Most parents hope that if their child is ever offered something that could harm them, they will simply say no. But I've learned to think about the question differently. Long before my son is faced with a decision about drugs, alcohol, or another harmful substance, I want him to already know what he has said yes to. Yes, I know who I am. Yes, I know what I stand for. Yes, I can tell my parents the truth. Yes, I know I am loved. Yes, my life has purpose. For me, prevention star

Looking back at middle school, I remember standing in the hallway with the “friends” I had tried so hard to fit in with and hearing them laughing about skipping class, messing with security guards, and acting like middle school didn't even matter like it was just some random placeholder until high school. I knew I should’ve not gone along with it, but I was so terrified of being a loner again. After feeling invisible for years, the fear of losing the first group that was actu

Attending the CADCA convention was really impactful because we made a strategy to fight youth vaping in Miramar. Listening to many expert speakers at the conference greatly expanded my understanding of effective substance abuse prevention methods. After applying this knowledge, we mapped Miramar City Hall to pinpoint “hotspots” and analyze how secluded areas like the parking garage support vaping. We also examined how retail access from smoke shops and social access at school

Every parent dream of seeing their children succeed. We hope they’ll be kind, confident, responsible, and prepared for whatever life brings. We work hard to provide opportunities, protect them from harm, and give them what we may not have had ourselves. Those are all good goals, but I believe God invites us to aim even higher. Parenting isn’t simply about raising good children; it’s about shaping hearts. Long before our children learn from our words, they’re learning from our

Hey youth!!! You have so much to live for and look forward. Don’t allow the noise of the world or the recklessness of a moment of emotions to turn into a decision that you cannot turn back from drugs ,in any form or shape pertaining it. You have something to do it’s called to live to your greatest capacity . Don’t allow drugs to define your future or interfere with the life God has chosen for you to live. Drugs don’t just affect you they affect those close to you and even th

Youth, you’re shinning bright and I want you to continue to do so. I know your working on dreams, goals and it may be challenging. However ,when your feeling overwhelmed just breathe and think on positive thoughts to accomplish your goals.This brings a better outcome than allowing yourself to drift into negative thoughts and actions that will end your goals and journey to a purposeful life. Your purpose to you , family and others is needed for you to live and succeed to gr

Dear Parents, Happy Summer!! With school being out, it’s a busy time for kids and parents. As we know, teenagers get bored and sit...

Dear Parents, Forty percent of children ages 8 to 12 and forty-five percent of teens ages 13 to 17 use social media daily. Fifty percent...

Hey youth!! I know you’re doing well and you decided to make sure your decisions are wise and honorable. I’m glad you’re focusing to...

Kids are the most innocent aspect of our society but when they are introduced to the dark parts of the world, like pornographic material,...

Growing up in Broward County has it's ups and downs. I love my community, and the people in it. But it breaks my heart to see the effects...

Dear Youth , Youth you are great and powerful. The challenges in life may see hard, but you got this. Your are conquerors that see the...

Dear Parents, Dear Parents, November 21 is the Great American Smokeout sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The purpose of the day...

Dear Youth , I know you have many life changes and it’s challenging to keep up. You are doing great and we are proud that your making...

Dear Parents, I would like to share a personal story with you. My daughter Sara was born in 1972. When she was twelve years old, Sara...

Dear Youth , The school year has begun and the year is ending. You have so much to be grateful for, and you should congratulate yourself...

Dear Parents, We hope this finds you and your loved ones well. “Parenting can be the greatest job on earth—and the toughest. You want...

Hey youth !! The school year has begun and the mind is powered up. You can start new and make positive changes. Drugs would not be the...

Dear Parents, Research has determined that social media has both negative and positive impacts on a youth’s mental health. The United...

Hey Youth! You are the light of the future. You can overcome everything that is negative and unproductive. How you handle the pressures...