Recognizing that a problem-centered approach which relies heavily on professionals and public sector resources rarely works by itself, a complementary approach which focuses on healthy development and requires action by all residents of the community was sought. The Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth model from Search Institute, a nonprofit nonsectarian organization dedicated to research that benefits children and youth, was selected to be the operating vehicle to mobilize community action in this area. This Asset-building model of positive youth development was chosen because of the effective and comprehensive way it could be used to assess the needs of Naperville youth.

A hospital-supported team of representatives from youth serving organizations met monthly to implement the program. The first goal was to raise funds and administer Search Institute's assessment survey, Profile of Student Life: Attitudes & Behavior, to 8,000 6th - 12th grade students in District 203 in November of 1998. The results of this survey provided a baseline to measure community needs. This survey showed Naperville youth to have an average of 21 assets, or character building blocks, which is above the national average of 17. However, only half of the possible 40 assets needed to successfully avoid teenage pitfalls and set a constructive course for adult life were realized by our youth.

Since this initiative's origin in 1995, it has evolved into "KidsMatter," known formally as the Naperville Youth Development Coalition. KidsMatter is part of the national effort by Search Institute to educate and encourage Asset-building, and to date, approximately 600 communities across the country are involved in similar initiatives.

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