Cape Assist was one of three spotlight videos nationally selected by the Federal Office of Juvenile Justice Department, Opioid Affected Youth Initiative, which funds the Lower Township Healthy Youth Coalition (LTHYC) and Kinship Connection Program. The spotlight video focuses on Cape Assist’s strong collaborations with law enforcement in building youth resiliency in Cape May County. Both School Resource Officer Dallas Bohn and Lou Bartleson were interviewed for the video. Thanks to LCMR for offering the media center to conduct the interviews.

Joe Faldetta, Director of Prevention, at Cape Assist, a non-profit prevention and treatment agency, described how Cape Assist prevention aligns with school and law enforcement’s goals to build youth resilience in Cape May County. LCMR partners with Cape Assist to offer afterschool clubs, student incentive programs, Mental Health First Aid, Botvins Life Skills, and educator professional development and presentations. Cape Assist partners with the Lower Township Police Department on summer police camps, bike safety initiatives, Faith & Blue, and other youth-facing and pro-active policing efforts. Police officers and educators make up a critical protective factor for youth: being a trusted adult.

Thank you to Superintendent Lasher for supporting Cape Assist in capturing the incredible collaboration that builds youth resiliency in Cape May County. Thank you to Jessica Donahue for being an incredible host to MTN Craft Production Company. Thanks to Cpl Dallas Bohn for coming in on his day off and Officer Lou Bartleson for making the videographers laugh during his interview.

As Jodi Corbett, Lower Township Healthy Youth Coalition, observed, “‘It takes a village” really means exactly that in Cape May County. People show up for each other and for our kids.”