By Derrick Forsythe, Record Staff Writer
In the fall of 2014, Black Hawk Middle School Counselor Denise Richards decided to act upon a need she saw as prevalent in the Warren County R-III School District.Two years later, what began as an idea has really begun to take form and make a consistent impact in the community.“While working with youth on a daily basis, I have seen the effects of drug and alcohol abuse on children,” said Richards, who formed the WARS Coalition in November of 2014.“My mission is to provide outside resources and information to students and remind them there is hope for their future regardless of where they’re at right now in their lives,” she said.WARS, which stands for Warren County Alcohol and Drug Reduction Support, is a resource outlet for students and their parents. It was developed around the Strategic Prevention Framework Logic Model.The organization has hosted several events, including a recent concert titled the “Awaken Project.” During that event, a multimedia music performance was presented with drums and a light show. Following, guest speakers discussed the detriments of drug and alcohol abuse and how it had taken a direct toll on their lives.“We received strong positive feedback out of the event, and I thought it delivered a powerful message,” said Richards.Last February, WARS held a community networking forum, at which guest speakers who are in recovery shared their stories of struggle and triumph with drugs and alcohol. Judge Wes Dalton also discussed the statistics related to substance abuse in Warren County.Based on the Missouri Student Survey conducted in 2012, the youth and residents of Warren County face “a lack of pro social activities available to them in the after school hours.”“We want to do everything we can to provide resources and educate the community about the risks involved and the help available,” said Richards.WARS works closely with Jordan’s Place in downtown Warrenton and also with the NCADA, which is the organization assuming the role D.A.R.E. once served.Richards is preparing for WARS next event, Putting Unity in the Community, to be held Nov. 30.“A significant amount of lives, both adults and youth, are affected by substance abuse,” said Richards. “I want our youth to know that their current situation doesn’t have to be their destiny.”She says she is grateful for the support she has gotten from the district and hopeful WARS can continue making a positive impact.The WARS Coalition hosted a multimedia music presentation at Black Hawk Middle School to bring awareness to drug and alcohol abuse during Red Ribbon Week. WARS, which stands for Warren County Drug and Alcohol Reduction Support, has been in place since November of 2014 and is progressively looking for more ways to counter the impact drugs and alcohol have on the community. Derrick Forsythe photo.
