Project LEAD
Project LEAD
Project LEAD (Leaders Encouraging Abstinence from Drugs) is an adolescent substance use prevention program serving youth between the ages of 11 and 18 in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties. The program was first launched in 2012 when LSSI was awarded funds through an Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) grant to serve Lee and Ogle Counties. In 2013, Project LEAD formed linkage agreements with local middle schools to begin presenting curriculum lessons. In 2017, Whiteside County was added to the program, followed by Carroll County in 2019.
Questions?
Contact Kelsey Kant, Project LEAD Supervisor, at Kelsey.Kant@LSSI.org
A coalition of invested community members has been created in each county to guide the evidence-based activities that are part of the program. One of the most recognized activities of Project LEAD involves teaching an evidence-based prevention curriculum that has been proven to reduce substance use among 7th and 8th grade students. In 2022, LSSI received notice that it could expand these prevention services to the 4th and 5th graders in Ogle County. Over time, the number of students served has increased as more schools have developed partnerships with the program.
Project LEAD has transitioned to teaching the Too Good for Drugs curriculum to all counties, as it was preferred by staff and community residents and considered the better fit for teaching students prevention skills. In addition to teaching the successful curriculum, the prevention staff also works together with its sister program, Youth WORKS (Wellness, Opportunity, and Resources for Key Services) to educate the community on violence prevention and warning signs of substance use.
A hands-on exhibit called “Hidden in Plain Sight” is a setup of a mock teenager’s bedroom. This adults-only exhibit is available free for all programs and school activities. “Hidden in Plain sight” is an exhibit that offers insight into current trends in youth substance use, drug paraphernalia, and concealment of illicit drugs and alcohol. Also, what the program believes goes hand-in-hand with substance use is violence, so in addition the exhibit covers areas of self-harm, bullying, school violence, suicide, and dating violence. “Hidden in Plain Sight” is presented in a small group setting. Each attendee can walk through the room and a Prevention Specialist guides them through, pointing out items of interest inside the exhibit and offering information regarding each item while attendees can review and inspect each item. A question-and-answer period follows the end of the presentation and opens the door for questions or concerns from adults within the communities.
With our involvement, each county has one middle school and one high school statewide Communication Campaign. Within each campaign is a handful of materials that the program distributes in the schools to students and around the building. This material is proven to reduce the perception of underage drinking and underage marijuana usage.