From the Director’s Desk

A Reflection on the Journey We’ve Shared

At the encouragement of the Board of Directors, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on the work we’ve done together as the Shawnee Transformation Youth Coalition (STYC). This isn’t something I would usually write—celebrating your own work feels a bit like throwing yourself a party—but I recognize the importance of pausing to honor our journey, not just for myself, but for the community that has fueled this mission.

I joined the coalition in 2016 under sudden and difficult circumstances, following the departure of the previous director. At the time, our future was uncertain. But I was grounded by my roots in public health and equity, having served with the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and the country’s first Center for Health Equity. I believed then—and still believe now—that when youth and communities are supported, they thrive.

Since then, STYC has grown from a local prevention initiative to a recognized force in community transformation:

We secured our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and maintained continuous federal funding.
We expanded into new state, local, and community partnerships.
Both our coalition and youth advocates meet regularly and help shape our yearly goals.
STYC has reached national audiences, winning awards for youth-led video campaigns and tobacco prevention efforts.
Our youth team, once unheard, now leads conversations at the state capitol and online through our growing social media presence.

None of this came easily. We weathered a global pandemic, turnover in key roles, disengagement from local school districts, and even delays in federal funding. Any one of these could have brought the work to a halt. But instead of stopping, we adapted, we evolved—and we kept going.

This work is never about one person. It's about the shared vision of the Shawnee community, the dedication of our youth, the strength of our partners, and the unwavering commitment of our coalition members.

To be recognized by the Executive Board, coalition, and youth in this way is deeply humbling. I accept this moment of reflection not as a personal spotlight, but as a celebration of what we have done together—and a recommitment to the work ahead.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The best is still to come.

With gratitude,
Angela Hollingsworth, Executive Director

Shawnee Transformation Youth Coalition Inc

Contributor’s Note: Bonnie Taylor, MSW, LCSW, is a dedicated Mental Health Therapist based in Louisville, KY, specializing in trauma care for youth and adults. With a deep commitment to community well-being, she has been collaborating with STYC for the past two years, offering her expertise and support wherever needed.

Comments

Youth Gambling, Hiding in Plain Sight

“A new study from Common Sense Media finds that 36% of boys ages 11 to 17 reported gambling in the past year—ranging from sports betting and card games to online gaming-related gambling through loot boxes and gacha pulls.” If you don’t have time ⏳ to read the full blog, no worries. Click the link and watch the short 5-minute video on youth gambling instead. It’s quick, real, and straight to the point. reported by NBC’s Kate Snow on TODAY . When I first read that headline, I had to stop and ask myself—is this shocking? I’m no psychologist or PhD student, but I am a professional who has spent the past eight weeks working directly with a group of 15 middle school students. Many of these youth have either gambled themselves or have been exposed to gambling through family members. What I observed during this time was both eye-opening and deeply concerning—and closely mirrored the findings shared in that national study. For many of us, gambling brings to ...

It's Eleven O'clock

Do You Know Where Your Children Are? Some of us recall the late-night message that once flashed across the television: “It’s 11:00—do you know where your children are?” Although there may not have been a flashy commercial to accompany it, the simple reminder carried weight. It didn’t prevent every bad choice or tragedy, but it made parents pause. If your child wasn’t at home, it forced a question: Where are they, and what are they doing? That same question is just as urgent today. Violence, substance use, and risky behaviors are touching our community in ways that are heartbreaking and often preventable. Recently, a young person—someone’s child or grandchild—was accused of committing a violent crime at a bus stop. Behind the headlines is a truth: this is not just “a suspect,” but someone’s family. We cannot afford to look away or to excuse warning signs that might have been noticed earlier. Why STYC Is Offering the Hidden in Plain Sight Experience? Parents ...

PIVOT - A change in position, or strategy

"Pivoting Toward Prevention: A Call for Community Support" In basketball, a pivot allows a player to keep one foot grounded while turning to find a better position — to see the court more clearly, make a stronger pass, or take a smarter shot. At STYC, we’re making a similar move. For nearly a decade, we’ve stood firmly in substance use prevention, rooted in youth leadership, community partnerships, and culturally relevant strategies. But the game is changing. The same young people we serve are now facing additional risks — from rising violence and untreated mental health challenges to the growing dangers of youth gambling. So, we’re pivoting. Not away from our foundation, but toward a more comprehensive approach to prevention — one that addresses all the factors threatening youth well-being. We’re expanding our lens while keeping our mission clear: to build safer, healthier futures for our youth. But we can’t do this alone. We need our community — including neighbors, e...

STYCtalks Empowering Young Voices

Search This Blog