Across our state and nation, communities are increasingly concerned about the welfare of their children and the growing problems of substance abuse, delinquency, violence, school dropout, and teen pregnancy. North Teller Build A Generation is an innovative, long-term planning process which involves a community coalition to address these problems. NTBAG is based on the “Communities That Care” Model of risk and protective factor focused prevention and the Social Development Strategy.

NTBAG members represent collaborative partners from multiple sectors of our community that deal with children, youth and families, including the Woodland Park RE-2 School District, the Woodland Park Police Department, the Teller County Sheriff’s Department, Teller County Public Health, Teller County Department of Social Services, Community Partnership Family Resource Center, the Woodland Park Parks and Recreation Department, the faith community, the business community and several youth representatives.

Teens may understand that risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking and unprotected sex carry consequences. Yet adolescents tend to give more weight to the pleasures than to the costs. In situations where risk can get them something they want, they value the reward more heavily than adults do.