The future of society is found within schools throughout the nation. While young American minds are the productive citizens of tomorrow, the road that leads them there starts here. It begins now. These are formidable years, and it’s important to guide, shape, and protect each and every student in America.

Because of this, Whitetail Properties is proud to announce its role in assisting the Pittsfield Police Department’s S.T.A.R.T. program, which stands for Substance Tobacco Alcohol Resistance Training. Whitetail Properties’ participation in and donation to the program is certain to advance this all-important initiative.

“The S.T.A.R.T. Program is an initiative for 5th grade students throughout Pike County, IL schools that educates and prepares them for situations and critical issues around drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, along with bullying, cyberbullying, and peer pressure,” said Whitetail Properties CEO Jeff Evans.

The fundraising for the S.T.A.R.T. program was generated at the annual Whitetail Properties National Sales Summit. In one evening, Whitetail Properties agents and team members raised over $190,000 at the charity auction. The event benefitted multiple charities. However, Whitetail Properties is especially proud of the difference it’s making in its hometown.

“Through the efforts of our generous agents and staff, and from many internal fundraising initiatives, we are blessed to contribute money to worthwhile efforts throughout the country,” Evans said. “This opportunity allowed us to make an impact really close to home.

“This donation will help launch the S.T.A.R.T. program for the benefit of youth throughout Pike County schools,” Evans continued. “The funds will specifically be used to print classroom materials, provide training for our school resource officers, purchase T-shirts for kids in the program, and provide various supplies necessary to help conduct the classes. We hope to make this an annual contribution to the program that will benefit our kids for years to come.”

Evans makes it clear that kids are the future of our communities. Whitetail Properties believes the implementation of this program will help prepare them to make positive life choices.

“Today, our kids face challenges and situations that are very progressive, and the earlier we can make them aware of negative situations and influences that can shape their futures, the better,” Evans said. “We are very proud of the communities we are a part of and believe that partnering with our local law enforcement and School Resource Officers (SROs) will greatly benefit our youth and hopefully help them make positive choices throughout their lives.”

“S.T.A.R.T. is a comprehensive and adaptable substance abuse prevention curriculum,” echoed Pittsfield Police Department’s Officer Clint Weir. “For the duration of a semester, students learn about critical issues facing youth today, such as tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, bullying, cyberbullying, peer pressure, and citizenship. All classes are led by SROs who utilize a combination of instructional strategies for student engagement, including interactive learning, lectures, writing prompts, group exercises, and peer-led discussions.

According to Weir, each lesson focuses on “helping students understand positive and negative decision-making and providing them with the tools necessary to confidentially express the program's motto — “Start by saying No!"

“We attended a three-day training and gained certification to instruct the S.T.A.R.T. training,” Weir said. “Our goal is to integrate topics of concern and educate students on struggles that students are facing in today's society.”

Weir estimated all costs for all Pike County Schools as $500 for books, $2,000 for shirts, $1,500 for school supplies, $3,000 for graduations, and $1,000 for additional extras, for an $8,000 total.

Evans and the entire Whitetail Properties team are excited to partner with Officer Clint Weir with the Pittsfield City Police, as well as other local law enforcement, to provide this and more. Working with their entire team, and the school resource officer program, is set to successfully equip and administer this worthwhile program. Whitetail Properties believes in law enforcement members, is grateful for them, and trusts in the positive impact they have throughout our communities.