The Creating Solutions for Independence (CSI) Program at Prospect Heights is a dynamic community engagement and youth development initiative made possible through a partnership between the Pawtucket Prevention Coalition, Connected Communities, Winn, and Omni Development Corporation.
Watch how CSI is making an impact at Prospect Heights:
This work is more important than ever as recent data shows a shift in youth engagement across our communities.
About the Pawtucket Prevention Coalition
The Pawtucket Prevention Coalition is a collaborative network of dedicated volunteers representing both public and private sectors. Since 1988, following the establishment of the Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act (RISAPA), the Coalition has worked to assess and address the evolving prevention needs of the Pawtucket community. Through more than $10 million in state and federal funding, the Coalition has developed and implemented innovative, evidence-based prevention strategies that reach schools, neighborhoods, public housing communities, businesses, faith-based organizations, and municipal departments.
At its core, the Coalition uses a community development approach, empowering individuals, families, and youth with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to create meaningful change. Their work focuses on addressing the root causes of substance abuse and other social challenges by fostering strong, healthy, and connected communities.
Resident services are a critical driver of this impact. By bringing consistent, accessible programming directly into communities, initiatives like CSI create safe and supportive spaces where youth can learn, grow, and build meaningful connections. Strong partnerships play an essential role, aligning organizations with a shared commitment to engagement, mentorship, and opportunity.
Youth Engagement and Program Participation
Research from the Afterschool Alliance shows that students who regularly participate in after-school and community-based programs are more likely to attend school consistently, perform better academically, and avoid risky behaviors (Afterschool Alliance, 2024).
Local survey data mirrors national trends but also highlights new challenges: youth program participation across the portfolio experienced a 7% decrease, going from 79% in 2024 to 72% in 2025, underscoring the need for strategic engagement in 2026.
Bridging the Gap in Youth Engagement
Together, these insights highlight both the challenge and the path forward.
“Since COVID, our data has shown a steady decline in youth participation in community-based programs. We are seeing that gap continue year over year, which reinforces the importance of intentional, community-based programming. This is exactly where initiatives like CSI can make a meaningful difference.”
–Mai Dang, President“Programs like CSI demonstrate what’s possible when strong partnerships and resident services come together with a shared purpose. By meeting youth where they are and providing consistent opportunities for engagement, we’re not only supporting their growth today, we’re helping to shape stronger, more connected communities for the future.”
-Jennifer Lucido, Regional Team Lead
Initiatives like CSI directly address this need, creating opportunities for youth engagement, leadership, and positive community connection while supporting independence and long-term success. In 2026, Resident Coordinators are taking a more strategic approach, using data to identify gaps and expand partnerships that bring meaningful, accessible programming directly into communities.
Now a department of the City of Pawtucket, the Coalition continues to expand its impact, recognizing that prevention goes beyond substance use and includes a broad range of social challenges that affect overall community well-being.
Support Youth Engagement in Our Communities
Programs like CSI are made possible through strong partnerships and the generosity of supporters who believe in the power of community-based services.
There are several ways to make an impact:
• Donate to support youth programming, supplies, and enrichment opportunities
• Partner with us to bring new resources, mentorship, or programming to communities
• Advocate by sharing the importance of resident services and youth engagement
Every contribution helps create safe spaces, meaningful connections, and brighter futures for youth and families.
To learn more about the Pawtucket Prevention Coalition, their history, and their work in the community, we encourage you to research their initiatives and explore opportunities to get involved. To contribute or partner with us, please visit www.connectedcommunities.org or contact us at info@connectedcommunities.org.
Let’s Connect: