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Building Assets that Lead to Positive Choices

Youth First is a partnership of people just like you dedicated to raising great kids in the Andover, Anoka and Ramsey area. Youth First Community of Promise is a local community initiative established out of a working group of the Northwest Anoka County Community Consortium (NWACCC). This collaborative entity includes the cities of Andover, Anoka, Ramsey, Anoka County and Anoka-Hennepin School District #11.

The Purpose

The purpose is to create a caring community for our youth! And it is very simple to do. Taking time to notice kids helps them to be great kids! By doing small deeds or establishing positive relationships with children and young adults, you are helping kids succeed in life. All children need a solid foundation to be successful in making positive choices while growing up. The building blocks of that foundation are called assets. The more assets youth have the more likely they are to avoid risky behaviors such as alcohol, sex, smoking and reckless driving. Assets also lower the risk of violence, school failure, depression and suicide.

The Mission

The Youth First Community of Promise (YFCoP) mobilizes individuals and collaboratives to support experiences that ensure the five promises which are: a healthy start, safe places, caring adults, marketable skills and service opportunities for young people in the greater community of Andover, Anoka, and Ramsey.

The Five Promises

1. Caring Adults
Ongoing relationships with caring adults — parents, mentors, tutors or coaches — offer youth support, care, guidance, and advocacy.

2. Safe Places
Safe places with structured activities during non-school hours provide both physical and emotional safety, along with opportunities for both youth and the community.

3. A Healthy Start
Adequate nutrition, exercise, and insurance in youth pave the way for healthy bodies, healthy minds, and smart habits for adulthood.

4. Marketable Skills
Marketable skills through effective education will help youth navigate the transition from school to work successfully.

5. Opportunities to Serve
Opportunities to give back through community service enhance self-esteem, boost confidence, and heighten a sense of responsibility to the community.