We're proud to present "The Coalition News," the Charlestown Coalition's (previously CSAC) brand new monthly newsletter. It's our hope that the newsletter will help to strengthen community connections and generate awareness of the coalition's efforts and programs. Each issue will also feature some of the special individuals that we get to work with. For questions and suggestions, feel free to reach out to Sarah Coughlin!
Feature Story:
The New & Improved Us!
After many months of discussion, we've finally selected our new name! To better reflect the wide scope of the public health work we do to address the many social determinants of health that impact the Charlestown community, we'll now be known as the Charlestown Coalition: Advancing Communities. Transforming Lives. Along with our new name, we've had a new logo designed by local graphic designer, Bonnie Evans (see above), and we are currently working on updating our mission statement.
A special shout out to John Killoran, Director of Community Partnerships at the Boys and Girls Club. John is the winner of our New Name contest. John suggested that we "go back to the basics" with the Charlestown Coalition. Congrats John!
Voices of Recovery:
Meet Brian O'Neil
In August, Prevention Program Coordinator, Olivia Larkin, sat down with Charlestown native, Brian O'Neil, to learn about his long struggle with alcoholism. With over 4 months sober, he has a valuable story to tell.
Straight Outta Charlestown:
Turn it Around Youth of the Month!
"The transformation we have seen in Kewin since he began Turn it Around is remarkable. Kewin has immense potential and promise and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for him."
-Sarah Coughlin, Coalition Director
Every month we will feature a Turn it Around member who has shown a huge commitment to the group and events.
For our first issue, we'd like to introduce and honor
Kewin Paul.
To get to know Kewin, let's hear from him.
My name is Kewin Paul (17 years old, Charlestown High School). I am a new member of Turn it Around. I started this past summer to better myself, turn my life around and be a role model for the next generation. You can turn being bored into something bad, like I used to in the past, but Turn it Around gave me better options. Turn it Around gives us jobs, support, and motivates me because I got to do better in life. My friend kept on telling me to come up here, and I said no like 4 times, and one day I just decided to come up here. I don't know what I would be doing right now if I hadn't. I know I wouldn't be playing football for sure. I wouldn't have had a job either. It kind of goes with the motivation. The staff at Turn it Around believe in me and encourage me to do the right thing; and now I want better for myself.
September's Important Dates
It's National Recovery Month! Check out what's going on within the Charlestown Coalition
