What is PRIDE of Newaygo County?

PRIDE of Newaygo County (PNC) is a teen substance abuse prevention team dedicated to using a peer-to-peer approach to promote positive healthy lifestyles free of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence and other unhealthy choices. Through performing arts, drug-free activites, and community service PNC communicates their positive message throughout communities across Michigan.

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What does PRIDE of Newaygo County Do?

PNC is probably best known for its performing and presentations. Each year, PNC performs for Champion Cheerleading camps, in-and out-of county schools and at community events. Material used in programs can cover a variety of topics like underage drinking, drugs and their effects, self-esteem, bullying, suicide prevention and peer pressure. For the last two years, PNC has been a part of the anti-bullying Respect Effect campaign.

 

The team participates in several community service and community outreach activities other than performances. PNC is also a part of the Newaygo County Partners in Prevention and Recovery (NCPPR). NCPPR is a group of people in the community involved in suicide prevention and substance abuse treatment and prevention either professionaly or as volunteers. PNC advisors attend monthly meetings, occasionally with a team member. The team is also invited to participate in other NCPPR activities, receives updates on local prevention news and works with NCPPR on various projects.

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History of PRIDE of Newaygo County

PRIDE of Newaygo County was founded in 1989 by Jay DeWispelaere and Donald Terrill. As a police-school liaison officer, Jay, was looking to implement a drug prevention program in Newaygo County that would not only benefit those in Newaygo County but also youth across Michigan. After looking into numerous prevention programs, Jay and Donald saw a Central Michigan University PRIDE team performance and chose to start the PRIDE program in Newaygo County. They felt that the PRIDE program's assertive peer-to-peer approach to drug prevention would be an ideal program because it was designed to effectively reach large numbers of youth, and it provided for the implementation of follow-up programs in high schools, middle schools and elementary schools. 

 

 

PRIDE of Newaygo County Timeline

• 1989: PRIDE of Newaygo County is founded by Jay DeWispelaere and Don Terrill. 

• 1990: PNC is invited to perform for Champion Cheerleading camps, a partnership that continues today. 

• 1993: PNC is named PRIDE Team of the Year at the PRIDE World Drug Prevention Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.

• 2005: PNC is named PRIDE Team of the Year at the PRIDE World Drug Prevention Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. PNC becomes the first team to win this award twice.

• 2011: PNC collaborates with other members of the Newaygo County Partners in Prevention and Recovery coalition on the Respect Effect, a bullying prevention campaign in Newaygo County schools.

• 2013: PNC is nominated for PRIDE Team of the Year at the PRIDE Conference in South Bend, Indiana.

• 2015: PRIDE of Newaygo County is celebrating its 26th anniversary!