A few words

About Us

Our History

Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition (HTS2S)

In June 1995, an initial planning meeting involving all major departments in the County of Henrico plus a number of private agencies and community citizens was held to conduct a needs assessment and implement focus groups on the needs of the community. As a result, two priorities were determined: to reduce child abuse and neglect, and to reduce violence through a community focus on prevention. The Henrico Youth Development Committee formed to develop action plans around youth violence for school-aged children. The Community Planning Initiative, as it was known at the time, was divided into two efforts: one focusing on projects such as the Outstanding Youth Awards, which encouraged youth to engage in community service and acknowledged them publicly, and Henrico Youth Impact, a leadership development group for high school youth to train them in volunteer service as an opportunity to develop leadership skills.

In 1998, the Henrico Youth Development Committee became known as Healthy Communities, Healthy Youth, and Healthy Henrico Youth Partnership (HCHY). The goals were to educate all community members on risk and protective factors, and support new and existing programs that promote protective factors for youth enabling healthy youth development. In 2003, the Healthy Communities, Healthy Youth, Healthy Henrico Youth Partnership (HCHY) became the Too Smart to Start Coalition. The focus of the Too Smart to Start Coalition was directed toward the research-based risk and protective factors that prevent substance use among youth. The first Town Hall meeting to raise community awareness in Henrico regarding underage drinking was held in March 2006.

Henrico Too Smart To Start

Mission

Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition is a 501 (C) 3 Non-Profit Organization that promotes health and wellness in Henrico County with a primary focus on reducing youth substance abuse through education, advocacy and capacity building.