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100 Best and getting better!
Taking part in the annoucement was Prairie du Chien Mayor Cheryl Mader and C.A.R.E. Director Rick Peterson.
Crawford County was announced as one of their “100 Best Communities for Young People,” on January 24th. The honor was given to 100 different communities across America who provide youth with safe, caring environments that prepare them to be effective citizens.
America’s Promise promotes five fundamental “promises” every child needs to succeed: Caring Adults, Safe Places, a Healthy Start, Marketable Skills, and Opportunities to Serve. In order to be eligible for the award, communities had to provide data and testimony that their children receive all Five Promises.
The 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People competition opened in September 2007. Crawford County and the other winners applied for the honor and were chosen by a distinguished selection panel of civic, business and nonprofit leaders, including United Way of America President Brian Gallagher, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue, NBC News Washington Bureau Chief and Moderator of Meet the Press Tim Russert.
“Nothing is more important than seeing that our children and youth have the resources and support systems they need to thrive and succeed,” said America’s Promise Founding Chairman General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.). “When a community provides all that its young people need to be healthy and secure, they deserve to be honored and showcased as an outstanding example of what it takes to successfully nurture this nation’s young people.”
Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital and the Crawford Abuse Resistance Effort submitted Crawford County for the honor. The application process required health and safety data, such as crime rates, high school graduation rates, births to teen moms, number of children immunized, and participation in athletics and extracurricular activities. The application also required testimony from youth, and evidence of partnership among schools, parents, organizations/agencies, law enforcement, religious organizations, and businesses.
Crawford County was selected because of our strong sense of community and our ability to work together. “We are too scarcely populated to support large national programs like YMCA or Boys and Girls Clubs. The schools make up for our lack of “big name” centers by staying open late and opening their buildings for many of the area’s social and recreational opportunities,” the application read. “Computer labs have been opened to the public, gyms are used for adult intramural leagues, theaters are used for community education presentations and parent programs, and school kitchens are opened for community suppers and senior events.”
“It is this sort of cooperation that ensures that being small does not stop us from being effective,” said Rick Peterson, C.A.R.E. Program Director for Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital.
“You see collective responsibility for young people in the varied programs offered by local businesses and agencies, from Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital providing youth development programs, parenting classes, a childcare center to the Juvenile Court Office offering art classes and mentoring programs,” said Prevention Specialist Stacie Anderson.
UW-Extension Family Living Agent Jane Schaaf said it is not only about providing opportunities for young people, but "providing support for adults who care about young people."
“I often hear that there is nothing to do in a small town and other negative comments about our community, but as we put together this application, it quickly became apparent that we have more opportunities than most people realize,” said Mary Sprosty, Prevention Specialist for C.A.R.E.
Sprosty said local data showed that 70% of students are involved in athletics, 37% in clubs, 55% in faith-based activities, 69% in creative activities, and 42% in regular volunteer work. “On top of that, we have a higher-than-state average number of students in advanced mathematics and science, and an impressive 97% high school graduation rate.”
Data used included Seneca, Wauzeka-Steuben, North Crawford, Prairie du Chien Public, and Prairie du Chien Catholic Schools.
"Capital One believes that every family should have the opportunity to provide for their children in ways that ensure future success," said Capital One President of Global Financial Services and America's Promise board member Larry Klane, a member of the 2008 selection panel. "Through the 100 Best competition, we can recognize communities that foster the type of environment where children and families have opportunities and resources to realize their potential."
"While it is a time to seize the moment of excitement for this national recognition, Crawford County's rural American culture sees youth as a very special asset. It is very important that we continue to engage youth and their families in the many diversified services and program available for they are our future," says Connie Achenbach, COO at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital.
"We have accomplished a lot to get here, among the 100 Best, but this is only the beginning. The “100 Best” award can be a platform for our County to increase school and community pride, recognize youth programs, and promote a family friendly culture," said Peterson.
100 Best Communities for Young People was first launched in 2005 by General Powell in partnership with Capital One Financial Corporation. A complete list of winners can be found at America's Promise website. For additional information on Crawford County's recognition, please contact Emily Wetter, Prevention Specialists with C.A.R.E. at 608-357-2084.
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