KEY Connection: Kennewick Empowering Youth

KEY Connection is a vibrant community coalition committed to creating a brighter, healthier future for Kennewick's youth. In collaboration with ESD 123, our coalition is dedicated to engaging youth in meaningful ways that prevent and reduce substance use and promote mental health. Since 2018, KEY Connection has forged strong partnerships with various stakeholders across the community, including Kennewick School District, law enforcement, Juvenile Justice, Benton Franklin Health District, and more. We work to motivate and inspire the community at large to foster healthy choices and empower every youth. The work of the coalition is funded by the Washington State Health Care Authority and the Drug Free Communities Grant.

Your influence matters – Join Us!

Let’s instill hope by engaging in positive life experiences with our youth. Partnering with organizations that share similar missions, KEY Connection works with youth to build resilience, teach coping skills, and equip them with abilities to make good choices when it comes to their health and wellbeing. You can be a part of this journey in transforming the health of our communities. KEY Connection warmly welcomes parents, community members, and organizations sharing our vision for Kennewick's youth. Learn more about our meeting schedule, ways to get involved, and resources by contacting Kristi Sharpe, CPWI Coalition Coordinator, at [email protected] or 509-552-9557.

Strategies & Offerings:

• Community-wide Educational Events:  Engaging sessions on resilience building and trauma-informed care for youth.
• Parenting Workshops: Strengthening Families Workshops offered throughout the school year.
• Prevention Curriculum: Implementing programs like Second Step, at the grade school level, where nurturing positive relationships, managing emotions and goal setting are taught.
• Environmental & Policy Work: Advocating for safe environments conducive to youth well-being.
• Media Campaigns: Initiatives like "It Starts with ONE" and "Start Talking Now" promoting positive change.
• We offer diverse training opportunities to enhance meaningful connections with youth, as well as youth led coalitions.
• We also provide alternate activities, such as safe and sober graduation parties for graduating Seniors, in partnership with the school.

Connect With Us:

Kristi Sharpe, CPP

CPWI Coalition Coordinator
[email protected]
509-552-9557
Find us on Facebook @KennewickEmpoweringYouth