Author: Stephanie Siete, Executive Director (3PC)

As another school year begins, let it begin with the most valuable thing you can give your teen: a belief in their future. Start the school year by having conversations about dreams instead of just grades. Ask your teen what they hope to accomplish this year. What are they excited about? What challenges do they expect? Whether they dream of playing sports, performing in the school musical, attending college, learning a trade, or simply making new friends… help them see how today’s choices influence tomorrow’s opportunities. Want to add more value? Turn those dreams into written goals for the year and review them at the end of each grading period. (It is important to keep in mind these are their goals, not yours.)   

Encourage your teen to surround themselves with positive friends who support their goals instead of distracting them from them. Remind teens that real confidence comes from making decisions they can be proud of—not from following the crowd. Celebrate effort, resilience, kindness, and responsibility just as much as academic success. 

Most importantly, take advantage of available times to connect. Family dinners, rides to school, walks with the dog, or even a few uninterrupted minutes before bed create opportunities for meaningful conversations. Teens may not always show it, but they are listening. They notice your support, your consistency, and your belief in them. 

Parents and grandparents play an incredibly powerful role in that journey. Research consistently shows that teens who feel connected to caring adults, have clear family expectations, and believe they have a bright future are more likely to make healthy choices and avoid risky behaviors like alcohol, vaping, marijuana, and other drugs. Goal setting is a great way to make that connection!  

This school year, let’s challenge our teens to dream big, stay focused, and make choices that move them closer to the future they want. Every positive decision builds confidence, character, and resilience. Together, families and communities can empower young people to succeed in school, achieve their goals, and build healthy, substance-free lives. 

Author: Stephanie Siete, Executive Director (3PC)

Parents spend lots of time talking to their kids about what to avoid—drugs, alcohol, vaping, making poor decisions, etc. While these conversations are necessary, another conversation may be even more important: helping teens discover what matters most. 

One of the most meaningful concepts in prevention is this: the opposite of addiction is (not simply sobriety)— it is connection. 

Teens who feel connected to people, goals, hobbies, pets, sports, music, faith, or their future are often more motivated to protect those things. When young people have something they care deeply about, they are more likely to pause before making decisions that put those connections at risk. 

Think about a teen who loves their dog, dreams of becoming a nurse, plays on a team, volunteers in the community, or spends hours creating music. These connections create purpose, identity, and belonging. They provide healthy rewards (or natural highs!) that can replace the “buzz” of drugs or risky behaviors. 

Parents can help foster protective factors/connections by having simple but impactful open-ended conversations. Instead of asking, "How was school?" try asking:

• What are you most excited about right now? 

• What goals do you have for yourself this year? 

• Who do you feel closest to? 

• What makes you feel proud of yourself? 

These questions help teens reflect on what matters most to them and can strengthen their bonds that influence healthy decision-making. 

It’s important to remember connection does not require perfection. Teens do not need to be star athletes, honor students, or social leaders. They simply need opportunities to feel valued, supported, and connected. Sometimes that connection comes from a parent who listens without judgment, a trusted coach, a beloved pet, the faith community, or a future goal. 

Drug prevention is not only about teaching young people what to avoid or refuse. It’s also about helping them discover what really matters. Help teens find their purpose and passion. When they have meaningful connections, they gain something worth protecting—and that can make all the difference in the choices they make.

New Meeting Location and Time

Peoria's 2024 G.A.I.N Night was a huge success! We were able to distribute Narcan and educational resources to many families.