Established in 2005, Tonka CARES is a community coalition working to reduce illegal substance use among youth in the Minnetonka School District. Tonka CARES partners include the Minnetonka Public Schools, local law enforcement, businesses, agencies supporting youth, faith communities, youth and parents.
Tonka CARES is funded by a federal Drug Free Communities grant, along with matching funds from the community.
According to the Minnesota Student Survey, most young people in our community choose not to use alcohol, marijuana or other drugs. Yet those who do use may compromise their learning, endanger their health and ultimately risk their lives. This a national issue, as well as a local one – but it is local community efforts to reduce illegal substance use that have the most impact.