Road to Reality - Community Cares Initiative

Community Cares Initiative

"It is our mission to establish partnerships within the community through
empowerment to create a safe and healthy environment for our youth..."

Road to Reality Road to Reality is an annual event targeting 5th through 9th graders and their parents to raise awareness of the physical, emotional and legal consequences of underage use of alcohol and/ or use of drugs and the possible consequences of those choices. Students, with their parents, are greeted by a number of resource tables providing information, parenting help and activities on ATOD prevention and then become observers down the "Road to Reality".

The purpose of this activity is to recognize that children today are visual and interactive learners, that parents are the greatest influence on their behavior, and to impact their belief systems long before they find themselves in a situation that requires them to make life altering decisions.

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The evening began in the gymnasium. At this time the kids and parents were able to participate in the obstacle course with the vision-impaired glasses...

browse the resource tables including information from Secretary of State Jesse White, and

MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

They were able to meet Dandy, the school safety dog,

and take a ride on the crash simulator.

The students and their parents then received a map of the "Road" and traveled in small groups, led by a facilitator, along the "Road" (the "Road" will consisted of hallways and classrooms). High school students, community organizations and emergency personnel participated by role-playing scenes along the "Road" beginning with a teenage party (with pretend alcohol) portraying how underage use of alcohol can cause teens make poor choices. The parents and students continued on by hearing a frantic 911 call made by the actors after their car roled out of control into a cornfield.

The next scene was the "accident scene", a result of the teens poor choice to drive while under the influence (complete with donated car, emergency personnel, jaws of life, and law enforcement). Members of Coal City Fire Department, Coal City Police Department and Grundy County Coroner's office volunteered their time and skills to bring this scene to life.

Actors portrayed the tragic consequences that often result from drunken driving.

The drama played out with an eerie realism....

The pain and the sadness seemed all too real...

Click to continue on the "Road to Reality."

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Thank you to all who made "Road to Reality" a reality!

"Parents are the best protection young people have against drug and alcohol abuse.
Remember, friends don't set boundries, parents do!!!!"

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