Positive Directions is a leading prevention organization in the region. We bring leadership to the coalitions we work with, helping build members' capacity, gathering data, coordinating meetings, providing training, and leading initiatives. Prevention coalitions consist of volunteers representing 12 sectors, working together to prevent substance misuse and promote mental wellness in their community. Volunteers share what they know, learn about current issues, and help plan and carry out strategies and events. Our coalitions are always actively seeking new members from the public to join in the collective effort of reducing substance misuse and promoting mental wellness.
The Norwalk Partnership
Since seeking and receiving the federal Drug-Free Communities grant in December 2019 for our prevention work in Norwalk, Positive Directions partnered with the Human Services Council to create a new coalition: The Norwalk Partnership (TNP), which launched in September 2020. Positive Directions leads TNP's data collection, strategy development around alcohol and marijuana, and communications, including website and social media. Most recently we have collaborated with Norwalk ACTS and the City to create a logic model to address the youth mental health crisis, launched a bilingual parent newsletter, provided professional development to health teachers, and started teen prevention clubs in the high schools. We are now relaunching our holiday Liquor Stickers campaign for the second year.
Westport Prevention Coalition
Positive Directions coordinates the Westport Prevention Coalition and serves as its fiduciary for the Local Prevention Council (LPC) and State Opioid Response (SOR) grants, working as part of a town-school-community partnership known as Westport Together. During the pandemic, we have been able to conduct focus groups and a community and youth survey, provide online trainings, develop a postcard series aimed at parents of middle and high school students, provide online information campaigns related to vaping and opioids, and build capacity to provide the innovative, evidence-based PreVenture program. Just this week we held the first 9th Grade Forum, developed by coalition members to educate first-year students and their parents about how to navigate mental health and substance use in high school and to raise awareness about school and community resources.
Fairfield CARES Community Coalition
Positive Directions managed the state's CT Strategic Prevention Framework Coalitions (CSC) grant for the Fairfield CARES Community Coalition for the past six years. Under this grant focused on underage drinking, Fairfield has successfully decreased youth alcohol consumption and raised awareness among youth and adults. Prior to the close of the grant in June 2021, our staff worked with the coalition to apply for a federal grant to sustain and expand the coalition's work. We are delighted that the grant was just awarded by the CDC, and we continue to serve as one of the twelve sectors for the coalition.
If you'd like to join one of our community coalitions, please reach out to Margaret Watt at 203-227-7644 x827. To support our prevention efforts on GivingTuesday, November 30th, use this link.