Background

Riverway Communities of Hope began in the village of Muscoda, Wisconsin and surrounding area included in the Riverdale School District. Other school districts in SW Wisconsin soon also requested funding to assist youth in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment.

Affordable and accessible assessments and AODA or mental health counseling is limited by:

1. Financial concerns

2. Transportation difficulties typical of a rural area.

Local law enforcement personnel and school officials have all indicated that there is a need to offer prevention education, as well as assessments and treatment for substance abuse and/or mental health concerns. Prevention education and access to counseling are two important parts of the RCoH effort toward helping students and their families to grow in a safe, nurturing environment.