It's not often that you find a Web site that is geared at keeping teenagers plugged in to all the local activities and events as well as providing resources to parents on helping their kids make healthy decisions. But that's the case with a new Web site called NC (Newport County) Youth Connect, www.ncyouthconnect.org funded through grant money from the RI Foundation's Newport County Fund.

Developed by the Teen Ambassadors of the Newport County Prevention Coalition as a prevention resource Web site for adolescents, parents, and professionals, it provides information on agencies and services in Newport County and links users to local activities, information, community service opportunities, support, and assistance. The resources on this site can help parents help their teens through the often difficult years known as adolescence.

The site also provides teens with a countywide place to post their artwork, personal profiles, and favorite music. At the same time, ncyouthconnect.org offers teens in Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Jamestown, Little Compton, and Tiverton a peer support network led by the Newport County Youth Council, a group with a goal of addressing youth issues, developing leadership, promoting community activism, and delivering results that drive positive social changes in Newport County.

The Newport County Prevention Coalition includes Stopover Services - a program of East Bay Community Action, Women's Resource Center of Newport & Bristol Counties, Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, Caritas, Inc., Child & Family Services of Newport County, CODAC, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, and Visiting Nurse Services of Newport & Bristol Counties.