MarionMade!: Jodi Galloway is a champion of substance use prevention efforts

Each week, this series shares MarionMade! stories of our many wonderful people, places, products and programs in the greater Marion community. To read more positive stories of Marion, or to share some of your own, visit us at marionmade.org or on social media.

Jodi Galloway serves as the director of prevention services for Marion-Crawford Prevention Programs, which provides substance use prevention and leadership development. She founded the agency 12 years ago with the support of the Marion-Crawford Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board and other local prevention advocates.

Galloway has her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University with a focus in social work. She is a licensed social worker and Ohio certified prevention consultant. Galloway has been a champion of prevention for over 30 years.

Galloway is mother to two daughters; one is a physical therapist in Arizona, and the other is also a social worker like Galloway.

Considered an expert in her field, Galloway mentors professionals in other communities to help establish their own peer prevention programs. She is a strong proponent of Teen Institute (TI), giving young people opportunities, skills and recognition so that they have a better chance at succeeding in life. Her guidance helps them navigate adolescence by building self-esteem and confidence.

One of Galloway’s colleagues, Laura Busler, emphasized the importance of Jodi’s role.

“She develops leadership skills that help young women find their voice and encourages them to make a difference in their communities and among their peer,” stated Busler.

Galloway took the time to form specific youth advisory boards made of young people who have a say in programming and services. She is one of the founding members of the Ohio Youth Led Prevention Network’s Adult Advisory Council. This council helped to establish a statewide youth prevention network and implement the annual “We Are the Majority” rally. High school students from across the state march in support of a drug-free lifestyle.

“As a young person I had adults in my life who helped me through difficult times" said Galloway. "I love to see the growth of young people. I love watching them get excited about making a positive impact on their peers. I also feel it is really important to appreciate their time and energy that they give to this community. I think as adults we often overlook the good that young people do.”

Some of Galloway’s local and state affiliations include Drug-Free Marion Coalition, Youth Leadership Marion, Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities, Schools Understanding Critical Components Empowering Student Success, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Association of Ohio.

“In every aspect of her life, she is making a difference in a young person’s life,” said Busler of Galloway.

Outside of her daytime work, Galloway serves as a middle and high school cheerleading coach and youth coordinator for the Buckeye Valley Fair Booth.

Many of the people who started their careers with Galloway have gone on to pursue vocations in social work, education and prevention programs. Galloway received the 2021 Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Association of Ohio Community Champion Award.

“I have worked in Marion almost 30 years,” Galloway noted. “I now have students of my former students involved in my program. I love when students tell me their dad said they had to be in TI because they were in TI. This program does make an impact on young people, and it is so rewarding to be a part of it.”

“Jodi is one of those people whose skill and dedication motivate those around her, raising the quality of work in everyone she touches," added Busler.

Galloway believes it is important for others to be involved in their community, too.

“Being involved in your community makes the community a better place. Working for the greater good gives a sense of satisfaction. I think if more people took time to try to do something good for others we would be in a better state of the world,” said Galloway.

She has hope for the future of Marion.

“So many really great things are happening in Marion,” said Galloway. “And so many people are working to make this a great place to live and work.”