Communuity Cares

In 2024, Barber County United (BCU) expanded its mission into youth and young adult substance misuse prevention by securing a Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) grant through the Kansas Prevention Collaborative Community Initiative (KPCCI) – Introductory Grant. This marked the organization's formal entry into the prevention field, complementing its existing work in rural wellness, mental health, and community connection.

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Under this new initiative, BCU contracted Oaklee Grant in August 2024 as the county’s first Community Mobilizer. Oaklee’s role was to lead coalition-building efforts and launch the foundational phase of a locally grounded prevention program. The first coalition meeting occurred in October 2024, bringing together community stakeholders and establishing a framework for collaboration.

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By early 2025, the coalition adopted the name SPEAR (Substance Prevention Education and Resources) and began formalizing its identity and mission. Oaklee Grant serves as the lead coalition developer. SPEAR’s efforts center on substance misuse prevention for Barber County youth and young adults ages 12–20.

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BCU’s established organizational capacity and strong community partnerships enabled SPEAR to rapidly evolve into a coalition of engaged, high-capacity individuals committed to supporting local youth. The coalition is building a sustainable framework aligned with best practices in rural prevention. This initiative reflects BCU’s broader commitment to advancing community-based solutions and long-term prevention strategies in their Community Cares area of focus.

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As of mid-2025, BCU is preparing to continue SPEAR under a KPCCI Planning Grant, aiming to deepen prevention strategies, solidify coalition infrastructure, and elevate local youth voice in shaping solutions to rural substance misuse.