The Easton Area High School Orchestra held a spaghetti dinner on February 18, 2017 to benefit Valley Youth House’s Youth Education Program (YEP).  The students, staff, parents, and EASD community raised $2,150 for the program that will help support prevention education services.   It was a fun night filled with food, music, and philanthropy.  Providing entertainment for the dinner were the Easton Area High School music ensembles and the full orchestra playing an hour long concert.  Valley Youth House staff were on hand to thank everyone and to discuss the services and impact of the Youth Education Program.  Thank you to all who helped make this a great night to support VYH, YEP, and the youth in our community!

Beginning in 1989, the Youth Education Program for the Prevention of Destructive Decisions provides school and community based prevention and education services to Lehigh Valley youth.  Services are provided at the elementary, middle and high schools during the school year, as well as community sites throughout the year. The program operates with the belief that substance abuse, violence and other self-destructive behaviors can be prevented through alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) education coupled with life skills training.

The Easton Area School District requests and receives more services than any other district in the region, which is a testament to the district’s emphasis on prevention education.  So far this school year, Valley Youth House’s YEP has provided services at a value of nearly $38,000 – at no cost to the school district.  YEP services within the Easton Area School District included, but are not limited to:

• Too Good for Drugs and Steps to Respect at Paxinosa
• Strengthening Families Program at Easton Middle School & Cheston Elementary
• Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs small groups at Easton Middle School, Easton High School, & Easton Academy
• Bullying, anger management, social skill groups at Easton Academy
• Information at open houses at Easton Middle School and Easton High School