FAMILY works with people facing critical issues every day. It has become clear to us that strong communities not only provide services to people who are in need, they also help prevent social problems like drug and alcohol abuse, violence, and crime.  Family is committed to working collaboratively across Ulster County to create healthy communities and our staff have provided significant leadership in the field of prevention.

FAMILY is a key partner in collaboratives that improve interventions and services to victims of domestic violence, to children in foster care, to youth in the criminal justice system, to individuals with substance abuse problems and to families facing the challenges of parenting.  Our programs teach parenting skills and other essential tools to help people find success where they have found only failure in the past. At the same time, FAMILY has been a leader in promoting awareness on the part of businesses, governments, schools and the faith community about the role each of us plays in creating supportive and enriching environments for our citizens.

FAMILY believes that prevention is essential if we truly want to improve our communities. To help our young people develop positive self-esteem, as well as an attachment and commitment to their families, friends, schools, and communities, we must define and communicate healthy beliefs and clear standards of behavior.  We must also provide our kids with the opportunities, skills, and recognition that develop and nurture a young person’s character. It takes all of us, working together, to build healthy, strong communities.

What YOU can do!

To learn about prevention activities in your community, click here.

PARENTS:

• Spend quality time with your kids

• Focus on skill-building with your kids

• Give your kids recognition when they do something right or well

• Do a community service project together (need suggestions, call us!)

LAW ENFORCEMENT:

• Implement Keg registrations

• Enforce minimum purchasing age laws

BUSINESSES:

• Institute Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Sponsor substance use/abuse and prevention workshops for parents who are employed by your company

• Implement family-friendly work hours 

SCHOOLS:

• Implement prevention programs in the elementary, middle, and high schools

• Review and change Policies & Student Handbooks & By–Laws toward prevention initiatives

• Increase Student Assistance Counselors available to youth

FAITH COMMUNITIES:

• Offer pre-marital counseling addressing tough issues

• Sponsor a parenting program

• Involve your youth groups in community service activities

Kingston Cares