DFY, or the Drug-Free Youth program is another ongoing community support program initiated and sponsored in large part by the local La Grande Rotary club. Modeled after similar successful programs in other parts of the country, DFY is a way to encourage middle school age kids here in La Grande to make a commitment to a drug-free life.
Rotarians enjoy lunch at La Grande Middle School in anticipation of DFY presentation.
Kids sign up for the program on a voluntary basis. The program runs 2-3 group activities during the school year, such as ski or swimming trips, bowling, or other fun group events. They also meet at the school once a month for support and encouragement, as well as a monthly raffle for a free item/coupon donated from community businesses. The program also runs a random urinalysis on each participant once a year so the kids are accountable for their commitment. According to the school administrators and program director, it is a successful and beneficial program for these students.
La Grande Middle School students provide a DFY presentation to Rotarians.