Mission Statement

The VBC SAFE Coalition, or Van Buren County Substance Free Environment Coalition,

"seeks to stimulate community involvement to promote responsible behaviors, among youth and adults, leading to SAFE, healthy communities."

Vision Statement

Committed to making Van Buren County a SAFE place to Live.

DFC Semi-Annual Funding Report

Funding Sources

Coalition Surveys

Community Readiness Survey Results
Parent Perception Survey Results
Parental Perception vs Iowa Youth Survey
Iowa Youth Survey Results

Coalition Tools

SAFE Community Assessment
SAFE Logic Model
Strategic and Action Plan
Evaluation Plan
Sustainabilty Plan

History of the Coalition

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition came together originally in 1993, after the floods, as a way to get community members together to work on a specific issue.  This group was organized to assist with flood efforts and clean-up after the flood.  The group met sporadically over the next few years.  It was not until December of 2002 that the group became organized.  There were 11 members at the first organized meeting, and the group has now grown to over 45 members.  The SAFE Coalition became certified as a SAFE community on February 16th, 2004.  Their efforts have been primarily focused on Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Domestic Violence, and this remains the focus today.  The SAFE Coalition was recertified on July 21st, 2007.  Their certification is good for 3 years with the Iowa Department of Public Health.  On June 11th, 2010 the SAFE Coalition submitted their application for a one-year re-certification based on their Drug Free Communities workplan. This application was accepted and the coalition will be certified again until June 11th 2011.

Why SAFE is important to Van Buren County

The impact of substance abuse, crime, and violence on the physical health, physical well-being, and the economic lives of Iowans is significant.

It is estimated that over 200,000 people in Iowa suffer from substance abuse and/or addiction of alcohol and other drugs at an estimated cost of $2.6 billion per year. That breaks down to nearly $1000 per Iowa resident.

The VBC SAFE Coalition is always looking for new members to participate in these ongoing efforts, and holds monthly meetings to discuss current projects and issues.

If you would like to become a member, or have ideas on further promoting substance abuse prevention in Van Buren County, please feel free to call 319-293-6412 or email for more information.

Accomplishments:

• Celebrate with Care Messages
• Merchant Alcohol Training
• Town Hall Meeting
• Prom/Graduation Campaign
• Newsletter
• Community Surveys (IYS, CRS, PSA)
• CMCA Training
• SAFE Booths
• Keg Registration
• Merchant Incentive Program
• Development of Website
• SAFE Home Pledges
• Compliance Checks
• Youth Newsletter
• Got a Minute Ad Campaign