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About
North River Prevention Partners - The Beginning...North River Prevention Partners was established in 2015 as Palmetto Prevention Partnership by a small, dedicated group of local folks who saw a need and filled it.
One name change (to reflect the whole North River area), three grant applications, and four years later we finally received the Drug-Free Communities grant in October 2019! The grant is a mix of federal dollars and local elbow grease- $125,000/ year with a 100% match from the community (dollars, in-kind services, and/or volunteer hours). That means over $2.5 million in prevention services for our community over the life of the 10-year grant!
We hope you join us in our efforts as we work to protect our North River communities from the devastation that substance abuse can bring.
NRPP Awarded Drug-Free Communities Grant to Combat Youth Substance Use Across Florida
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has awarded North River Prevention Partners (NRPP) the prestigious Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant. This recognition will further support local coalitions in Florida working to prevent substance use among youth.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is deeply committed to supporting our nation’s youth and strengthening their overall well-being,” said ONDCP Director Dr. Rahul Gupta. “This new funding, provided through the Drug-Free Communities Support Program, will empower local coalitions across Florida to prevent youth substance use and foster healthier communities.”
Being part of NRYC allows me to promote an alcohol, drug, and nicotine free lifestyle for youth. It also means I can help spread awareness as I gain knowledge and more understanding as well creating friendships.
Our Mission
To create community partnerships to implement universal substance abuse prevention strategies to promote the health and safety of individuals across the lifespan; especially, among youth.
Our Vision
A community where substance abuse doesn't exist and the health, safety, and welfare of all citizens is a priority.
Missed Our NRYC Information Session?
You can still learn all about the North River Youth Coalition (NRYC) and discover how you can get involved.
Watch the recording of our Information Session to learn more about NRYC, our mission, upcoming opportunities, community involvement, and how you can use your voice to make a difference.
Meet the Team
"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about."
Margaret J. Wheatley
Rose Jean
Program Director
Rose has a professional background in education and worked as a Teacher for 7 years and a Youth Advisor for 3 years.
Rose's love for education and our youth lead her to want to do more for the community outside of the classroom.
Throughout her life, she has found a passion to work with, motivate, and encourage young people, which brought her to her current position in the field. She works directly with the North River Youth Coalition and assists them with gaining confidence in themselves, learning how they can live healthier lives as well as getting involved and serving their community.
Rose is the mother to a very beautiful and energetic 9-year-old girl! Rose's daughter is part of what motivates her to learn more each day and be the best parent she can be.
Ally Bergmann
Executive Director
Ally understands the devastation of substance abuse and addiction first-hand. She became a champion for prevention while working as a substance abuse counselor; she quickly realized that the best way to make a positive impact was to get out in front of the problem.
Ally is a Certified Prevention Professional, as well as a certified instructor for both Botvin’s Life Skills Training and Teen Mental Health First Aid. She is passionate about youth and youth development and volunteers as a 4H project leader and for several school-based organizations including the
School Advisory Committee.
Ally and her husband, Mike, live in Parrish with their two daughters: Riley, a college sophomore, and Holly, a high school junior, and their cats, Greg and Sarah.
Maria Mackay Wallin
Media Director
Maria has studied Early Childhood Education, Radiology, and is a Certified Para-Optometric Assistant.
Growing up in the North River Community has given her a passion for prevention and making a positive impact on our area.
While caring for others in the medical field has been a wonderful experience, she found her true passion is for writing and grammar.
Since working in Radiology and Optometry she has been a planner, multi-tasker, and researcher! Maria loves solving problems and finding alternative solutions.
Maria along with her husband and son live in Palmetto with their three wild cats!