Question 1

Alcohol, Vaping, and Other Drugs"

Accepted Answer

Local:   Positive Directions: The Center for Prevention & Counseling- Local Prevention Council -Positive Directions is a community based 501c3 Not-For-Profit in Westport that provides mental health, substance abuse and problem gambling services to adolescents, adults and families. Clinical services include individual and family counseling for adolescents, adults and couples; substance abuse evaluation and treatment; problem gambling counseling; and assessments and interventions."   AA Meeting Locations   State of Connecticut:   Prevention Works CT -"The Governor’s Prevention Partnership builds and offers youth prevention programs that are based on state-of-the-art research and training that is reality-based and relevant to our young peoples’ needs and environment to prevent substance misuse and bullying."   MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving -The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.   Parents Against Vaping (CT) - Founded by 3 moms, the catalyst for PAVe was their discovery in April, 2018 that a JUUL representative had entered their sons’ high-school through an outside anti-addiction group, without the school’s knowledge, and told the 9th-grade students, without adults present, that JUUL was “totally safe” and would receive FDA approval “any day.” (Their Congressional testimony about this incident was cited by FDA as evidence that JUUL had marketed directly to kids.)   National:   Partnership for Drug-Free Kids -In 2019, they merged with Center on Addiction, and together, their mission is to transform how the nation addresses addiction.   Drugs Over Dinner -Drugs Over Dinner is a toolkit to plan, host and moderate a conversation about drugs and addiction. We have gathered thoughtful and compelling homework and resources for your guests   Shatterproof -Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in America. Talk. They Hear You. - Underage Drinking Parent Resources The NIAAA guide for parents and youth on the consequences of college drinking   Vaping Resources from the FDA   Red Ribbon Campaign - A national leader in drug prevention education & advocacy and the largest, longest running Drug-use Prevention Campaign in the US.    Helpful Article on the Effects of Mixing Various Drugs w/ Alcohol

Question 2

Behavioral Health

Accepted Answer

Local:   The HUB - The state-designated Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization (RBHAO) serving Southwest Connecticut. They are a regional resource supporting and coordinating mental health, suicide awareness, substance use prevention and problem gambling efforts in the 14 communities from Greenwich through Greater Bridgeport and serving as the liaison between the region and state. They support the Local Prevention Councils in each town to prevent substance use and promote mental health, and bring consumers and providers together through their Catchment Area Councils to identify needs and recommendations in the treatment and recovery systems.   The HUB Behavioral Health Resource Guide    Kids In Crisis - Located in Cos Cob, Connecticut Kids In Crisis provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling, and community education programs for children of all ages and families facing crisis. Crisis can include domestic violence, mental health concerns, homelessness, substance abuse, economic difficulties, and other critical challenges. The Kids In Crisis Helpline is staffed 24 hours a day with trained Crisis Counselors, and provides free, confidential phone and face-to-face intervention, counseling, and referrals. Since its founding in 1978, Kids In Crisis has provided vital 24-hour services to more than 158,000 children and teens, and their families. Providers, educators, community members, and family members are encouraged to call the 24-hour helpline: 203-661-1911 for support.   Turning Point CT - Their mission is to empower teens and young adults in their search for emotional and mental health. Turning Point was developed by young people in Connecticut who are in recovery from mental health and substance use issues   State of Connecticut:   CT Department of Mental Health ann Addiction Services - The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.   National:   US Department of Health & Human Services: Mental Health - MentalHealth.gov provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information.

Question 3

College Health & Preparation

Accepted Answer

College911.net - College911 believes transparency of critical information (student deaths/campus accidents) will lead to more informed student matriculation decisions and help their families be better prepared as medical emergencies arise. Find Emergency Checklists and Information for students headed off to college.

Question 4

Grief

Accepted Answer

Sesame Street Talking With Kids About Grief - Coping with the death of a loved one brings enormous challenges for the whole family. Grieving may never completely end, but working through the difficult feelings can become easier with time. Through support, open conversations, and finding ways to keep the person’s memory alive, families can begin healing together.

Question 5

Healthy Relationships & Teen Dating

Accepted Answer

Local/State:   Domestic Violence Crisis Center of CT (DVCCCT) - To provide effective services, support and education for the prevention and elimination of domestic violence across Connecticut and beyond.   - DVCC Health y Relationships and Teen Dating Abuse Info Packet

Question 6

Leadership and Empowerment

Accepted Answer

Local   Live Girl, Inc -Founded in 2014, LiveGirl, Inc. is a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization that builds confident leaders. Their mission is to empower and equip the next generation of brave, inclusive leaders with the skills, community, and connections so that ALL girls may thrive and make a positive impact on the world.

Question 7

LGBTQ

Accepted Answer

Local:   Westport Pride - Westport Pride comprises a cross-section of our community’s LGBTQ+ residents and allies. Connect - create a welcoming and connected community Elevate/Shine - Increase visibility of LGBTQ+ residents, issues and concerns Educate - Improve understanding through education and intersectionality Empower - support, mentor and inspire our future leaders Activate- Inspire advocates into action Celebrate - share our pride, culture and accomplishments   Triangle Community Center (Norwalk, CT) -Triangle Community Center (TCC) is Fairfield County's leading provider of programming and resources to nurture growth and connection within the LGBTQ community.   LightHouse by Kids In Crisis -Lighthouse serves lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ) teens and their allies with a welcoming, safe space weekly meeting. Lighthouse encourages LGBTQ youth to live their best, healthiest and most authentic lives. Teens can drop in to share life experiences and feelings, socialize, snack, and share common bonds, in Lighthouse’s confidential, non-threatening environment. Lighthouse also hosts guest speakers, trips, barbecues, parties and movie nights.Lighthouse empowers LGBTQ youth to clarify issues, gain skills and resiliency, and envision and seek healthy, productive, and fulfilling adult lives.   State of Connecticut: GLSEN Connecticut  - The leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ students.   National: The Trevor Project  - The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

Question 8

Sports and Recreation

Accepted Answer

Westport Parks & Recreation - Sports programs, Camps, Beach Stickers, and More!   Westport Police Athletic League (PAL) -The Westport PAL is one of Westport's oldest youth Organizations. Established in 1948, the Westport PAL continues to blaze a trail with many outstandingYouth Athletic Programs, College Scholarships and their support of the Westport Community.The Westport PAL is a non-profit organization run by both active andretired police officers and volunteers from our Community.   Westport Little League - Youth baseball and softball   Westport Soccer Association - A non-profit volunteer-run organization for soccer enthusiasts.

Question 9

RULER

Accepted Answer

RULER is an evidence-based approach for integrating social and emotional learning into schools, developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. RULER applies “hard science” to the teaching of what have historically been called “soft skills.” RULER teaches the skills of emotional intelligence — those associated with:   Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotion. ​ Decades of research show that these skills are essential to effective teaching and learning, sound decision making, physical and mental health, and success in school and beyond.   Click Here to Learn About How the Westport Public Schools are utilizing RULER

Question 10

SEARCH Institute

Accepted Answer

https://www.search-institute.org/ - Search Institute partners with organizations to conduct and apply research that promotes positive youth development and advances equity.   40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents (12-18)

Question 11

Staples Tuition Grants

Accepted Answer

Staples Tuition Grants (STG) provides tuition assistance to Staples High School seniors and graduates in Westport, CT with demonstrated financial need, helping to close the gap between what their family can afford and the expected cost of tuition at the student’s chosen college or trade school. STG was founded on the belief that all young adults should have the opportunity to continue their education beyond high school.   Learn more here: https://www.staplestuitiongrants.org/

Question 12

Suicide

Accepted Answer

Preventsuicidect.org -The CTSAB is a network of diverse advocates, educators and leaders concerned with addressing the problem of suicide with a focus on prevention, intervention, and health and wellness promotion.   National: The Jordan Porco Foundation  - The Jordan Porco Foundation is committed to preventing suicide in the high school, college, and college entry student population. Through awareness, education, and innovative programming, JPF is challenging stigma around mental health and help-seeking, creating open conversations about the prevalence of suicide and mental health issues in the young adult population, and saving lives.

Question 13

Technology

Accepted Answer

Screenagers Blog - An award-winning film that probes into the vulnerable corners of family life and depicts messy struggles over social media, video games and academics. The film offers solutions on how we can help our kids navigate the digital world.   Wait Until 8th Movement -The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least 8th grade. By banding together, this will decrease the pressure felt by kids and parents alike over the kids having a smartphone. ... The Wait Until 8th pledge is encouraging parents to delay the smartphone.

Question 14

Trauma

Accepted Answer

Understanding Trauma - American Psychological Association   The Child Mind Institute - How to Help Kids Cope with a Traumatic Event   Greater Good Science Center - Tips for Talking With Kids About Trauma

Local Help

Department of Human Services
Community Resource Directory

Podcasts

The Science of Happiness Podcast - What does it take to live a happier life? Learn research-tested strategies that you can put into practice today.

The Anxious Achiever - Rethink mental health and work, with candid stories from leaders who’ve been there.

Unlocking Us w/ Brene Brown - Join researcher and #1 New York Times best-selling author Brené Brown as she unpacks and explores the ideas, stories, experiences, books, films, and music that reflect the universal experiences of being human, from the bravest moments to the most brokenhearted.

Baby In The House w/ Dr. Tina Bryson & Dr. Phil Boucher -

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