Unique program helps Waukesha County teens resist addictions.
Statistically speaking
Ninety percent of addictions start during the teenage years. Substance abuse among school-aged children is a growing problem in Waukesha County. Studies show marijuana use, binge drinking and prescription drug abuse have a strong connection to heroin use, as well as other substance abuses. Waukesha County has almost 80 percent more opioid-related hospitalizations among youth and young adults (ages 12-25) than the Wisconsin state average. 

 Improving the odds
In 2018, the Women and Girls Fund (WGF) awarded a $10,000 grant to Addiction Resource Council (ARC) for its Resist the Influence (RTI) program designed to reduce and prevent young people from engaging in high risk behaviors such as e-cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana and misuse of prescription drugs. The research-based program centers on teaching students how to recognize and better address the peer influences and “group think” pressures that can lead to unhealthy choices and addiction. By working with youth to develop and strengthen core values, beliefs and personal strengths, RTI is committed to helping youth say “no” to destructive behaviors that will compromise their futures and health.

With the help of the WGF grant, the ARC plans to double its reach of the RTI program to more than 1,500 students at nearly half of the middle schools in Waukesha County during the 2018-19 school year. 

In 2018, thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Women and Girls Fund awarded grants totaling more than $90,000 to area agencies delivering innovative programs that achieve results and empower Waukesha County women and girls. Positive change is happening.
Help us continue the momentum and make a gift to the Women and Girls Fund. Today more than ever, your generous contribution can help us improve the odds, one grant at a time .
Your gift to the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County, combined with the generosity of many other donors, helps improve the odds in Waukesha County.
View our video to see how we are making a difference one grant at a time.
The Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County, established in 2004, seeks to aid and enrich the lives of women and girls so they become thriving residents of their communities. Since 2005, the Women and Girls Fund has awarded nearly $900,000 to nonprofit organizations that promote the welfare, independence and self-sufficiency of women and girls of all ages.