(Chelsea Update would like to thank Reiley Curren for the information in this story.)
SRSLY celebrated its volunteers from Chelsea, Dexter and Stockbridge at its annual Volunteer Appreciation Party on Aug. 25.
Everyone who volunteered for SRSLY over the past year – 381 youth and adults from the three communities – was invited along with their families for dinner, games and prizes.
Coalition Director Reiley Curran thanked those in attendance for their hard work and commitment to SRSLY’s mission of preventing youth substance abuse.
“We are making a difference because so many people care about this issue and are willing to put in the effort,” said Curran. “SRSLY would not work without our volunteers.”
Every volunteer in attendance received a bright green prize, to match SRSLY’s signature color. The event was catered by St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea. After dinner, guests enjoyed games on the lawn at Pierce Park.
Over the past six years, more than 1,000 people have donated 16,000 hours to SRSLY. Local families, businesses, service clubs and other organizations gave $21,202 in cash gifts and thousands more in donated goods and services to SRSLY over the past twelve months.
SRSLY receives grant support from the Drug Free Communities Support Program, the Chelsea-area Wellness Foundation, the Michigan Council on Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Chelsea Education Foundation.
The SRSLY coalition started in Chelsea in 2008; Stockbridge and Dexter founded their own SRSLY coalitions in 2012. The three communities collaborate on some initiatives, but assessment and planning is done locally, based on local needs and data.
“SRSLY volunteers dedicate their time, energy, and resources to helping the youth and community,” said Emily Stewart, Program Coordinator for SRSLY in Stockbridge. “Because of them, the coalitions are growing and making a positive impact.”
SRSLY is holding a regional meeting for members of all three coalitions to come together to share ideas and strategies for the year ahead. Anyone interested in SRSLY in Chelsea, Dexter or Stockbridge is invited to attend.
The regional SRSLY meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at noon at Crossroads Community Church in Stockbridge.
