at our first official effort to be known in the community addressing the problems of alcohol and substance abuse. The meeting consisted of many speakers and great audience participation in our discussion.
Speakers included: Diane Montes (A mother who formed the Task Force after losing her son to heroin), Thomas L. Moline, PhD (Superintendent of Royal Oak Neighborhood Schools), Jack Engebretson (Mayor, City of Livonia), Stephen C. Taylor, PhD (Coordinator of Support Services, Livonia Public Schools), and more.
