ROCKPORT — After 13 years of promoting healthy youth development in the community, the Five Town Communities That Care (CTC) Board of Directors voted to cease operations of the coalition and nonprofit agency, effective immediately.

“Unforeseen circumstances involving a series of financial challenges led the board to make this difficult decision,” according to a July 26 news release.

The Five Town CTC coalition was created in 2003 to address concerning increases in problem adolescent behaviors like substance use and suicide. Through a combination of programming, training/technical assistance, and public education, the collective efforts of 80-plus Five Town CTC coalition partners played a leading role in reducing rates of problem adolescent behaviors across the board.

The STAR and Math and Literacy Mentors programs succeeded in creating and filling more than 1,900 prevention program slots over the years.

More than 75 percent of 2015 Camden Hills Regional High School graduates participated in at least one cycle of STAR during their middle school years. Countless other children and families were reached by the integration of prevention strategies into other community youth programs.

From an economic standpoint, the Communities That Care system has been shown to provide a $5.30 return on every dollar invested, the release said.

In addition, since its inception in 2003, the Five Town CTC coalition attracted more than $2 million in outside funding that was reinvested directly in the community.

“We have successfully changed the sociocultural landscape of this community to create an environment that is more sensitive to the unique needs of young people and their families,” said Mariah Smith-Dutton, Five Town CTC Executive Director, in the release. “This is no small feat!”

“It has been an honor to work with people who have made the commitment to better the lives of young people,” said Dalene Dutton, Five Town CTC founding Director, in the release. “I trust that the important work of this coalition will live on through the efforts of our community partners. As I continue to promote prevention across North America, I am proud to be able to say that I was part of the great work that happened here.”

While significant progress has been made, the work of prevention continues. Those interested in continuing this important mission are strongly encouraged to contact the Knox County Community Health Coalition (KCCHC), an established body actively engaged in substance abuse prevention. KCCHC, in conjunction with the Penobscot Bay YMCA, has been an invaluable partner in helping the board and staff at Five Town CTC through this transition and welcomes all who are interested in staying involved in community prevention initiatives.

The board and staff of Five Town CTC thank all who have been a part of this journey to promote healthy youth development in the community. For any questions or concerns specific to the Five Town CTC coalition, email info@fivetownctc.org.