Communities That Care is a science-based public health approach proven to promote healthy youth development and reduce youth health and behavior problems community wide.  Developed by Drs. J. David Hawkins and Richard Catalano at the University of Washington, Communities That Care employs the Social Development Strategy to foster young people’s wellbeing through opportunities, skill-building and recognition. In this way, protective factors are strengthened and risk factors are reduced, resulting in healthier kids, families and communities. A rigorous scientific trial of the Communities That Care model demonstrated reductions in rates of youth violence, crime and substance use.

Using public schools as hubs, the Community Schools Initiative brings community based organizations and public services together to offer a coordinated range of supports and opportunities to children, youth and families, including before and after school and summer enrichment and academic support programs as well as housing support. Partners work to achieve shared results: Children enter school ready; students attend school regularly; students are engaged in school and the community; families are involved with their children's education; and students succeed academically; students are healthy - physically, socially, and emotionally.