Empowering ISLANDERs with the COMMUNITY support they need

Meetings are held 6:30-7:30 pm on the second Monday of every month at the VARSA office and are open to the public.

THE COALITION

VARSA STAFF

Lisa Bruce
Executive Director

Peggy Rubens-Ellis
Student and Family Support Specialist

Suzan McMann
Student and Family Support Specialist

Lauren Silver
Program Manager, Middle School Recess Lab

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Scott Rice
VARSA Board President

Pascal Py
VARSA Board Treasurer

Lee Kimzey
VARSA Board Secretary

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Business Sector
Pascal Py, Pascal Py Construction

Civic & Volunteer Sector
Megan McLaughlin

Media Sector
Jim Marsh, Realtor, John L. Scott Realty

Other Orgs addressing Substance Use
Sarah Sullivan, MSW, Vashon Youth and Family Services

Parent Sector
Paul Tegenfeldt

Religious & Fraternal Organizations Sector
Pastor Luke Tedder, Bethel Evangelical-Free Church

Schools Sector
Dr. Slade McSheehy, Superintendent, VISD

State/Local Government Organization Chief Matthew Vinci, Vashon Island Fire & Rescue

Young Adults Sector (18-25)
Alex Bell

Youth Sector
Mickey F.

Youth-Serving Organizations
Scott Bonney

Open sectors
Please contact us if you are interested in a position representing the following sectors:

  • Elders

  • Healthcare Professionals

  • LGBTQ community

  • Latinx community

  • Law enforcement liaison

  • Recovery Community

Where does the funding come from?

The Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) is a collaboration of state agencies, counties, schools, and prevention coalitions aimed at preventing alcohol and drug use among youth. The primary goal is to reduce underage drinking among 8th and 10th graders. Funded by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services through a SAMHSA grant, CPWI focuses on communities with high rates of underage drinking, crime, school dropouts, and unemployment.

In its first three years, CPWI has supported prevention coalitions in 52 communities across all 39 counties and nine Educational Service Districts. The initiative provides funding, training, and technical assistance to help communities effectively plan and implement prevention strategies.

By targeting underage drinking, CPWI aims to reduce related issues like juvenile delinquency, mental health challenges, and school failure, ultimately expanding services as resources grow.

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

Sector leaders are ultimately asking one big question; “How can I improve my community for the youth of Vashon?”

Board members, also referred to as sector leaders, are individuals who are connected to their sector/community, have the desire to lead, and a passion for VARSA's mission. They:

  • Have strong and multiple social, demographic, or business connections within their sector, and the ability to develop and maintain rapport with multiple facets of their sector and/or community.

  • Represent and accept diversity of beliefs, customs, and practices within their sector.

  • Put personal biases or issues aside when necessary to serve the greater good of the community.

  • Continually look for ways to reach out and engage their sector in VARSA’s events, programs, and services.

  • Participate in sustaining the coalition’s capacity, involvement, and energy.

  • Attend coalition-sponsored programs, town hall meetings, and community events as much as possible.

  • Are willing to take ongoing training through VARSA.

  • Create clear lines of communication between the sector represented and VARSA.

VARSA asks sector leaders to sign an agreement, which states they will:

  • Attend a minimum of eight Full Coalition Meetings annually.

  • Complete “Coalition Essentials” online training within three months of appointment.

  • Cast a single vote in such actions which require a quorum of votes, and abstain from voting on subjects for which they are either inadequately informed or have a conflict of interest.

  • Contribute to the strategic planning process.

  • Participate in at least one subcommittee.

Just want to volunteer occasionally?

As we are working with our Island's young people, every member must fill in a VARSA Coalition Involvement Agreement and get a background check. VARSA will take care of the background check once the form is signed off.

We’re happy to answer any questions you have. Drop into the office or contact us directly.