Being as involved in the Webster community as I am, I’m a member of several community groups. Perhaps the one I’m most proud of is my affiliation with WHEN, the Webster Health and Education Network.
WHEN is a coalition of community leaders and residents working to empower Webster kids to grow up strong and substance-free. Founded in 1995 by Janine Sanger, who leads the organization to this day, WHEN has always been driven by a singular purpose: to advocate for and promote healthy, substance-free behaviors and lifestyles among our friends and neighbors.
The coalition is driven by more than 60 volunteer members representing various sectors of the Webster community, including business owners, faith-based organizations, youth, civic/volunteer groups, media, law enforcement, health care providers, substance use prevention professionals, and more. Their mission: to delay, decrease, and prevent substance use among our youth, because research tells us that the longer young individuals wait to use drugs and alcohol, the less likely they are to become addicted later in life.
It’s an ongoing battle, illustrated recently as the Webster Village Board considers repealing the opt-out law allowing for a cannabis retail shop within the village limits. (One is being proposed for the old Taylor Rental storefront on North Ave.) WHEN is circulating a petition about the matter, and several members have appeared at Village meetings to speak against the repeal.
WHEN’s service to our community was recognized at the most recent Webster Chamber of Commerce meeting as the October Business of the Month. It is a well-deserved honor, recognizing the amazing work this organization does.
New members are always welcome to join. To read more about WHEN and its programs, check out the October newsletter here. and the Facebook page here.
P.S. Signatures are still being collected on the petition against repealing the village’s opt-out law. Click here to voice your opinion.
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(posted 10/5/2023)
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