Building A Healthy Community of Young People

The evidence-based TEENPOWER program has created a culture and a support system of drug-free young leaders since 1992 as the only youth-led leadership development and substance abuse prevention program of its kind in southwestern Indiana and in the Tri-State area.

Peer-based TEENPOWER conferences for high school and middle school students provide evidence-based interactive activities to prevent the experimentation, use, and addictions of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. During these fun and lifechanging conferences, participants increase their knowledge and resistance skills, strengthen their leadership skills, form collaborative relationships with youth from diverse backgrounds and increase their self-esteem.

TEENPOWER clubs in local middle schools and high schools promote the TEENPOWER lifestyle year-round through prevention service projects and drug-free activities.

Ben Walden’s Story

“The best part of TEENPOWER are the connections and relationships. TEENPOWER takes a group of strangers and grows them into a tight-knit community. That’s what brings me back with anticipation every year.

I hope my efforts as a Youth Staffer inspire TEENPOWER  participants to stay drug-free, be strong leaders and encourage their friends to make healthy choices. I also hope that I have been able to make a difference in the attitudes of others with my own. I like to think that by spreading the positivity of TEENPOWER, others may become more positive themselves.

Anyone who has made a commitment to TEENPOWER in the past, including myself, can attest that their commitment has been very rewarding and a wonderful way to give back to the community.”

Ben was involved in YR’s programs from 2013-2016. He attends Indiana State University on a Presidential Scholarship and plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Music Education.