Center for Prevention and Counseling

For more than 40 years dedicated to building healthy families and communities

Inside this issue:

July 2015

For more than 40 years dedicated

to building healthy families and

communities

Summer is here, finally! Taking time to relax and enjoy the season is important to our health and well-being, plus it is just nice to be outdoors. Luckily for us, our beautiful county offers so much to individuals, youth and families: hiking, swimming, camping, baseball games, waterparks, the fair and much more.

For youth, the summer also means no homework and with more free time and, unfortunately, less adult supervision. Since many parents can’t be

off for the whole summer, many teens are unsupervised giving them more freedom, which has its ups and downs.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), on an average day in June and July, more than 11,000 adolescents (aged 12-17) use alcohol for the first time; an average of 5,000 youth smoke cigarettes for the first time; and more than 4,500 youth start using marijuana for the first time. As parents, grandparents and caregivers, it is important to have a plan of action to keep youth safe and sober this summer. Check out our Power in YOUth newsletter (http://centerforprevention.org/piy-newsletter.html) for ideas on keeping youth busy. Encourage your teen to find a summer job, participate in organized activities or volunteer for a local organization. They can make new friends, gain confidence and independence in a positive and proactive manner. Other ideas are to check in with them during the day to see how they are doing, and who they are with as knowing your teen’s friends is important. (Check out our parents newsletter at http://centerforprevention.org/coalition-parent-newsletter.htm) Keep an open dialogue with your children, and let them know you do not approve of them using any type of drugs, including alcohol. Make sure to leave time for discussion so that your children are comfortable talking to you about any topic or area of concern they might have. Parents and caregivers have an important role with keeping youth alcohol and other drug free as children depend on us to set a good example and to be there for them.

For some good summer reading, check out the following books:

What Are They Thinking?! The Straight Facts About Risk-Taking, Social-Networking, Still-Developing Teen Brain by Aaron M. White, Ph.D and Scott Swartzwelder, Ph.D- a great book about the teenage mind and brain and how technology and especially social networking has a huge impact on their thoughts and behaviors.

Sparks, How Parents Can Help Ignite the Hidden Strengths of Teenagers, by Peter L. Benson, Ph.D- an inspirational and practical guide on youth development to assist with helping teens discover their passions and enjoy meaning, purpose and happiness.

How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid, The Straight Dope for Parents by Joseph A. Califano, Jr.- practical tips for parents and caregivers as they navigate the teen years.

Stopping at Every Lemonade Stand by James Vollbracht- creative strategies and heartwarming anecdotes designed to help create a culture and community that cares for kids with simple actions for six sectors of a community.

We hope that you take time to “stop at every lemonade stand” and support youth by believing in them. Join us over the summer at a workshop, class or event as we continue our mission to promote hope, health and recovery among all people by fostering a community in which individuals and families thrive.

~Sincerely, Becky Carlson, Executive Director

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instagram.com/cfpcnj

facebook.com/cfpcnj

twitter.com/cfpcnj

Message from the Director 1

Vernon Coalition Update 2

Altitude 2

SCCC/ETV Programs 2

Vernon Coalition Youth 3

Pool Night 3

Farewell to Shelley 4

Changing the Face of

Addiction

4

Get Bully Smart 5

Gender Identity Training 5

Division of Mental Health

and Addiction Services

5

Pathways2Prosperity 6 & 7

Coalition for Healthy &

Safe Communities

7

Center for Prevention and Counseling

For more than 40 years dedicated to building healthy families and communities

Ju ly 2015 Page 2

Vernon Coalition Update Do you believe we need to reduce substance use among our youth? The Vernon Coalition does! In fact, this goal is our primary purpose. Each month, more and more individuals from all corners of Vernon are stepping up to work together towards that

single goal. At our recent meeting, a number of local risk factors were identified that we believe contribute to putting our youth at risk in Vernon during the summer season. Two of those risk factors include the following: 1) It is summer vacation for our schools and research shows the average first use of alcohol by young people in the United States peaks in June and July and 2) Our college age students are living at home again and parents may need help understanding their state of mind and how they can help them stay healthy and safe during this transition. Our caring and committed people in Vernon will help reduce substance use among our youth by addressing the factors in our community that increase the risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse. There are a lot of different risks in every community, but we can make a difference by learning about and working on one or two risks at a time…together. We are always welcome ideas, willing hands and open hearts. These are all of our children. Everyone is a member of the Vernon Coalition if they live or work in Vernon! To become more active, here are a few ways to check it out. Like us on Facebook at The Vernon Coalition to be Drug-Free and follow us on Twitter @vernoncoalition.

Rebecca Dorney Coordinator, The Vernon Coalition

SCCC/ETV Programs SCCC/ETV– Channel 20 Tune into Sussex County Community College’s Channel 20 for prevention programs about current drug problems and issues.

The OTC: Battling the Over the Counter High

7/3/2015 @ 8 PM 7/4/2015 @ 12 PM & 7 PM 7/5/2015 @ 5 PM 7/6/2015 @ 8 AM

Understanding Addiction 7/10/2015 @ 8 PM 7/11/2015 @ 12 PM & 7 PM 7/12/2015 @ 5 PM 7/13/2015 @ 8 AM

Addiction and the Family: Healing & Recovery/ PMP

7/17/2015 @ 8 PM 7/18/2015 @ 12 PM & 7 PM 7/19/2015 @ 5 PM 7/20/2015 @ 8 AM

Stress Induced Drug Abuse/PMP 7/24/2015 @ 8 PM 7/25/2015 @ 12 PM & 7 PM 7/26/2015 @ 5 PM 7/27/2015 @ 8 AM

Are you worried about kids using alcohol and other drugs in your…

neighborhood? school? community?

Join the Coalition:

You get more when you get together!

Join Coalition members as we plan events, programs and activities to help

keep Sussex and Warren counties healthy and drug-free!

Meetings are held:

in Newton

2nd Friday of every month

(upcoming dates: 7/10)

from 9-10:15 AM at the Center for

Prevention and Counseling

61 Spring Street, Newton

in Washington

4th Monday of every month

(upcoming dates: 7/27)

9-10:30 AM at

Warren County Community College,

475 NJ 57 W, Washington

Altitude just finished up the year with five amazing rallies. Students from Sparta

Middle School, Charter, Green Hills, Halsted and Long Pond listened to

motivational speeches as well as played team-building games to close out the

year. Students having taken the “Altitude Climb” are well prepared for their high

school years where they are better able to make positive choices toward

becoming their best and highest selves, while becoming enthusiastic contributors

to their schools, to their

community and to each

other. The Altitude program

will start up again in October

with the incoming 8th graders.

Louie Lavin Media Specialist

Center for Prevention and Counseling

For more than 40 years dedicated to building healthy families and communities

Page 3 Ju ly 2015

Vernon Coalition Youth Group Update Another school year in the books!!!

We have been busy… from our Town Hall Meeting, Parents Who Host Lose The Most Assembly, 8

th grade recognition ceremony, distribution of lawn signs

and posters to local businesses in preparation for the prom and graduation season (we are so thankful for their support) to two Sticker Shocks events (in one week-thanks to George Inn and Highland General.) …….. to Earthfest, Vernon Day, monthly meetings and we can’t forget about our pizza night at Smokey’s which was such a fun way to wrap up the school year!

Thank you so much to our Above the Influence (ATI) youth group members from Lounsberry Hollow, Glen Meadow and the High School. They have worked so hard to blanket Vernon with the Above the Influence message and logo. The Vernon Coalition believes that it is so important for community members to see our youth spreading education and awareness throughout their community. Our youth has one common goal and that is to continue working toward a drug-free Vernon. We have worked in collaboration with many Vernon groups and will continue to work as one.

As summer approaches, remember…Celebrate without alcohol! It’s your life, it’s your call, DON’T let others define you…LIVE ABOVE THE INFLUENCE!!!

Keep an eye out for our summer events because we are going strong! Spread the word…find out how you can become part of the solution. Thank you again to community members, local businesses, school staff and parents for supporting our mission. The Vernon Coalition and its youth group would like to wish you a safe and healthy summer. Congratulations to all of our graduates!

Please “LIKE” us on Facebook at Vernon Coalition-To Be Drug Free and Vernon Coalition Youth Group. Follow us on Instagram @vernoncoalitionyouthgroup.

To learn how you can get involved, please contact Gemma@centerforprevention.org or call 973-383-4787. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Gemma Chalkley Vernon Coalition Youth Coordinator

Building Assets at Rainbows of Learning

Each week students and staff at Rainbows of Learning engage in building developmental assets, based on Search Institute Asset Building Concept. Recently students learned about personal space as we played a game where they first practiced turning around without hitting anyone, and then were given stop and go cards and asked to walk around like a penguin and again not touch anyone. If anyone came too close they were to speak nicely saying “Please Stop” or hold up their stop card to request the other child back up. The children were then asked to walk around the room by walking as if they had just stepped in gum and, again, not touch anyone else. The children did great job and had fun. Many of the Developmental Assets were used in this lesson; such as engagement in learning experiences, bonding to programs, caring, self-regulation, personal power and self-esteem.

Michele Leonard Community and Prevention Educator

On June 18th family and friends from the Latino

Community, Action Alliance and the Center’s Strengthening Families Program all gathered together to kick off the start of summer. The Newton town pool graciously and exclusively opened their gates for everyone to enjoy fun activities, food and swimming. In addition, to prepare for the much awaited summer months, families received beach bags filled with all of the warm weather essentials including pool and water toys, bubbles, play doh, sunscreen and gift cards.

Natalie Yanoff-Smith & Patrice Reilly Community and Prevention Educators

Center for Prevention and Counseling

For more than 40 years dedicated to building healthy families and communities

Page 4 Ju ly 2015

Farewell to Shelley

Shelley has been with The Center for Prevention for the past 9 years. When Shelley began in 2006, she was the Coordinator of the Communities Against Tobacco program. She played an instrumental role in the promotion of the Quitnet and Quitline, cessations tools that the state of New Jersey created to assist tobacco users. She also worked closely with the youth tobacco prevention group REBEL in helping high schools attain a higher standard in their school tobacco policy by implementing an alternative to suspension for tobacco violations and introducing tobacco education to students who had multiple violations. She was in this role from 2006 until 2010.

Shelley also has administrated the School of Health and Addiction Studies located at The Center. The school offers Certified Prevention Specialists (CPS) classes as well as Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC) renewal classes.

Shelley has been the coordinator of the Coordinated School Health grant which provides small grants to help schools make progress in school health issues towards Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification by providing funding to complete specific program actions. Successful grant projects funded by this grant provide examples of what can be accomplished to improve student and staff health. Through this grant Shelley has coordinated a Youth Leadership weekend at the 4H Camp in Branchville for 4 consecutive years. This weekend has been attended by 300 students. Through this grant Shelley has also been able to fund students to attend the Lindsay Meyer Teen Institute camp in Hardwick which is held in August. It is estimated that the Coordinated School Health grant has been able to send about 60 students to this camp.

On top of all of this, Shelley has served as a liaison for The Center during many meetings throughout Sussex County. Shelley is also considered an Asset Building expert. It is believed that Shelley could recite an Asset Building workshop, a Straight Talk or Drug Trend Update in her sleep.

When Shelley is not busy working, she enjoys spending time with her three grown children, her husband and her puppy. She loves to travel, especially to her favorite spot, Cape Cod, MA.

Shelley is certainly going to be missed by all at The Center.

People who become addicted to alcohol and other drugs are our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters,

husbands, wives, cousins, loved ones and friends. Individuals may struggle for many years to regain control of their lives.

The Center for Prevention and Counseling (The Center) is hosting a walk in memory of two young men from Sussex

County who lost their struggle with addiction. The purpose of this walk is to change how addiction and individuals who

struggle with substance use disorders are perceived. One hundred percent of your donation will go directly to The Center

to help those in need of services to aid them in their struggle with addiction.

Register today: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eb1pq0xne5c79c14&oseq=&c=&ch=

Become a sponsor: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eb72cmkof453e2f5&oseq=&c=&ch=

Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/831303846904745/

Center for Prevention and Counseling

For more than 40 years dedicated to building healthy families and communities

Page 5 Ju ly 2015

The Stanhope Valley Road School just finished the Get Bully Smart Program for their two 4

th grade classes. The children did an amazing job, and at the end of the

sessions sent letters to thank us for the program. One child said that after the program a boy came up to her and said he was sorry that he bullied her and sorry that he hurt her feelings. Another young man said that he used one of the five ways to stop a bully and it worked. He also said how thankful he was for the program. The children said they wished that the program was longer, and that four weeks was not long enough. Not only did they learn, but they had fun. The children very much enjoyed the role playing and wanted to do more as well as the worksheet that had puzzles about bullying for the children to solve. The children also loved the videos, again, mostly because children their age were in the videos, and they all said they could really relate to them.

Michele Leonard Community and Prevention Educator

Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services Program Update

Spring 2015 finished strong with the start of Life Skills Training, WNBI and WISE in Sussex County!

Over 100 children completed Botvin’s Life Skills Training within the Newton, Franklin and Sussex Wantage School District. Children between 3

rd and 6

th grade were actively engaged

in LST lessons and activities including skits, role playing and other interactive activities. At the conclusion of the eight week curriculum, participants were asking for an extension of more weeks! We are looking forward to reconvening with Sussex County students this Fall.

WNBI 2.0 was very well received in our schools as well. Over 150 6th grade students at

Halsted Middle School and Franklin Elementary School completed the six week program. The program addressed pop culture, and the role media plays in influencing youth by glamorizing drug use among celebrities. Students had an opportunity to explore and decode their favorite music, movies and social media sites in search of messages that glamorize drug use and violence.

WISE, Wellness Initiative for Senior Education, was held in Vernon, Sparta and Franklin. 50 older adults completed the six week WISE program. Seniors received 2-hour weekly lessons and weekly newsletters. During each cycle, Diane Friedberg, Program Development Specialist, Sussex County Division of Senior Services, provided an overview of services available to those over the age of 60 including SHIP information, health screenings and free opportunities for

socialization (clubs, Senior Days, etc.) WISE has always been popular in Sussex County, and we are grateful that seniors will have access to the program for the next several years!

For more information on LST, WNBI or WISE please contact Tina Aue, Director of Prevention Services 973-383-4787.

Tina Aue Director of Prevention Services

Upcoming Workshop: Understanding Gender Identity

Join us on July 31st from 8:30 AM– 3:30 PM for an

informative training about gender identity. This

workshop will challenge the traditional ways which we

have been taught to think about gender and provide an

understanding of gender identity. Learn the differences

between sexual orientation, gender identity and

expression of gender.

For more information contact Jenn at 973-383-4787 or

jenn@centerforprevention.org

Center for Prevention and Counseling

For more than 40 years dedicated to building healthy families and communities

Page 6 Ju ly 2015

Congratulations Pathways 2 Prosperity Grads!

Pathways 2 Prosperity (P2) celebrated the graduation of its seventh class on June

9, 2015. Over 70 people gathered for an inspirational evening clearly illustrating the

determination, direction and persistence of the Path Leaders (participants).

Graduation, held at Sussex County Community College Performing Arts Center, is

a time for Path Leaders, past graduates, volunteers and other P2 stakeholders to come together and celebrate the

success of the graduating class and recognize key contributors. Graduates spent 20 weeks developing an action plan

outlining their pathway to prosperity. Path Leaders’ Action Plans include completing associates/bachelor’s degree,

securing living wage employment with benefits, starting/expanding a small business, securing a health services

certification, purchasing a reliable automobile, becoming a nurse, growing net worth by increasing earned income and

reducing debt, building a savings account and developing supportive networks. For every $1 invested in P2, $2.40 dollars

are returned to the community in new earned income. Now in Phase II, Path Leaders, action plans are already becoming

a reality as they check off the steps necessary to ensure completion of their goals.

Truly, one of my favorite and inspiring moments of each year is participating in the Pathways graduation. My

excitement doesn’t come from admiring what you have accomplished over the last several months (even though

it has been a significant commitment on your part). The real thrill comes from the anticipation of what you will

achieve. You are incredible and amazing individuals, terrific role models for your children and now in a position to

take all the positive things about yourself and put them into action. Congratulations, I can’t wait to see you soar!

Terry Newhard , CEO NORWESCAP, comments to the P2 graduating class

Mary Emilius, United Way of Northern NJ-Sussex County Chief Operating Officer,

received the Alison Conley Award for her unwavering commitment to combat poverty

through creative programming, building inclusivity and reducing barriers to accessing

resources needed to create sustainable self-reliance and resiliency. United Way of

Northern NJ received the Illumination Award for their unwavering support and

unparalleled commitment to P2. Girls Scouts of Northern NJ received the Enlightment

Award. This award goes to a community group that has embraced community

engagement through active involvement in P2. Janet Boetticher, P2 graduate and Volunteer Coordinator for

NORWESCAP, received the Amigo Award for bringing Girl Scouts to P2 girls, and her on-going efforts to recruit

volunteers for the P2 initiative. Past graduate Karen Jaffoni received the Enlightment Award for the active involvement in

P2 ensuring that future Path Leaders have the support and resources necessary to

succeed.

Congratulations Pathways 2 Prosperity Class of 2015! We cannot wait to celebrate

all of your future accomplishments! P2 is collaboration between NORWESCAP,

Center for Prevention and Counseling and United Way of Northern NJ. If you are

interested in becoming involved as a participant or volunteer call Dianna or Brie at 973-383-4787 or email

dianna@centerforprevention.org. P2 is now accepting applications for our next class beginning in October.

Teen Entrepreneurship

P2 teens have identified their microbusiness ideas and are strategically designing the business plan. The plans cover the

executive summary, description of the proposed business, marketing strategies and operational structure and financials.

They have been diligently honing their public speaking skills in preparation for their business pitches on June 30th. The

teen entrepreneurs will pitch their business to a panel seeking seed funding to implement their business. There are no

words to describe how proud we are of the teens! CFPC received an operating support grant from the Office of Faith

Based Initiatives, a Division of Programs in the Department of State for the Youth Entrepreneurship Project.

Continued on page 7.

Dianna Morrison, CSW, CEPF, FSW Brie Meade, MSW Director, Pathways to Prosperity Pathways Coach

Center for Prevention and Counseling

For more than 40 years dedicated to building healthy families and communities

Page 7 Ju ly 2015

The Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities is a regional coalition working with colleagues in Warren County to reduce substance abuse in both our counties. The coalition is one of about 18 throughout the state of New Jersey, coordinating efforts to reduce tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, misuse of Rx and other emerging drugs of abuse. In order to connect, coordinate and collaborate with our state partners, we meet throughout the year with each other to discuss different strategies, share successes and plan efforts. This past Tuesday, Ayla and I attended a meeting in Lakewood where Cultural Competency was discussed. The ability to address our populations with appropriate communication, acting with sensitivity, honoring people of all races, genders, backgrounds and cultures is so important to our work. The presentation by Elizabeth Williams Riley of the American Conference on Diversity (on @twitter @amconfdiversity and @EWilliamsRiley) was lively, invocative and informative.

We learned that we can be “Change Blockers” or “Bridge Builders.” I was thinking that with our consumers, colleagues and even our own families and friends, we can be the ones who bridge the gap towards positive change by first starting with ourselves, then our communities and even our society utilizing this increased knowledge, compassion and proactive energies. Our work sometimes seems monumental, but never lose sight of the fact that as we change one person, we really do start to change a whole system.

Annmarie Shafer Coordinator, Coalition for Healthy & Safe Communities

Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities News!

Compadres

As their parents graduated, the Compadres youth are busy preparing for their

graduation on June 23rd

. The homework club is winding down as school comes to a

close and will be replaced by the Summer Literacy Institute. Research clearly shows

that children who engage in summer reading can dramatically reduce the summer

setback reading achievement loss. During the Art Club, the children have made kites,

multi medium pictures and footprints which will be displayed at their graduation. Drama

club is busy preparing for an Art Integration presentation over the summer. The inside Olympic games, held during P2’s

Annual Employment Retreat, was a huge hit. The children began by learning about a foreign country and then designing

their own Olympic competition t-shirt. The games commenced with potato bowling followed by the Penguin Shuffle, a

Summer Magazine Scavenger Hunt, Shoe Box Relay, Sock Basketball and Sock Shotput. The joy of learning is alive

and well at P2. Want to spend some time with amazing children? Consider volunteering to work with the P2 youth. For

more information contact Dianna Morrison 973-383-4787.

Rural Entrepreneurship Through Action Learning

We are excited to announce Mary Ann St. John and Dianna Morrison have secured the Rural Entrepreneurship Through

Action Learning (REAL) Instructor Certification. REAL is a renowned adult and K-12 entrepreneurship curriculum being

taught in 43 states. The REAL curriculum covers entrepreneurial skills, business plans, marketing, operation strategies

and financial concepts for small businesses. REAL provides a project-based learning environment with the youth

curriculum aligned with national educational standards. The REAL program has been utilized for 34 years across the

country with proven results. REAL reports training 12,000 youth and adults with 2.5 jobs created per each REAL

business start-up, generating $3 million in sales per month. CFPC is utilizing the REAL Youth Entrepreneurship

curriculum within Pathways 2 Prosperity and is offering a three day Youth Entrepreneurship Camp for teens in July. For

more information contact Dianna Morrison at 973-383-4787 or email dianna@centerforprevention.org.

Center for Prevention and Counseling

For more than 40 years dedicated to building healthy families and communities

61 Spring Street (3rd Floor)

Newton, NJ 07860

Phone: 973-383-4787

Fax: 973-383-6576

E-mail: info@centerforprevention.org

We’re on the web!

www.centerforprevention.org

The Center Vision...

To develop the capacities of adults and children to sustain healthy lifestyles by providing services designed to foster addiction-free lives, emotional wellness, financial stability and safe communities

The Center Mission...

To promote hope, health and recovery among all people by fostering a community in which individuals and families thrive.

The Center Strategies...

Use proven prevention strategies in all education programs

Provide client-centered counseling

Network with other service providers

Be involved in the Sussex County community by maintaining active committee memberships

Maintain an extensive Multimedia Resource Center

Provide ongoing staff education

Maintain a full range of no cost services through grant and foundation funding, and to charge reasonable rates for services not funded by grants