Building a Positive Community (BAPC) was formed in 1990 as the Brattleboro Area Pre- vention Coalition, and covers the towns of Brattleboro, Dummerston, Guilford, Putney, and Vernon.

The initial focus was on parent education during the early stages of the organization, and this focus was expanded to implement additional prevention strategies through Vermont’s Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (ADAP) funding. In 2003, BAPC received a Drug-Free Community (DFC) grant that allowed the organization to enhance programs and services, and to build capacity and infrastructure.

Ever wondered how a small community can make a big difference in the lives of its residents, especially the young ones? Well, that’s exactly what the Building a Positive Community (BAPC) is all about. We are not your typical community organization, we are quietly working our magic to make Brattleboro and the surrounding towns a better place for everyone, especially the youth.

So, picture this: BAPC directly serves around 955 Brattleboro residents in 2022 and is reached directly and indirectly most WSESU students. That’s a lot of people, right? But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the quality of impact they’ve had.

One of their shining achievements is turning Brattleboro into a certified Quality Youth Development (QYD) Community. It’s not just a fancy title; it’s a commitment to empowering the youth in the community. They’ve set specific benchmarks and are working tirelessly to meet them. This QYD project was a big deal, chosen as one of the Vital Projects out of 59 submissions in Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s comprehensive economic development strategy!

But that’s not all. BAPC knows that real change starts with the youth, and they’ve put that philosophy into action. They’ve teamed up with VT Afterschool to create a youth design team, which led to the birth of the Brattleboro Area Youth Council. It’s like a youth-driven revolution right in your backyard!

BAPC’s reach doesn’t stop there. We are out in the community, providing education and direct service to the five WSESU towns. We are all about building up the youth, offering leadership programs and family engagement support. Plus, we’re tackling the tough stuff, like substance use prevention and educating folks about the influence of industries on consumers. We’re all about creating substance-free environments for our young people and providing resources for teens and adults who need it.

And if you’re wondering about our approach, it’s all about understanding what drives our behaviors, building up the youth, connecting with others, and creating positive change in beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and environments. It’s like a recipe for community transformation!

Building a Positive Community (BAPC) was formed in 1990 as the Brattleboro Area Pre- vention Coalition, and covers the towns of Brattleboro, Dummerston, Guilford, Putney, and Vernon.

The initial focus was on parent education during the early stages of the organization, and this focus was expanded to implement additional prevention strategies through Vermont’s Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (ADAP) funding. In 2003, BAPC received a Drug-Free Community (DFC) grant that allowed the organization to enhance programs and services, and to build capacity and infrastructure.