
Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC) began as
a grass–roots
movement in 1973, led by a group of parents and community leaders who were
concerned about the growing problem of adolescent alcohol and drug abuse
in the cities of Mountain View, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills. The original
partnership (Joint Powers Agreement) included the governments of these
three cities and their respective school districts. The seven Joint Powers
Agreement entities provided the initial funding for CHAC services. Since
1973, the demand for, and variety of CHAC’s services has grown greatly
in scope and funding has considerably diversified. Today, the Joint Powers
Agreement cities and school districts provide less than 13% of CHAC’s
funding. The majority of program funds are raised through individual
donations, corporations, local businesses, Santa Clara County contracts,
churches, service clubs, and foundations.
CHAC’s programs address a variety of emotional problems that effect
children, teens, and families. Issues include parenting and family problems,
drug and alcohol use, physical and psychological abuse, teen pregnancy
and truancy, depression, academic underachievement, anxiety, domestic violence,
gang participation, economic stress, and other problems that lead to unhappiness
or destructive behavior. Many of CHAC’s programs are designed to
protect young people from high–risk behaviors such as alcohol
or illicit drug abuse, violence, and premature sexual activity, while
building personal assets such as school success, valuing diversity,
maintaining good health, and the ability to delay gratification; all
of which will help insure that they have the greatest chance for success
in life.
For rmore information, please go to: http://www.chacmv.org