A new group, called Two Villages, was formed in January by eight members of the Woodmore community to help parents.

The name of the group is a twist on the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” and it represents all people in Woodville and Elmore, including civic groups, churches, school groups, businesses and individuals. It was started because these people “recognize the suffering of our family, friends, and neighbors as they – and we – grieve the loss of several young lives,” says Jayne Klett, chair of the group.

“We are committed to finding out what we don’t know about the lives and pop culture of our children so that we can create a community where they can grow in healthy and safe ways,” Klett said.

A flyer the group put out states Two Villages is “a gathering of concerned citizens from every part of the Woodmore community out to change the culture that permits – and even glorifies – these behaviors.”

The group is growing and had 14 people attend their second meeting. Another planning session was held on February 15 at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Elmore.

“None of us alone know the answers but we love our community and all our children too much to do nothing and pray that there won't be another loss....we will be working together to identify what we need to know and the resources to help us plan appropriate events and activities for all ages,” Klett said. 

At the last meeting, the group discussed ideas for future events that would center on the prom and graduation season. Two ideas the group focused on were empowering parents to be in charge and to not provide alcohol at any teen function and to empower the teens by giving them alternatives to high risk behavior. The main focus of the meeting was to finalize the plans and logistics of their first workshop.

The title of this first workshop is “Hiding in Plain Sight.” It will be March 7 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Speaking at the workshop are experts from Community Partnership, a Lucas County based social education group. Participants will be walking through a mock-up of a typical teenager’s room where the idea is to help parents find clues to risky behaviors so that intervention is possible and help prevent serious injury or death.

There will be choice of an afternoon or an evening session for those who want to participate. A meal and time to talk will be offered between sessions and child care will also be available. There is no cost for participants of the workshop and it is open to anybody from area school districts.

 “The discussions are difficult, poignant, and necessary — as we begin to peel away the layers to find the core of the problem. Unfortunately, we aren't at the core yet. What are the stressors — what are the catalysts in these kids lives that is causing them to turn to such destructive behaviors? This seems to be the crux of the problem that needs to be ultimately solved. The mystery seems especially confounding when these behaviors are seen in teens who are academically strong and who successfully participate in character building activities such as athletics.”

For anyone interested in donating time or money to help this group, or for information, contact Two Villages at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or attend the next planning meeting at 6 p.m. on February 22 at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Elmore.

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