What is varsa?

Upcoming events

  • Returning September 19th - Middle School night at the Recess Lab!

    Friday evenings 6:30-8:30pm your 6th-8th grader can play DnD, climb on the bouldering wall, play group games or just run off some steam! The Recess Lab is next to Island Queen in downtown Vashon.

  • Starting October 27th GUIDING GOOD CHOICES

    For parents/caregivers of 9-14 year-olds.

    Five weekly classes offering support and education as your child navigates adolescence.

    6-8 pm Monday evenings

    October 27-November 24 FREE

    Free childcare available

    Email info@varsanetwork.org to register.

  • SIGN UP NOW for our FALL Youth Mental Health First Aid training

    Monday, November 10th, 8:30am - 1:30pm

    For adults who care about teens!

    For questions or to register email info@varsanetwork.org

Engage. Educate. Empower.

VARSA’s mission is to reduce underage drug and alcohol use and promote healthy, substance-free lifestyles through education, advocacy, and community support.

We believe that through education, collaboration, and advocacy, we can create a supportive environment where young people can thrive.

Growing up on this beautiful island has many advantages, yet Vashon youth face a significant challenge: high rates of underage drug and alcohol use.

For almost two decades, the statewide Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) has consistently shown that underage substance use on Vashon is much higher than the state average across all grade levels, with some students starting as early as sixth grade.

There’s a common belief on the island that there is a permissive attitude toward underage substance use. Many students downplay the risks, are influenced by peers who drink and use drugs, and feel social norms and recent legislation do nothing to discourage this behavior.