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Our Mission


Operation Snowball is an international youth program that empowers student leaders through prevention education, community advocacy, and leadership development to create a positive impact.


The Creation of Snowball


Operation Snowball began in 1977 in Rockford, Illinois when participants of the Illinois Teenage Institute (ITI) (now the Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute/CGTI) came back to their community and thought, “We could do ITI back home!” Thus, Operation Snowball was created.  The name originates from the idea that “If I have a positive impact on you, you can have a positive impact on someone else and the effect snowballs.”

By 1989, Operation Snowball, Inc. obtained it’s not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status to make the program stronger. 

Funded in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundation.

A Comprehensive Program


The program fosters a youth & adult partnership.

Has been implemented in schools and communities ranging from rural, suburban and urban...from small towns to major metropolitan areas...with the ability to adapt components to address local conditions.

Uses the powerful energy and influence of youth to create an atmosphere of positive peer support, recognizing youth as part of the solution.

Supports Social Emotional Learning as youth develop attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and cognitive skills that create healthy and competent adults.

Utilizes SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework in developing the infrastructure needed for a community-based, public health approach.


Program models include: Snowball, Snowflake, Snowflurry, Snowcap, Blizzard, and Segue


Team Membership


We are now offering FREE team and individual registrations. No longer do we have accreditation fees and individuals can sign up versus being affiliated with a team or group from your school.



Membership

Alumni & Friends


For most, Snowball was a life changing experience and people want to continue the connection. The Operation Snowball Alumni & Friends was developed to do just that.  You learned what it means to have the confidence to believe in yourself and continue to make healthy life choices, and impacting the next generation of Snowballers is legacy worth continuing.  Click here to fill our Alumni Database form and stay involved with Operation Snowball, Inc.!


2023 Board of Directors





Katie Hyland  
Chair



Kelly Stadter
Vice-Chair

Ankit Patel
Treasurer



Amari Brown 
Secretary



Teresa Rosa-Jacks
At-Large


Angie Patel 
District 1



Kelly Stadter
District 1



Emma Murphy
District 2



Tessa Konzal 
District 2



Mary Czaplewski
District 2



Dennis Trask 
District 3


Christine McMillian  
District 3


Symone Farmer
IABH Appointee


Holly Windhorst 
IABH Appointee



Carter Langston
IABH Appointee

Darin Sullivan
IABH Appointee

 

Hailey Baffico 
Youth Advocate



Yanna Flor
Youth Advocate



Kayla Mata 
Youth Advocate



Julia McDermott   
Youth Advocate



Maya Rubio 
Youth Advocate



Claudine Ricana 
Youth Advocate