Officially founded on July 1, 1991, Valley Prevention Services is celebrating its 20th year of serving our communities.  Staying focused on the agency’s mission, VPS has provided alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) abuse prevention education services to literally 1,000′s of individuals over the last two decades.   Over the last 8 or 9 years, VPS has focused more and more of its service delivery to elementary school age children.  Rich, local data has shown that the age of first use of tobacco is between 12 and 13, the age of first use of alcohol is between 13 and 14, and the age of first use of marjuana is between 14 and 15.  True prevention begins before the age of first use and therefore VPS’s prevention service delivery has been on children in elementary school classrooms, pre school and day care sites, summer camp programs and after school locations.

ATOD prevention and education efforts have evolved significantly over the last twenty years.  Twenty years ago staff provided a significant amount of “single event” presentations.  These types of presentations were provided in a manner that the staff person would, for example, provide one lesson or presentation in a classroom and that would be the extent of that service for the classroom.  Today, it is unusual that staff provide a one time presentation, especially if that presentation is for a group of children or young people.  Service delivery now is typically six, eight or even ten lessons per classroom in length.  In addition, the effectiveness of ATOD prevention services has significantly evolved.  Today VPS provides only multi lesson programs that have been proven to be effective.  These programs are what are referred to as “evidence based”  programs.  The programs are scienficially proven to have an impact. 

Literally, none of the services that VPS has provided over the last twenty years could have been possible without the collabration and support of others in our community.  We thank each one of you for your support of our mission.

2011 Hometown Heroes Banner Program

The 2011 Hometown Heroes Banners are now displayed on the streets of Williamsport (Via Bella, West Third, Hepburn, and Maynard Streets). We have made a “map” of the location of each 2011 banner. The “map” is available at our office. We still have some retired 2010 banners at our office. Please stop by and pick up your banner. Thank you for making the 2011 Hometown Heroes Banner program a success. The official kick off for spohnsorship of the 2012 Banners was Veterans Day, November 11, 2011.  We are now taking  banner sponsorships. Please go to the Hometown Heroes tab at the top of this page for more information. 

 Please call our office with any questions you may have 323-9940.

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