By Colleen Sharlow and Heather Ward With so many traumatic events going on in the world and in our nation, it is easy to overlook some serious issues that are still happening, even if they have not made the headlines in the news or social media. One of these issues is teen dating violence. Recently we recognized February as National Teen Dating Vio...

 By Cathy Cardew, Preventionist We are now almost two years into this pandemic. We are in this odd limbo of still living a pandemic lifestyle mixed with returning to a "back to normal" routine. One thing that has gone back to pre-pandemic times is full days of school for our children. With so much time spent being virtual and/or hybrid, going ...

Much of society is struggling to recover from the ongoing pandemic's lasting emotional and mental health effects. Students especially are facing difficulties coming back to school after time off or taking classes online. As a teacher, being equipped with the proper resources can make all the difference for your students. Here's how to help your stu...

Even the youngest children will have to deal with conflicts — with family, peers, and online. How they react matters, and forming healthy solutions takes skills kids may not figure out on their own. With this in mind, Wellspring Center for Prevention developed Footprints for Life, a research-based prevention education program that gives elementary ...

By Heather Ward and Laurie Herrick Summer 2021, one that will definitely go down in history as one to remember. Youth in Carteret and Long Branch were able to have some normalcy in their return to "normal" summer days, after spending summer 2020 in lock down. This year marked a return to camp, outdoor sports clubs, and other summer a...

Wellspring Center for Prevention developed a program called Footprints for Life that provides children the opportunity to build and practice positive life skills. There are five social competencies addressed in the program that every child needs to succeed. Here's what they are, and why they're so important to develop.   1. Planning and decisi...

Drug and alcohol abuse prevention education is important for kids of every age. That's why Wellspring Center for Prevention offers Footprints for Life, a program designed to help students build a strong foundation of life skills from a young age that will help them avoid alcohol and drug abuse. Here's why prevention education is so important, and w...

No matter what age, navigating through school can be challenging for all students. This is especially true for children and young adults who are struggling with substance abuse, mental health disorders, and family issues. That's why most schools employ a Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC). Here's what SACs do, and why school-based SACs are valuab...

There are many ways that students might be introduced to substances, but preventive measures can be taken to help reduce the number who choose to engage in use. Schools, including all faculty and staff, can be involved in prevention education. Here are five ways to reduce substance use. 1. Faculty and staff should be aware of, and look out for, war...

By Nicki Francis, Coordinator of Program and Professional Development Teachers have always been unsung heroes, but now more than ever, they wear invisible capes. They have created new and creative ways to keep kids engaged during the coronavirus pandemic. They care about their students and are troubled by the needs of our youth today. Teachers ofte...