Volunteers Needed for 2025-2026 Pulaski Program
CAP is once again seeking community volunteers to help teach its 2025-2026 Too Good for Drugs Prevention Program to fifth and sixth-grade students at Pulaski Street Intermediate School.
The program consists of eight monthly sessions taught by community volunteers who are assisted by peer leaders in grades 8-12. Both English and Spanish-speaking volunteers are needed.
“CAP volunteers represent a diverse cross-section of the community who share a common interest in helping young people make healthy decisions,” said Cynthia Redmond, prevention supervisor at Riverhead CAP.
The total time commitment is approximately two hours per month during the school year. Riverhead CAP ensures that volunteers are trained and prepared to teach the scripted program by providing a flexible training schedule. Ms. Redmond added that, “volunteers often share how much they enjoy working with the students and appreciate the enthusiasm the students have for the CAP program. I think the fact that many volunteers come back year after year speaks volumes about the joy the experience brings to their lives.”
A small investment with A tremendous payoff
Pastor Andrew Montoro, of Community Baptist Church in Aquebogue has been a CAP volunteer and a member of the Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Youth for several years. He shared, “I first heard about CAP through the late Louise Wilkinson, a longtime CAP volunteer, who attended our church. CAP seemed like a great opportunity to invest in our community and start new relationships. The time required is very manageable and you also get to show the kids there are adults who care about their future.”
A Skill Development Program
The Too Good for Drugs program at Pulaski, is an evidence-based, skill development program. The program helps mitigate the risk factors and enhance protective factors related to alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use. The lessons introduce and develop social and emotional skills for setting goals, making healthy choices, building positive friendships, communicating effectively, as well as resisting peer pressure. Research links these skills with healthy development and academic success.
Additional benefits of Volunteering
According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, people who volunteered in the past year were more satisfied with their lives. They also rated their overall health as better. This was in comparison to people who didn’t. Additionally, 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.
“We’re grateful for the community members who donate their time to support this program,” said Felicia Scocozza, CAP executive director. “This is our longest-running program, supported by community volunteers for over 40 years. When other organizations ask us how to replicate this, I don’t have any easy answers. That’s because Riverhead is unique in its community support.”
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, CAP prevention supervisor, at (631) 727-3722 or Cynthia.Redmond@RiverheadCAP.org.
