Ferndale Youth Alliance secures $305,000 for prevention efforts

The Ferndale Youth Alliance received $305,000 in combined funding during a Nov. 2 City Council meeting in Ferndale. The total amount consists of $105,000 from municipal opioid settlement funds and a $200,000 grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation. The money will support a multi-year consulting contract aimed at preventing substance abuse among local youth.

City Administrator Jori Burnett stated the city anticipates receiving approximately $300,000 in opioid settlement funds over a 15-year period. Current records show the city holds about $133,000 of that settlement funding. State rules require these funds be used for treatment, remediation, or diversion efforts related to opioids. The council voted unanimously to allocate the $105,000 for a consulting agreement that will last at least three years.

The Ferndale Youth Alliance is a coalition of the City of Ferndale and other local organizations. The group seeks to prevent substance abuse by applying principles from the Icelandic Prevention Model. Tracy Diehl, executive director of the Ferndale Public Schools Foundation, explained that a group of community representatives traveled to Iceland more than a year ago to study that model. That research led the group to Communities for Youth, an Idaho-based consulting firm.

Communities for Youth has applied the broad principles of the Icelandic model to communities in Idaho. Burnett said the alliance believes this partnership will help the group transition from individual successful programs to a comprehensive prevention system. A staff report noted that professional support would provide the structure and research tools needed to build upon existing community efforts.

Diehl listed several prevention initiatives already in motion. These include grant-funded basketball hoops at Central Elementary, free athletic activities for sixth-grade students, and girls flag football at both middle schools. The group also implemented the Eagleridge Child Savings Account program and offers free Girls on the Run sessions. She said these opportunities help build confidence and trusted relationships among youth.

The Whatcom Community Foundation announced its $200,000 award immediately after the council approved the opioid fund allocation. Mauri Ingram, the foundation’s CEO, said the organization aims to bring community ideas to life. He described the commitment of Ferndale staff and the mayor to this work as heartening. Ingram noted that seeing a smaller city lean into this type of effort for its kids is encouraging.

Mayor Greg Hansen said the grant allows the alliance to act faster and do more for Ferndale youth. He stated that focusing on people strengthens the whole community. Hansen expressed hope that this investment will encourage other partners to join the effort. Kristi Dominguez, Ferndale’s superintendent, was present at the meeting. She and Diehl appeared surprised by the announcement.

Diehl said the funding allows the alliance to move from planning into action. She emphasized that the work involves creating safe places, connecting youth with trusted adults, and providing families with resources. In an email, Diehl described the grant and council vote as a tremendous step forward for the alliance. She expressed gratitude to the city and the foundation for believing in the vision.