About Tonka CARES

Who We Are

Tonka CARES is a community coalition working together to support healthy, safe and thriving youth.

Since 2005, Tonka CARES has brought together parents and caregivers, students, schools, law enforcement, local government, businesses, healthcare and youth-serving organizations, faith communities, and other community partners around a shared goal: helping young people make healthy, informed choices.

Our work focuses on prevention, education, connection and community collaboration. We use local data, evidence-informed strategies and the voices of youth, families and community members to better understand the challenges facing young people and identify meaningful ways to respond.

Tonka CARES works to strengthen protective factors, reduce risk factors, promote positive mental well-being and ensure young people and their families know where to turn for trusted information, resources and support.

Our Vision

A connected community where every young person has the support, knowledge and opportunities they need to make healthy choices and thrive.

Our Mission

Tonka CARES brings together youth, families, schools and community partners to prevent youth substance use, promote mental wellness and create environments that support healthy decision-making.

Our 2026–2027 Priorities

Each year, Tonka CARES coalition members identify areas where our collective efforts can make a meaningful difference. For the 2026–2027 school year, the coalition has prioritized four areas:

• Strengthen Community Engagement - We want our community to be active participants in prevention. Tonka CARES will create opportunities for community members to learn, connect, participate and share their perspectives, including community education events and opportunities to provide feedback.
• Raise Awareness of Key Issues - We will provide youth, families, educators and community members with timely, reliable and practical information about issues affecting young people. Through community education, social media, local communication channels and school partnerships, we will increase awareness and provide tools that support informed decision-making. Priority topics include vaping, marijuana/cannabis, opioids and other emerging substance-use concerns, along with prevention and mental wellness.
• Elevate Youth Voice and Leadership - Young people should have a voice in the decisions and initiatives that affect them. Tonka CARES will expand opportunities for youth participation and leadership,  supporting peer-to-peer education and advocacy, and creating meaningful opportunities for young people to share their perspectives with adults and community leaders.
• Support Positive Policy and Community Change - Prevention extends beyond individual choices. The environments in which young people live, learn and grow also matter. Tonka CARES will collaborate with community leaders, local organizations and advocacy partners to support policies and community practices that promote youth health, safety and well-being.

How We Do This

We work across our community to:

• Educate youth, parents and caregivers about substance use, mental wellness and emerging concerns.
• Connect families with trusted prevention, treatment and recovery resources.
• Listen to youth and create opportunities for young people to lead and help shape prevention efforts.
• Use local data to identify needs and guide our priorities.
• Build partnerships across schools, families, organizations and the broader community.
• Create lasting change by addressing the environments, policies and community factors that influence youth health and well-being.

Get Involved

Prevention is a community effort.  There is a place for everyone at Tonka CARES.

Whether you are a student, parent or caregiver, educator, healthcare professional, business owner, community organization or simply someone who cares about the well-being of young people, we invite you to be part of the work.

Attend a meeting. Join an event. Share your perspective. Volunteer. Partner with us.

Together, we can create a community where young people feel connected, supported and empowered to thrive.