MARYSVILLE — In the late 1980s, crime and drug use were on the rise nationwide.
Marysville was no exception.
A small group of people in the city decided to try to change things for the better. The reasoning went: the more that families get together, talk and learn from each other, the less likely the kids would turn to drugs.
The Marysville Community Coalition was born.
They had meetings and set up classes. They organized dinners, put on plays and helped other groups stage their events.
While crime has lessened, new challenges such as methamphetamine and teen suicide make the group’s mission as relevant as ever, board member Cathy Schindler said.
“Kids who are well connected to their communities are less likely to engage in risky behavior,” said Schindler, who is also resident resources manager at the Snohomish County Housing Authority. “There’s scientific evidence that shows that.”
“What it has evolved into is more of a prevention-based group,” she said.
The group now has 17 regular board members from agencies and other groups in and around Marysville. “We’re always looking for more,” Schindler said.
By the numbers
40: Full- or part-time participants
20: Years since inception
17: Board members, “and always looking for more”
14: Member organizations (Marysville School District, city of Marysville, Marysville Fire District, Marysville-North County YMCA, Tulalip Tribes, Snohomish County Mobilization, Snohomish County Health and Safety Network, CampFire USA, Marysville Library, Marysville Youth Action Network, United Way, Housing Authority of Snohomish County, Marysville First Assembly of God, Marysville Healthy Communities Project.)
2½: Months until next major event, the Marysville411 Community Connections Festival March 29 at Totem Middle School, 1605 Seventh St. Guest speakers, interactive presentations and information booths, food, refreshments and entertainment are planned.
One: Board meeting per month, at 8 a.m. the first Tuesday at the Ken Baxter Senior-Community Center, 514 Delta Ave. For more information, call 360-653-0899 or e-mail Community_Coalition@msvl.k12.wa.us.
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