Submitted by Lopez Island Prevention Coalition

Marina Steinbrueck has a willing heart and a strong commitment to serving the youth of the community.

When the Lopez Island Prevention Coalition (LIPC) began interviewing for the recently created Youth Training Advisor position, Steinbrueck’s qualifications aligned perfectly, and she hired on the spot. Her first week as LIPC’s Training Advisor was spent attending a national training in Florida, along with parent advisor Jesse Patrick and youth leaders of the Drug Related Education Awareness Mentors (D.R.E.A.M.) Team: Valentina Rendon, Maria Velazquez, Grace Zoerb, Maddie Zoerb and Emma Patrick.

The two adults and five youth who attended Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) midyear training were able to increase their leadership capacities, learned how to honor their unique gifts and perspectives while understanding what is necessary to facilitate community change. Adopted by the Lopez Coalition eight years ago, it was designed with the intent of integrating youth into their local communities with skills to be good community problem solvers, communicators and advocates.

Along with a little Florida sun and a kiss from Mickey, the Lopez Team were greeted by Alexander Cook. A former student of Lopez Island School District, Alex was one of the original founders of the school club known as the D.R.E.A.M Team. Alex now works as an adult and youth trainer for CADCA. Members of the D.R.E.A.M. Team who received this training are eager to share what they have learned, a strategic and effective way to address drugs and alcohol in their community.

A Town Hall Meeting will be held for this presentation, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at Woodmen Hall. All community members are encouraged to attend. For more information, please call Georgeana Cook at 3770 or email lopez.prevention@gmail.com.