BEC Officials Take Pledge To End Meth
June 25, 2008
Box Elder County officials like County Attorney Stephen Hadfield, Tremonton Police Chief Dave Nance, and Your Community in Unity (YCU) Director Annette Macfarlane signed a pledge on Thursday to help end the abuse and affects of methamphetamines in the county.
“This event helps brings this issue to forefront so something can be done about it,” Macfarlane said. “Everyone of us knows someone who has been affected by meth abuse. It is so pervasive in our society.”
On May 21, Governor Huntsman kicked off a Salt Lake City Pledge event where he challenged local communities to hold their own Pledge activities. The End Meth Now Campaign, sponsored by Utah Methamphetamine Joint Task Force and the Utah Association of Counties, was launched in an effort to have thousands of Utahns - people in recovery, families, friends, public officials and community partners - demonstrate a commitment to ending meth use by taking the Pledge to End Meth Now. After the event, the Pledge banner will travel the state to similar events.
Although unable to attend the pledge event on Thursday, Brigham City Mayor Lou Ann Christensen said, “Signing this pledge today proves our commitment as a community to stop the use of this deadly and destructive drug,”
“The pledge signifies our promise to continue the dialogue and efforts needed within our communities to truly end meth now,” she added.
The Pledge, which is printed on a traveling banner, reads:
“As a proud citizen of Utah, I pledge to End Meth Now. I will openly discuss the pressing issue of meth with my fellow citizens and pledge that I will not use meth nor stand idly by when I suspect use among my friends, family members or other members of my community. Finally, I pledge to provide support for those seeking recovery so we can all enjoy a future free of meth.”
Cheryl Anderson, a caseworker for the Cache County Drug Court, was present at the pledge signing and recounted her family’s personal tragedy with methamphetamine abuse. Her son began his abuse with meth at an early age. “My son started to sniff glue in the fifth or sixth grade and by high school he was abusing alcohol and marijuana. It went on from there,” she said. “When one of your children is using drugs, it can be devastating to the whole family. As a parent you never know where your child is, who he is with or even whether he is still alive.”
“This stuff can kill you. It can kill your relationships and it needs to be stopped,” Anderson added.
Bear River Health Department Division of Environmental Health Director Randy Wilde said methamphetamine abuse can affect those who don’t even know the person who is abusing.
“Meth use leads to contamination as bad as you would find in a meth lab,” he said. “There are many innocent victims – a landlord, a tenet, a homebuyer…This pledge brings a message of hope to everyone affected.”
Methamphetamine use has been a serious, ongoing issue throughout the state of Utah for several years. In fact, according to the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, meth was the top illicit drug of choice among all individuals admitted to public treatment programs in Fiscal Year 2007 comprising almost 29 percent of all treatment admissions. This is an astonishing 400 percent increase in admittance for methamphetamine use from 1995 to 2006.
An online version is also available for citizens to sign at www.endmethnow.org.
CHERYL ANDERSON, caseworker for the Cache County Drug Court
ANNETTE MACFARLANE, YCU director
Original Article
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New Leadership
June 11, 2008
Annette Macfarlane (right) is taking over as director of the Your Community in Unity shelter in Brigham City. Macfarlane is stepping into the role held by Brad Drake, who is leaving to take on a similar position with Catholic Community Services of Utah.
Original Article
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Thank You For Your Service
April 3 , 2008
At their monthly Board of Directors meeting, The Your Community in Unity recognized Board members, Louise Francis and Tyler Anderson, for their exemplary service. Louise and Tyler have gone above and beyond serving on a voluntary basis as members of the YCU Board of Directors. Louise Francis has been actively involved on the Board of Directors for the past six years and Tyler Anderson has served for four years. They have always been available to lend a helping hand whenever called upon at such events as the Box Elder County Fair, and Brigham City, Peach Days. They have also contributed financially in assisting the YCU. Tyler has been responsible for the "Bowling Alley Brawl" held at Galactic Bowl, located in Brigham City, Utah raising awareness and funding for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Louise and Tyler are two very busy individuals and yet they make a huge difference for the YCU. We at the YCU salute them for their efforts.
The YCU is a non-profit organization that provides support, counseling and shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Advocates are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for crisis intervention. The YCU is a no fee provider of services.
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Thank You
March 11, 2008
A special thanks from the YCU to the Box Elder News Journal for sponsoring this years "Bachelor Fundraiser." Each year a designated charity becomes the recipient of this special fundraising event. The YCU was chosen as the 2008 recipient and received a generous contribution in the amount of $1,920. This contribution will be helpful in allowing us to continue to provide support and services for women and children in crisis.
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YCU Benefits From Support of Kiwanis and Rotary
February 25, 2008
On behalf of The Your Community in Unity Board of Directors and staff, may we offer our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Kiwanis and Rotary for sponsoring our annual "Bowling Alley Brawl" which benefits women and children who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. A special thanks to YCU Board Member, Tyler Anderson, for his dedication to the YCU and his vision for this most worthwhile event. Since the "Bowling Alley Brawl's" inception in 2005 which raised $2,000 for the YCU, the event this year raised almost $6,000 for the YCU.
It is important to note domestic violence in the U.S. is the largest cause of injury among women seen in hospital rooms. One out of every four women have been physically abused. In the U.S. a woman is beaten every 15 seconds by an intimate partner. Of men who abuse their female partners 75% abuse children as well. In Utah over 50% of homicides are directly related to domestic violence.
The YCU from July 2006 through June of 2007 responded to 2188 crisis calls. The YCU served 312 women, 302 children and 13 males who were impacted by domestic violence and child abuse. The YCU sheltered 68 women and 44 children and provided on site 440 counseling sessions for victims with numerous off site counseling sessions as well. In addition the YCU provided protective orders, stalking injunctions, victim advocacy, support groups, life skills classes, transitional housing, education outreach presentations for children and adults, and legal nights.
The YCU is a non-profit organization whose services are free to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. The YCU relies completely on outside financial resources to continue to provide support and services to the community. Without the help of organizations such as Kiwanis and Rotary, the YCU could no longer provide assistance for those victims who are in such dangerous and desperate situations.
If anyone would like to participate in contributing to the YCU or has questions or concerns relating to domestic violence or sexual assault, please visit our website at www.ycube.org or call the YCU at 435-723-5600.
Sincerely,
Paulette Garren, YCU Board President
Bradford R. Drake, YCU Executive Director
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