In order to address the problem of unwed births in Marion County a multi-tiered campaign has been developed, modeled after the National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy, and uses many of the ideas and research that have been developed at the national level.  

From March 2000 through May 2001, the Community of Character Campaign, supported by a grant from the Marion County Department of Job and Family Services, has encouraged the people of Marion County to "Be Responsible."

Because our goal is to help the community's children grow up healthy and happy, our messages have been directed at them. And their parents. And their teachers. And their neighbors. And their employers. And their friends.

We all have an impact on the young lives around us - for better or for worse. The worst we can do is unbelievably ghastly. It's the stuff of headlines that makes us grieve and feel ashamed. Some children in our town don't live as well as dogs and cats do in most other homes. They don't have nutritious food to eat or safe, clean beds to sleep in, let alone someone who cares what they do in school or what they makes of their life.

But the good that we are capable of doing can make a difference, too. Positive experiences at school, in the neighborhood, in the workplace and in our houses of worship can help when the homelife is lacking. Add enough positive experiences and some kids will succeed when there was no hope before.

Along the way we'll find that by being good to others, we're being good to ourselves, our souls, and our community.

BE RESPONSIBLE

EnVISIONing the 21st century Marion, Ohio

Be Part of a Community of Character

This message has been brought to you by the Marion Adolescent Pregnancy Program through a BOOST grant from the Marion County Department of Job and Family services.