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Lakes Area Youth Assistance outlines prevention services, use of opioid settlement funds
Summary
Lakes Area Youth Assistance (LAYA), in partnership with Oakland County Circuit Court and Walled Lake schools, reported on prevention programs, casework services and local fundraising that supported more than 50 students with holiday shopping, art therapy, yoga and camp support.
Lakes Area Youth Assistance (LAYA) updated the Walled Lake board on its prevention programs, volunteer fundraising and casework services provided in partnership with Oakland County Circuit Court and Walled Lake Consolidated Schools.
Presenter Nancy Van Lewen (vice chair) and caseworker Stacy Passini described LAYA's long history in the district (about 60 years) and community support from Commerce Township, the city of Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake and Oakland County. LAYA said it raised about $28,000 from its Taste of the Lakes fundraiser and uses those funds for programs including "Shop with a Hero" (this year helping more than 50 students with clothing), fee assistance for extracurricular participation (about 25 students this year), Adopt‑a‑Child holiday support, art therapy (about 40 students served in small groups) and yoga (over 200 students participated).
Passini described LAYA's casework role for school‑referred students (truancy, drug/alcohol incidents, long‑term suspension and expulsion supports and family support). She said LAYA's caseworker monitors students while suspended, connects them with therapy and community services, and helps prepare them for reentry hearings. Passini also said LAYA is distributing opioid‑settlement monies to school‑requested programs (anti‑bullying events, diversity programs and substance‑use prevention) and that schools may request such funds for targeted programming.
Board members thanked LAYA for programs and were invited to the foundation fundraiser in October. No board action was requested; the report was informational.
