Southbury & Middlebury hosted “Dare to Discuss Drugs” forum

There was a large turnout June 8, 2010 for the Dare to Discuss Drugs Forum. Southbury and Middlebury are committed to being proactive in facing substance use and abuse among our young people. Parents, caregivers, concerned adult citizens, educators, town officials, and all who care about our youth in getting educated and empowered to take action.  “Dare to Discuss Drugs” began a collective conversation.

Our kids are dying senselessly. They're dying from substance abuse. Some are dying a slow, insidious death. Others are taken from us suddenly, with little to no warning.  We are losing the battle against substance abuse and we are losing loved ones — in western Connecticut and across the nation.
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News coverage on forum

The Republican-American: Southbury
For 29 years, John Hamilton has worked with substance abusers. His message to Pomperaug High on Tuesday was the same he has told hundreds of families over the years: Help starts with the family.
6.9.10 - Forum held in response to parents' concerns over drug use at Pomperaug
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Newtown Bee: Now they are inviting Newtowners including parents or caregivers, concerned adults, educators, town officials, and anyone "who cares about our youth in getting educated and empowered" about the dangers of substance abuse and exposure to take action. Newtown's Parent Connection Now Organizing In Neighboring Region 15
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Newtown Parent University 2010
with Attorney General Richard Blumenthal

"Parents Are Key To Children Having Better Lives" Read NewsTimes 3.22.10

Thank you to everyone that participated with our 3rd annual Parent University. You made our 2010 Parent University a success!The majority of the feedback we received has been extremely positive, along a few good suggestions that we will use for next year. We truly appreciate that so many of you felt that spending your beautiful Spring morning with us was well worth it!

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal

Donna DeLuca and Dorrie Carolan	Coach Frangione & NYA Staff provides great food!	DJ's Kevin and Marley Koschel Keeping the kids moving!
Happy Dancers	Dorrie, Chris, Julian & guest

Fall 2010 Forums are in the works. Check back for the schedule.

NPC is conveniently located off I84, Exit 9

Rte 6, 115 Mt. Pleasant Road
Newtown, CT

This space allows our organization to provide services and offer more options to the greater Newtown community.  The Newtown Parent Connection offers weekly support groups and has serviced more than 100 families over the past four years. The location continues to make it convenient for both Newtown and surrounding area residents to attend. 

Bereavement Group Continues

NPC recognizes the need to offer a monthly bereavement support group for those families who have lost children due to substance-related incidents.  This group will now meet in the new facility.  Given the fact that at least fourteen young people, from Newtown and surrounding areas, have died in the past twenty-two months, this group has been a refuge for grieving parents. 

Meetings for Young People

The Newtown Parent Connection will be offering a “young people’s” group for those adolescents and young adults who are focusing on recovery and relapse prevention.  This group was suggested by the young people themselves, who recognize that there are few options for support groups that address their very specific concerns.

Workshops and Resource Lending Library

The new office is a centralized location for hosting small workshops and educational programs to meet the current and continuing needs of the community.   Now, the NPC will be able to receive telephone calls and display resource materials.   

A small lending library is available at the Newtown Parent Connection.  Videotapes of many of the previous public forums can also be borrowed. Click here to see a bibliography of some of the materials available to borrow. More on Lending Library >

NPC's Commitment

NPC is completely committed to serving the needs of the community.   The mission, “To educate and empower the community in the prevention of substance abuse, and to embrace families in crisis,” is one that is taken quite seriously by the founders, Carolan and DeLuca.  Their dedicated volunteer Board of Directors works diligently to provide for the most current societal concerns which, they acknowledge, touch everyone’s lives.

This new venue will enable the organization to continue their current offerings and branch out as various needs arise.  By expanding program options, their hope is to further build the healthy infrastructure of Newtown and neighboring towns.  If you would like to know more about the services of the Newtown Parent Connection, or need immediate assistance for a current substance-related crisis, please call 270-1600, Dorrie at 994-5394, or Donna at 948-1254.