CADY e-Connection - Information you can use!

Plymouth, NH 03264
603-536-9793
www.cadyinc.org

CADY is a regional coalition dedicated to working with schools and communities to prevent and reduce youth alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. Our mission is to promote healthy environments and promising futures for teens from three regions: Lin-Wood, Newfound, and
Pemi-Baker.

Our coalition is comprised of many school and community partners and members from different domains - including law enforcement, guidance counselors, teachers, the district court, recreation groups, youth and community centers, health and medical clinics, higher education, the arts, the media, local churches and many other partners.

Return to Top of Page

CADY Board Member Honored by Local Chamber

Leslie Dion, a long- time member of the CADY Board of Directors was recently honored by the Plymouth Regional Chamber of Commerce. At their Annual Meeting on May 5, Dion was presented with the prestigious James C. Hobart Award which is given out each year to an individual who "exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism" in the community.

Leslie, who is the Director of the Tapply Thompson Community Center in Bristol, serves on the Newfound Area School Board, the CADY Board of Directors, and the Bristol Rotary Club, along with several other local and state organizations.

When presenting the award to Leslie, Ed Wixson - a previous Hobart Award recipient, stated "She provides leadership and a "we can do anything" attitude when it comes to working with the community."

We couldn't agree more! Leslie is one of those individuals who goes "above and beyond" in so many ways for so many people. We are fortunate to have her as an active and involved member of our Board of Directors. Congratulations Les on your well- deserved recognition!

return to top

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Michele Aguiar

Woodlands Credit Union

Elizabeth Colby
SAU #4

Michael Conklin Esq.
CHAIR

Conklin & Reynolds, P.A.

The Hon. Mary Cooney
NH State Representative

Leslie Dion
SECRETARY
Newfound School Board, Tapply Thompson Community Center

Mark Halloran
Superintendent, SAU#48

Wendy Hamill
Lin-Wood Public Schools

Timothy Keefe
TREASURER
Dean of Students

Plymouth State University

Marcia Morris
The Record Enterprise

Steven Temperino
Chief, Plymouth Police Department

Dr. Kelley White
Pediatrician
Mid-State Health Center

STAFF

Full-Time

Part-Time

Restorative Justice Coordinator

Administrative Assistant

lkaminski@cadyinc.org

Elizabeth Naro

Americorps VISTA

Youth Services Coordinator

elizabethnaro@hotmail.com

Peter Austin

I.T.Coordinator

Claire Moorhead

Marketing Coordinator

claire-creative@roadrunner.com

Wendy Lasch-Williams

Advancement/Outreach Coordinator

laschw@metrocast.net

Return to Top of Page

Keeping Kids Safe...

Is Always a Good Call! 211 new phone

Project Monitor Under 21 is an anonymous tipline that is available to parents, teachers, students, community members and police in all New Hampshire communities.

By reporting and sharing information about underage gatherings where alcohol or other drugs are likely to be accessible to minors, you might prevent a harmful situation from ever happening.

Take ACTION and halt the harm BEFORE it occurs.

Don't wait until teenagers make mistakes and get in trouble - help shape the environment and stop underage drinking. Anonymous calls are accepted.

An anonymous call to 2-1-1 may prevent a call to 9-1-1

Return to top of page

Thank you to our Corporate Partner

NEEDED ITEMS:

Vacuum cleaner - in good working conditon please!
Photocopier
paper.
Gift Items
or Gift
Certificates
appropriate for middle and high school students.

We appreciate all donations as they help expand CADY's capacity to serve our communities. Gestures--small or large--make a BIG impact! Thank You!

CADY is a 501C3 organization so your donation may be tax dedutctible and we will be happy to provide a receipt!

Youth Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a serious public health problem that affects even young people. On a local, and on a national level, the news media has been reporting on the dramatic increase in youth who are taking their own lives. For youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death. As you will see in the Genesis article included in this newsletter, the statistics are alarming.

Most people are uncomfortable with the topic of suicide. Too often, victims are blamed, and their families and friends are left stigmatized. As a result, people do not communicate openly about suicide. I personally understand this discomfort; over 30 yeas ago I lost my mother and youngest brother to suicide. The silence surrounding these tragedies exemplified the pain for my family--it was, and remains, one of the most difficult times of my life. As a result I am committed to speaking about and spotlighting this issue to prevent these tragedies where possible and in the process help others heal. Much progress has been made in this domain, however, as long as this important public health problem is left shrouded in secrecy, the amount of information available to those working to prevent suicide will be limited--Prevention begins with connections to factual information, education, and collaboration--it truly takes a community to prevent teen suicide.

Over the past few months, CADY has been working with many of our community partners to address significant health and safety issues affecting our local youth. Topics such as Internet Safety, Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Suicide Prevention have been priority areas with our schools. We work to increase awareness that substance use is a risk mutliplier to those listed above and other high risk behaviors. In fact, local youth who binge drink are two times more likely than non-binge drinkers to make a plan to end their lives (Source: TAP, 2009). The more we know--the more we are able to recognize the red flags and prevent bad situations from ocurring.

In March, and again in May, CADY hosted a "CONNECT-- Suicide Prevention" training with NAMI-NH and Genesis Behavioral Health. The response was overwhelming. Both workshops quickly filled and there was a lengthy waiting list as well. Seeing such strong interest at the local level in Suicide Prevention is encouraging. 60 local providers and educators attended and are now better equipped to respond and intervene on behalf of high risk youth.

We are fortunate to have so many caring and connected professionals and individuals wanting to learn more about this emotional and sensitive subject. Only through ongoing cooperative training and discussion can positive solutions be found to these serious health and safety issues.

NAMI NH has received national and international acclaim for its Connect Suicide Prevention Program. Connect is designated as a National Best Practice training program in suicide prevention, intervention and response to a suicide death. By working with and training key service providers and community members, Connect promotes a community- based approach to early recognition of mental illness and improved access to care. When people are educated about the risks and warning signs of suicide and strategies to prevent, lives can be saved!

In an effort to promote further awareness, this month we are featuring an article on Teen Suicide contributed by Genesis Behavioral Health. Genesis Behavioral Health is designated by the State of New Hampshire as the Community Mental Health Center serving Belknap and southern Grafton Counties. A private, non-profit corporation, Genesis serves over 3,000 children, families, adults and older adults each year. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 603-524-1100 or visit the website at www.genesisbh.org.

CADY and Genesis are collaborative partners in the community effort to reduce risk factors and build protective factors for youth resiliency. It takes a community to prevent substance use and many of the high risk behaviors and harms that result. Thank you to all of our community partners for all that you do to make our communities a better and safer place for our children and youth.

Sincerely,

Deb Naro

Executive Director

THANK YOU... for BEING PART OF THE SOLUTION!

Preliminary reports from our local participating police departments point to a very successful Take-Back event. While these numbers are 'estimates' until a full report is issued by the DEA, we know that our local communities disposed of approximately 200 pounds of unused or expired medications - successfully keeping these drugs out of the hands of youth and others who might mis-use them.

Special thanks to our local police departments who hosted collection sites for the second DEA Rx Take-Back Day.

Alexandria Police Department
Ashland Police Department
Bristol Police Department
New Hampton Police Department
Plymouth Police Department
Woodstock Police Department

Return to Top of Page

Know the Facts: Suicide & Young Adults

By Jesse Bell, MS, Written for Genesis Behavioral Health and CADY

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), more than five thousand people commit suicide every year. Approximately thirty percent are college students and teenagers ages fifteen to twenty-five. These young men and women come from all walks of life and all ethnic backgrounds. There is no "typical" person who is at risk for suicide.

The statistics are alarming. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that there is a young adult death by suicide every hour and that there are twenty-five suicide attempts for every successful act. In addition, females are making four times as many attempts as males, while males are four times more likely to complete a suicide. What is making school-age kids and young adults decide to take their own lives? Researchers have interpreted this simultaneous increase in both severity and outcomes to the stress of becoming an adult, coupled with shifting gender roles and the dawn of the information age.

Several young adult groups have been identified as most at-risk. Teen Suicide, a U.S. Government statistics site, puts the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) group at the top of the list. The AFSP states that the LGBTQ group ages fifteen to twenty-five have a suicide rate almost six times as high as any other suicide group, and three times as high as other young adults. There are resources available to help young adults in this group, including the Trevor Project (dedicated to the eradication of anti-gay bullying), The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, and the Hetrick-Martin Institute.

Young adults with mental illness make up approximately seventeen percent of the youth age bracket that every year manages to complete suicides. Unfortunately, this is probably not an accurate picture simply because not everyone with a mental illness is coming forward for treatment and identification prior to a suicide completion. This group is at the top of the danger list by virtue of its unknown quantity.

Education and knowledge is the key to prevention. For individuals caring for or working with young adults, knowing the risk factors and being aware of potential problems is essential. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has provided the following list of risk factors that place a young adult in jeopardy of death by suicide:

1. A sharp decline in school performance from a previously 'good student.' A college or high school student who is suddenly skipping class, not doing homework or simply not attending school altogether may be indicative of depressive symptoms or drug abuse that place the student in this risk category.
2. A fixation with death or violence that is particularly unusual. This may be expressed through poetry, essays or doodling/artwork or, more rarely, music, games and movies. Because most adults cannot tell what is unusual and what is normal interest for this age group, it is best to rely upon peers of the student in question along with personal intuition.
3. Unhealthy peer relationships, such as teens who have no friends, choose to reject their friends or entire social group, students who have started to associate with individuals known to abuse substances or engage in promiscuous sexual acts, or students in an abusive relationship.
4. Outright depressive symptoms or violent mood swings.
5. Young adults in the LGBTQ group. As noted previously, this group is at extremely high risk.

Warning signs are cause for immediate intervention. Typical warning signs include:

1. The revelation of a plan to suicide.
2. Talking or writing about suicide or death.
3. Statements like, "I wish I were dead," "I am going to end it all," "You would be better of without me," or "What is the point of living?"
4. Avoiding all friends and family.
5. The belief that nothing is worthwhile ("What is the point of living, anyway?").
6. Neglecting hygiene or appearance.
7. Dropping out of athletic or social activities.
8. Self-injurious behavior, such as burning or cutting, which is often indicative of a serious underlying problem.

Should someone you know begin to exhibit ANY of these warning signs, please take immediate action by informing a person close to that individual (a parent, caregiver, teacher, counselor). Your local mental health center has the resources to help. If this describes you, there is help out there and you are not alone. Please call the nearest mental health center and be directed to those who can best assist you.

for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. If you or someone you know is in need of Emergency Services, please call 603-524-1100 or 603-528-0305 for after-hours emergencies.

Genesis Behavioral Health is designated by the State of New Hampshire as the Community Mental Health Center serving Belknap and southern Grafton Counties. A private, non-profit corporation, Genesis serves over 3,000 children, families, adults and older adults each year. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 603-524-1100 or visit the website at www.genesisbh.org. CADY and Genesis are collaborative partners in the community effort to reduce risk factors and build protective factors for youth resiliency

return to top

FAST FACTS

UNDERAGE DRINKING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Underage drinking cost the citizens of New Hampshire           $178 MILLION in 2007
Underage drinking in New Hampshire leads to substantial harm due to traffic crashes, violent crime, unintentional injury and risky sex.
Youth violence and traffic crashes attributable to alcohol use by underage youth in New Hampshire represent the largest costs for the state - $114.7 and $21.8 million respectively.
A host of other problems contribute substantially to the overall costs. Among teen mothers, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) alone cost New Hampshire $3.0 million in 2007.

*Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) November 2009



Return to Top of Page

5/26//11

Cyberbullying & Safety Presentation
6-7:30 pm - Waterville Valley Elementary School

Officer Jennifer Frank, a local expert on the topic of cyberbullying, will provide insight to understanding how cyberbullying occurs and the safety mechanisms available. Waterville Valley Elementary has opened the invitation to parents and students who attend the schools in SAU#48. If you have additional questions, please contact their main office at 536-2538.

5/28/11
Strides for Youth Race Series, Spring 5K
This year the Pemi Youth Center will host the STRIDES for YOUTH race series in Plymouth, NH. Join us Memorial Day weekend for the Spring 5k. In July we'll have a second 5k and a 10k. Labor Day weekend we will host a third 5k and a half marathon. Proceeds from the race series will benefit the Pemi Youth Center. www.stridesforyouth.org

Cooperative Co-Parenting*
Thursdays, beginning June 2 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Family Resource Center. (3 Weeks)
This series is for divorced and/or separated parents and other caregivers who are raising children. Topics include: Coping through separation and transition, skills for dealing with stress and anger, positive communication strategies, how to reduce conflict, negotiating agreements, and mediation and guardianship. *On-site childcare available for this program. Please reserve a space for your child when you call to register. To register call 524-1741 or e-mail frc@lrcs.org

6/6/11
Strengthening Family Communication and Nurturing Discipline
Understand how establishment of family rules and values leads to nurturing discipline practices. At the Whole Village Family Resource Center, 258 Highland Street - Plymouth, NH. Part of the five week "Nurturing Skills for Families" Series. Attend one workshop or the entire series. 5:30 - 8:00 pm, Monday evenings. Family meal precedes workshop. Childcare provided. No charge for sessions. $10.00 one-time registration fee, financial assistance available. Orientation and pre-assessment survey before beginning series. Post-assessment survey. Registration: Call Bridget Manning: 603-536-3720, ext. 106 or BManning@wholevillage.net

6/9/11
CADY's Annual Prevention Summit

Please join us as we recognize accomplishments in preventing and reducing youth alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; express our appreciation to coalition partners; and spotlight youth development initiatives: the Launch Youth Entrepreneurship Program, the Youth Advocacy and Advisory Council, and Restorative Justice.

We are please to announce that our keynote speaker will be Investigator Jennifer Frank of the Plymouth State University Police Department addressing "Social Networking: The Power, Promise, and Peril." We are also pleased that Shannon Weatherly, from the Office of National Drug Control Policy will be in attendance and will be making special remarks.

Please note that reservations are required for this event and can be made by contacting the CADY office at 536-9793.

6/15

Parents Meeting the Challenge

Come and meet other parents who understand the challenges and opportunities of parenting children and teens with emotional disorders. Family Resource Center, 635 Main Street, Laconia, NH. Sponsored by Nami-NH. Contact Susan Allen-Samuel at 225-5359 ex. 28 or email at Sallen@naminh.org.

6/16

Developing Personal Power and Keeping Children Safe-A Nurturing Skills Module* Thursdays, beginning June 16

from 5:30-8:00 pm at the Family Resource Center in Laconia.

(4 Weeks & Orientation) This Nurturing Skills Module focuses on personal power and making good choices. Attendees will learn positive ways to manage behavior and examine choices that keep all members of the family safe and healthy.
Dinner served from 5:30-6:00. *On-site childcare available for this program. Please reserve a space for your child when you call to register. To register call 524-1741 or e-mail frc@lrcs.org

7/11/11
Building New Skills for Positive Discipline
Rewarding, praising, and redirecting improves behavior, builds self-esteem and reduces family stress. At the Whole Village Family Resource Center, 258 Highland Street - Plymouth, NH. Part of the five week "Nurturing Skills for Families" Series. Attend one workshop or the entire series. 5:30 - 8:00 pm, Monday evenings. Family meal precedes workshop. Childcare provided. No charge for sessions. $10.00 one-time registration fee, financial assistance available. Orientation and pre-assessment survey before beginning series. Post-assessment survey. Registration: Call Bridget Manning: 603-536-3720, ext. 106 or BManning@wholevillage.net

If your non-profit organization has a training, workshop or event that you would like to add to our calendar please email information to: claire-creative@roadrunner.com.

Please note that all submissions are subject to editing and approval.

Return to top of page

CADY in Action...

YAAC Youth Take Their Prevention Message to Main Street

Earlier this month, Eli Mattrick and Sarah Lachapelle, members of CADY's Youth Advocacy and Advisory Council (YAACs), took to Plymouth's Main Street to promote April as Alcohol Awareness Month. The YAACs created educational table tents and coloring pages which they distributed to local businesses and restaurants. The table tents address the dangers of underage alcohol use and give parents tips on how to talk with their children about alcohol. The YAACs gave a great deal of thought to the messages they wanted to share with parents and here is some of what they want you to know:
· Prevention begins at home: parents have the most influence on their children's choices.
· Between the ages of 9-13, youth begin to think that alcohol use is okay. Start talking when they are young!
· Your children need information to make good decisions - don't wait until problems arise to talk with them about drinking alcohol.
· Communicate - Discuss your expectations with your child, their friends and their friends' parents - No alcohol, No tobacco, No drugs - NO WAY!
· Be aware of the influences on your children - Who are their friends? What are they watching on TV? Who are their role models?
· Teach kids how to say "NO."
· Be a good example. Kids are like mirrors, they want to be like you.
· Listen to your kids and show them respect - let your child know you trust them to make good decisions and that you are available no matter what!
The YAACs also created a coloring and game page for younger youth to share the message that alcohol is for adult use only. The crossword puzzle builds in educational facts with questions such as "What continues to develop into the mid-twenties?" Answer - The Brain!
The youth were energized by the response they received from local businesses to their outreach efforts. "We are thankful to all the businesses for their support and for taking our flyers - we hope to get the message out fast!" said Sarah Lachapelle when processing the success of the distribution effort.
Alcohol is the number one youth drug problem in New Hampshire. During Alcohol Awareness Month - and every month - community members can be proactive in preventing underage drinking. If you have information about area gatherings where youth have access to alcohol, just dial 2-1-1 and place an anonymous report to Project Monitor Under 21. A call to 2-1-1 may prevent a harmful situation from happening before it occurs and just may save a call to 9-1-1.
Talk to your children early and often. Always feel free to call CADY at 536-9793 or visit our office at 94 Highland Street in Plymouth for prevention tools or visit our web site at www.cadyinc.org.

Pictured below: Eli Mattrick and Sarah Lachapelle visit local merchants with Drug-Free Messages.

return to top

Thank You to Our Funders

The federal Drug Free Community Support program through SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
The NH Department of Justice
The NH Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Children, Youth and Families
Grafton County Social Services
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Towns of Alexandria, Bristol, Campton, Hebron, Holderness, Lincoln, Plymouth, Rumney, Waterville Valley, and Wentworth.
Donations from many generous community members.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to invest in our mission and make a difference in the lives of children and youth, please contact
Deb Naro
Executive Director 536-9793
Mail to
CADY, Inc.
94 Highland Street, Plymouth NH 03264

or vist our new website and use PayPal!

return to top of page