Prevention Services

The goal of GCASA's Prevention Program is to reduce the incidence and prevalence of substance use and gambling for people of all ages.  Our philosophy is based on prevention science and the understanding that programs need to be research based, data driven, and outcome focused.  Prevention program staff are available to provide a variety of services in the community and schools.  Services range from presentations on drug paraphernalia, media literacy or general information on addiction, to direct services through our Accountability Circles and DWI Victim Impact Panel.  Our service area includes Genesee and Orleans Counties, however some of our programs extend to Wyoming, Monroe, Erie, Chautauqua, Alleghany and Livingston Counties as well.

Community Based Programs

Drug Free Communities Coalition

Drug Free Communities (DFC) is a community coalition of Genesee County agencies, organizations, businesses, schools, churches, law enforcement, and community members.  The coalition is funded by a federal grant awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  The goals of the coalition include:

• Build protective factors and reduce risk factors that impact substance abuse among youth in 6th-12th grades.
• Reduce the incidence and prevalence of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use and binge drinking among youth in grades 7, 9 and 11.
• Strengthen the coalition by coordinating community events designed to increase public awareness of the dangers of underage drinking, smoking and drug use.

 The DFC coalition has administered the Prevention Needs Assessment (formerly Communities that Care) Survey every two years since 2000 to Genesee County students.  The survey measures incidence and prevalence of substance abuse, binge drinking and risk and protective factors.

As a result of survey data analysis, several research based strategies have been implemented.  They include Project Alert, a school based program for middle school students, alcohol compliance checks, Responsible Server Training, Accountability Circles, SafeHomes,  Tipline (585-343-1932 or 800-851-1932) and Students United for Positive Action (SUPA).  For more information or to join the DFC coalition contact Lisa Fickel at 815-1852 or go to www.drugfreegenesee.com

Click on the Tipline image above for the latest report.

Check out the Tipline commercials by clicking here and here.

GCASA offers NYS certified Responsible Server Training for all businesses and individuals who sell or serve alcoholic beverages.  Participants learn how alcohol affects the brain, how to use behavioral indicators to asess customers, alcohol liability and the law, how to properly check ID and signs that a customer may be underage.  Trainings are held in Genesee and Orleans Counties however, upon request may be available thoughout New York.  If you are interested in attending or hosting a training, please contact Sherri Bensley at 585-589-0055.  Click here for the RST brochure.

Accountability Circles serve youth who are ticketed for underage drinking or break their school's code of conduct.  They provide education regarding the dangers of drinking and drug use, as well as allow participants to hear community members explain how they are impacted by underge substance use. This program uses restorative justice principles instead of a classroom type experience.  Accountability Circles are peacemaking circles which are about understanding others' needs and perspectives.  Call Shannon Ford at 815-1876 for more information.

Students United for Positive Action (SUPA) is geared toward Genesee County youth in grades 6-12.  The goals of the program are to educate youth on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, listen to concerns of community youth and provide an opportunity to take an active role in the improvement of their schools and neighborhoods.  SUPA meets biweekly at Northgate Community Center from 5-6:30 pm.  Contact Kevin Keenan for more information about ADAP or SUPA at 585-815-1875.

Also as a result of the work of the DFC coalition, GCASA was awarded the Stop Act grant by SAMHSA.  Stop Act allows us to expand environmental prevention strategies to include the following activities: party dispersal training for law enforcement and community conferencing for youth ticketed for underage possession of alcohol.  For more information regarding Stop Act grant activities, contact Carol Nicometo at 585-815-1873.

Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition

Orleans United is a community coalition of Orleans County agencies, organizations, businesses, schools, churches, law enforcement and community members.  The coalition is funded by SAMSHA; Community Action of Orleans and Genesee is the fiscal agent.  For more information contact Pat Crowleyat 585-589-0055 ext. 3308.  The goals of the coalition include:

• Establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, private non-profit agencies and governments to support the efforts of community coalitions to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth.
• Reduce 8th, 10th and 12th grade 30 day use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and binge drinking between 2008 and 2013.
• Reduce identified risk factors related to alcohol, tobacco and other drug use (ATOD).
• Increase identified protective factors related to ATOD use.

Western New York Regional Prevention Resource Center

The WNY Regional Prevention Resource Center is an intermediary for OASAS, community coalitions and partner organizations in the eight county WNY region.  The Center utilizes resources from OASAS, prevention providers and local communities to help foster coalition development.  Center staff provide training and technical assistance to community coalitions while implementing the risk and protective framework.  The main purpose of the Center is to create the infrastructure to support implementation of effective alcohol, other drug and problem gambling prevention strategies, disseminate current prevention science and assist coalitions in bringing science to practice.  For more information contact Jennifer Zambito at 585-815-1880 or visit the Center website at www.geneseeny.com/wnyprc/

DWI Victim Impact Panel

The DWI Victim Impact Panel (VIP) is a monthly program serving Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties.  Individuals who live in or have been convicted of driving while under the influence of intoxicants in any of the three counties can be referred to VIP.  Individuals are usually referred by the court, probation department or Genesee Justice.  Panel members are victims or have lost loved ones due to DWI crashes.  Their sole purpose is to try to save lives by reducing the incidence of DWI.  The VIP is held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Batavia City Centre.  Participants are required to submit a completed registration form and pay a $40 fee.  For referrals or additional information, contact Laura Ricci at 585-815-1883.

SafeHomes

The SafeHomes program offers an opportunity for parents to join together to help provide a safer environment for their children.  It does not require a commitment of time or extra effort for already busy families.  It is simply a pledge between parents to follow simple principles that will encourage a safe, healthy lifestyle for young people.  For more information, contact Sue Hawley at 585-815-1872 in Genesee County or Sherri Bensley at 589-0055 in Orleans County.

Click on the above image for the SafeHomes brochure.

Click here for the Genesee County SafeHomes pledge.

Click here for the Orleans County SafeHomes pledge.

Gambling Prevention

Gambling prevention education and services are available in Genesee and Orleans Counties.  The primary goal of the program is to increase public awareness regarding issues associated with underage gambling and problem gambling.  Services include gambling and media literacy presentations and a media awareness campaign.  For more information on gambling prevention conact Jamie Beedham in Genesee County at 585-815-1879 or Pat Crowley in Orleans County at 585-589-0055 ext. 308.

Click on the above image for the most recent gambling prevention newsletter.

Click here for the Gambling Prevention website.

Senior Spice

The Senior Spice program has three main components.  The first is Medication Education which is offered at various locations throughout Genesee County.  Physicians and pharmacists provide educational materials and present problems associated with prescription drugs and alcohol or other drug use.  Medication education provides an opportunity for seniors to ask specific questions and learn from each other.  Time Out for Grandparents is a support group for anyone who is caring for thier grandchildren because the parents are unable.  Groups meet monthly, in the morning and evening to best accomodate the needs of participants.  Time Out for Grandparents provides an opportunity for seniors to hear how others have dealt with issues as well as learn they are not alone.  Participants improve coping skills to help deal with their children's inability to take care of their own children.  The third component is a committee of dedicated volunteers who meet monthly to plan substance-free recreational activites for seniors.  For more information, contact Sue Hawley at 585-815-1872.

School Based Programs

Classroom Education Programs

Project Alert is designed to promote healthy norms, educate students regarding the negative consequences of substance use and improve social skills for middle school students.  Schools that are interested in providing thisresearch-based, outcome-focused program should contact Shannon Ford at 585-815-1876.

GCASA's Media Literacy presentations are designed to serve students in middle and high school; however, they can be tailored to suit any audience.  We are exposed to media messages constantly through TV, radio, newspaper, internet, magazines and more.  Often times, media glamorizes and promotes unhealthy lifestyle choices.  Media Literacy teaches individuals how to analyze those messagesand understand what is really being sold.  Please call Shannon Ford at 815-1876 to shcedule a Media Literacy presentaion for your class or group.

Student Screening and Referral Service

School districts may contract with GCASA for this school-based service.  Prevention educators provide one-to-one contact with students to screen for various problems, including those related to drugs and alcohol.  GCASA staff work with school personnel to determine appropriate referrals.  If your school is interested in this service, or you would like to know more, contact Maryann Bowman at 585-815-1877.