Volunteers Needed for 2023-2024 Pulaski Program
CAP is seeking community volunteers to help teach its 2023-2024 Too Good for Drugs Prevention Program to fifth and sixth grade students at Pulaski Street Intermediate School.
The Too Good for Drugs curriculum is an evidence-based, life skills program. It is designed to reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors related to alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis use. The lessons introduce and develop social and emotional skills for making healthy choices, building positive friendships, developing self-efficacy, communicating effectively, and resisting peer pressure. Research has linked these skills with healthy development and academic success.
“It’s not enough to tell young people not to use drugs or drink alcohol. We must help them develop the skills they need to resist those influences. We also need to create a community that supports healthy lifestyles. CAP volunteers show students that there are people in the Riverhead community who care about the choices they make,” said Cynthia Redmond, community prevention specialist at Riverhead CAP.
The total time commitment is only about 2-3 hours per month during the school year. No experience is necessary. CAP offers a flexible training schedule. Both English and Spanish speaking adults are needed.
A small investment with tremendous payoff
Stella Reinen, a longtime CAP volunteer, shared, “I can honestly say it has been rewarding to know that I have assisted in accomplishing a positive service for the young people in our community. As a bilingual volunteer, it brings me great joy to see our Hispanic youth gain insight into what Riverhead CAP provides to our community as a whole.”
“Without volunteers, especially bilingual volunteers, CAP would not be able to continue to provide drug and alcohol education, counseling and prevention to our Riverhead Schools and community. As the old saying goes, ’It takes a village to raise a child’,” Ms. Reinen added.
“We’re grateful for the community members who donate their time to support this program,” said Felicia Scocozza, CAP executive director. “Since 1982, we’ve seen this investment of time yield a tremendous payoff, for both the volunteers and the community.”
Additional benefits of Volunteering
According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, people who had volunteered in the past year were more satisfied with their lives and rated their overall health as better. This was in comparison to people who didn’t. Additionally, the researchers found that people who volunteered at least once a month reported better mental health than participants who volunteered infrequently or not at all.
The study suggested three key factors related to volunteering. First, it appears to be “intrinsically rewarding.” Second, volunteering helps boost a sense of social connection. Finally, volunteering helps build professional skills and provides leadership opportunities.
apply online
Apply online by clicking here. You can also download a flyer to share here.
for more information
For more information, contact Cynthia Redmond, community prevention specialist, at (631) 727-3722 or Volunteer@RiverheadCAP.org.
