Building Stronger Communities: Partnering for Youth Wellness
This year, Training to Impact LLC (TTI) was proud to collaborate with Clackamas County, Multnomah County, and Washington County to support youth wellness and substance use prevention efforts within diverse communities across the region. It has been an honor to partner with leaders, coalitions, and families from diverse sectors to elevate community voice, strengthen relationships, and foster meaningful, sustainable change.
Our work is rooted in the belief that effective prevention begins with listening—centering lived experiences, cultural knowledge, and community wisdom to guide action.
What We Achieved Together with Our Partners
Through this work, Training to Impact demonstrated how culturally grounded, data-driven consulting can move communities from information gathering to sustainable action—while centering equity, trust, and shared leadership.
Quarter 1: Listening, Learning, and Analyzing
In the first quarter of 2025, TTI analyzed data from a robust, community-informed collection process that included:
- 350 surveys and a focus group in Washington County
- two community groups in Multnomah County
- three workgroups we facilitated with families in rural areas of Clackamas County
This phase centered on understanding family perspectives, youth experiences, and community-identified strengths and challenges related to substance use prevention.
Quarter 2: Turning Data Into Action
- In the second quarter, we translated community input into meaningful insights and developed county-specific reports (Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington) along with a regional report integrating both quantitative and qualitative data.
- We supported the Empoderando Familias team to present these findings to over 20 community leaders from multiple sectors across all three counties by sharing findings in an accessible, culturally grounded way.
- In addition, we helped convene over 70 community members from diverse backgrounds in Washington County, creating space for networking, connection, and belonging—strengthening relationships across communities.
- During this time, we also supported community learning around the Washington County DHHS Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) project, a part of the OHA SPF grant.
Quarter 3 and 4: Building the Community Advisory Board
- In the third and fourth quarters, we built on this strong foundation by working closely with Washington County Health and Human Services as part of the Design and Implementation Team, with a clear focus on sustainability. This included establishing a Community Advisory Board (CAB).
- This integrated approach strengthened shared leadership and laid the groundwork for sustainable, community-driven prevention strategies. You can learn about the work that the work being done by Washington County SPF CAB here: https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/hhs/strategic-prevention-framework-initiative
Impact
This work reflects some of TTI’s core consulting services, including community engagement, culturally responsive data analysis, facilitation of advisory bodies, and translating complex data into actionable strategies.
As consultants, we support partners in applying the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), a SAMHSA-developed, data-driven planning process that guides communities in addressing substance misuse. By starting with assessment and grounding each step—Assessment, Capacity, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation—in cultural humility and sustainability, we help ensure prevention strategies are evidence-based, community-informed, and built for lasting impact.
Through this collective work, we have seen:
- Greater awareness and more open dialogue about youth substance use—creating a shared foundation for coordinated prevention planning across sectors and communities
- Actionable recommendations emphasizing family support, youth leadership, culturally responsive engagement, and accessible services—ensuring strategies reflect community priorities and can be realistically implemented
- Increased trust and connection between community members, service providers, and public systems—strengthening collaboration and improving the effectiveness of prevention efforts
- A strong foundation for lasting change, rooted in collaboration, equity, and community wisdom—supporting sustainable, community-led solutions over time
This model can be adapted and scaled to meet the unique needs of other counties and communities.
What’s Next
The journey doesn’t end here. As we move forward, TTI remains committed to:
- Supporting Community Advisory Board members as they guide prevention strategies
- Continuing to uplift community voice in data, planning, and implementation
- Strengthening partnerships across counties and sectors
- Advancing efforts that are culturally grounded, community-led, and sustainable
We are inspired by the commitment we have seen from families, youth, and partners working together to build stronger communities and healthier futures. Thank you for being part of this impactful journey, and follow us on social media to stay tuned for updates as this work continues.
If your organization or community is seeking a partner to support prevention planning, community engagement, or culturally grounded consulting, Training to Impact would love to connect. Together, we can build strategies that are responsive, inclusive, and built to last.
