- 1038 N. Eisenhower Drive PMB #281 Beckley, WV 25801
- rcfsc@rcfsc.org
- (681) 539-0370
Raleigh County United for Prevention is a community coalition dedicated to empowering youth and families through education, collaboration, and prevention-focused initiatives. Together with partners across multiple sectors, we work to build a healthier, stronger Raleigh County.
We are a community coalition with the goal of preventing our local youth from engaging in substance use. Adolescent years are crucial developmental times for youth. They need healthy lifestyles that allow their brains to develop to their full potential. Substance use prevention efforts are a community protective factor that builds community collaboration, paves the way for success of future generations and increases opportunities for community development.
Beginning in 2017, Raleigh County UP began its journey as the Raleigh County Prevention Coalition. Through funding changes, community input, and graduation for the National Coalition Academy in 2023, we have shifted our focus to primary and secondary substance use prevention efforts. Our coalition engages more than 15 community sectors across Raleigh County who are active in the action plan to build a healthier community. YOU can join us, too!
Our mission is to empower our youth and families to thrive through education, resources, and connection.
Our mission is carried out through facilitating community partnerships from all sectors to increase capacity for substance use prevention and spread awareness about wellness in Raleigh County.
We utilize the seven strategies of community level change
Harnessing Collective Strength for a Substance-Free Future: Raleigh County United for Prevention envisions a future where our collaborative efforts harness the strength of our community to ensure a substance-free environment for our youth and adults. Together, we strive to create long-lasting positive change and build a healthier future for all.
Executive Director
A wife. A mom. An advocate. A volunteer.
I lived with my grandparents as a child before entering foster care as a teenager. I aged out of the foster care system when I turned age 18. In 2015, I graduated Concord University with my master’s in social work. For eight years, I worked with a foster care agency in different roles, from direct service to consultation, to program and policy implementation.
The value of relationships in communities is vital, families cannot thrive alone, they need people in their corner and connection.
We can accomplish more together, in synergy, than we can alone in contempt, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
The goal for Raleigh County UP is to build strong communities of families that can pull the next generation up to be stronger.
Operations Assistant
Cortina Mickles serves as the Operations Assistant at Raleigh County United for Prevention a nonprofit dedicated to building a drug-free community through prevention, education, and youth empowerment. With a strong foundation in both technology and business, Cortina holds a B.S. in Computer Science and an MBA in Finance, bringing a unique blend of analytical skill and organizational insight to the team.
Inspired by the mentors in her community who encouraged her to reach her full potential, Cortina is passionate about creating the same positive influence for today’s youth. She is dedicated to helping young people succeed by supporting programs that offer a safe environment for learning, growth, and healthy living. Through her work, Cortina strives to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive, drug-free community.
Program Assistant
Kit Shrout works to manage Raleigh County UP’s resource closets, helps at the youth center, and other programs. Kit in his senior year of college at Concord University and hopes to have his Bachelors of Social Work by the end of 2026. Kit completed a summer internship with Raleigh County UP in 2024, before joining the staff in October 2025. In his free time Kit enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with his cats. Kit is from Raleigh County and wants to do what he can to better his community through support and prevention efforts.
Youth and Community Liaison
I chose this field because I have had the pleasure of meeting a lot of kids and sharing their experiences with me and how their home life is. It really broke my heart and made me want to help them, so they have the opportunity to be successful in their lives as well. It's important to me to get youth involved in their community because it gives them a better future and to meet people you never thought you would have met before. I’ve volunteered at a few table events and gave out flyers or awareness about teen safety and drinking and smoking underage and how it’s bad.
Executive Board Chair and Civic/Volunteer
Organizations Representative
Executive Vice Chair and Community Representative
Secretary and Business Representative
Treasurer and Youth Services
Organization Representative
Education Representative
Healthcare and Youth Representative
Parents’ Representative
Religious Community Representative
Substance Use
Organization Representative
Local Government Representative
Law Enforcement Representative
Media Representative
Prevention is a shared responsibility. We invite community members, partners, and organizations to collaborate in building a healthier Raleigh County.