During the Catasauqua Communities That Care March 18 meeting, Lois Reed, Catasauqua Community Cares Program coordinator, noted they are working toward the March 28 spring break distribution. She reported they have 66 families signed up.

Reed reported they received Easter goody baskets for youth in grades K-6 through a connection made by Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church pastor Brian Riedy. She added they are getting supplies for grades 7-12 from Feed the Children.

The spring break distribution will also feature a clothing distribution.

Reed reported she had some students self-reporting their need to join the C3P program. She said it was bittersweet since, while it is not ideal that they need the assistance, it’s good to see the students having the confidence and strength to come forward and ask for help.

She also reported they had previously received a supply of some medicines, such a Tylenol and Dayquil, from Feed the Children, which was distributed in a lottery-style to the 18 families that attended the distribution.

Julie Miller, of Clean Organize Repeat, continues to work on organizing Linton’s Closet at CMS. It was noted there are plans to make that area the clothing storage site for the district. They are still considering implementing a “thrift shop” initiative, allowing students to come in and “shop” the extra clothing for what they need.

It was additionally reported Catasauqua High School has a supply of nicer, business attire for students who need them for work or interviews.

Along the track of sharing resources for those in need, it was noted there are two public wellness kiosks offering things like first-aid kits, hats and gloves and more. The kiosks, always open and available, are located by Treatment Trends on South Fifth Street in Allentown and on the Slatington D&L Trail trailhead.

Shelley Keffer, Catasauqua Area School District coordinator of student services, reported the district students took the Panorama survey about their social emotional health. She said about 83% of students took it, and they are working to identify the remaining students.

Amy Dymond-Jones, Catasauqua Middle School counselor and CTC coordinator, noted the Big Brothers Big Sisters meetings are going well so far.

“It’s been very positive,” she said.

She did add they have a Little on the wait-list and reported the young man’s parents are hoping for a male Big, but all the Bigs at this time are female.

Dymond-Jones said she is in discussions with Patrick McNulty, CMS principal, about the possibility of implementing the kids and teens with technology program from Valley Youth House this year. She also noted vaping presentations were recently held at CMS.

Kristin Shean, with Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol, also reported MARS-ATP offers a gambling program for families if any district families need the extra support.

Shean shared information about a few events they are planning, including the “Voices of Recovery: Stories of Strength” video presentation about people impacted by the opioid epidemic and recovery journey, which was held March 27, and the “Pardon Me” screening, set for April 29 at Allentown Symphony Hall.

She also noted they are working on an event featuring the Chris Herren story about an athlete derailed by opioids. She said they are looking to connect with student athletes, and there may be a panel discussion.

The CTC members continued discussion about organizing a community event to educate parents about safe technology usage. There was discussion about holding it on a weekend or week night, in late summer or early fall, at a school or in the community, etc. Keffer noted they could use the CTC partner organizations and member groups to help take on a topic and craft a presentation.

Lehigh County STARs/SADD liaison Leanne Debrosse also reported they are planning a youth conference for prevention clubs, set for April 9 at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Center Valley. One of the major focuses will be on safe driving. The CHS STARS Club will be taking part.

The next Catasauqua CTC meeting is set for 7:45 a.m. April 15 in the district administration board room, 201 N. 14th St.