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One of the many great things about our northern Minnesota communities is the ability to bring diverse groups together toward a common goal. Over the last two years, the Working Together Coalition (WTC) formed in the Walker, Remer and Pine River/Backus School Districts, with a mission of preventing substance use by our youth through community partnerships. Coalition members include teen groups, parents, business owners, local newspapers, schools, youth organizations, law enforcement agencies, religious and fraternal groups, and healthcare professionals.

While everyone involved deserves a round of applause for their dedicated work, we wanted to praise a new partner, Frizzell Furniture, for their unique contribution to the WTC "Hidden In Plain Sight" event.

At the Hidden in Plain Sight event, a typical teenager's bedroom was set up in a classroom. Law enforcement officers then hid drug-related items among the teen clutter. Parents and teachers were able to explore the room to see if they could find ways that youth could hide illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Frizzell Furniture not only loaned the bedroom furniture set to be used for the event, but the wonderful Frizzell staff drove the items out to the schools and loaded it back up - three times!

Parents who attended "Hidden In Plain Sight" commented on how much they learned and the confidence they gained with the experience. This event would not have been possible without local law enforcement officers, Teens Leading the Way students, Super One Foods and our new friends at Frizzell Furniture.

We continue forward for a safe and healthy community! Look for the next "Hidden In Plain Sight" event at the Women's Expo in March.

Mary Nordeen,

WTC partner

and part of the

Parent Connection!

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