January 2024

HELLO 2024!

As we dive headfirst into this brand-new chapter, our newsletter is here to sprinkle a bit of joy, share some good vibes, and keep you in the look about the exciting shenanigans we’ve got planned. Buckle up for a year filled with more smiles, more adventures, and most importantly, more reasons to celebrate life’s fantastic journey together. Let’s make 2024 the year of laughter, love, and all things wonderfully wacky! Cheers to the next 365 days of awesome possibilities!

Do you know an area high school SENIOR who leads a substance-free lifestyle? If so, please share our scholarship information with them.

DEADLINE for entry is Friday, January 26, 2024!

For more information:

2024 CDFY Scholarship
EMPOWERING CHANGE TOGETHER: Your voice matters in every coalition meeting!

The calendar has flipped. there’s a fresh start, a clean slate, a reset before you. Take time to recognize the importance of tending to your mental health just as you do your physical health.

The following statistics taken from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website: *1 in 5 US adults experience mental illness each year. *1 in 20 US adults experience serious mental illness each year. *1 in 6 US youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each yeaer. *50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24. *Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 (NAMI, 2021).  
Mentally well people generally feel a sense of contentment with their lives, have a strong support system, feel that they have control over their situation, and attend to their physical and mental needs. The following suggestions are merely some ways we can move towards being mentally well: 1. MINDFUL MEDIATION: Engage in daily mindfulness or mediation exercises to center your thoughts and promote inner peace. 2. PHYSICAL EXERICSE: Incorporate physical activity into your routine. Exercise is not just beneficial for the body but also for mental well-being. 3. JOURNALING: Take time to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can provide a healthy outlet for self-expression and self-reflection. 4. CONNECT WITH LOVED ONES: Strengthen your social connections. Spend quality time with friends and family, either in person or virtually. 5. DIGITAL DETOX: Consider taking breaks from digital devices to reduce screen time and promote a healthier balance between online and offline activities. 6. HEALTHY SLEEP HABITS: Ensure you are getting enough quality sleep. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to improve the quality of your rest. 7. LEARN SOMETHING NEW: Engage your mind in learning a new skill or hobby. It can be a great way to boost your mood and creativity. 8. PRACTICE GRATITUDE: Regularly express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life. It can contribute to a more positive mindset. 9. SET REALISTIC GOALS: Establish achievable goals for yourself. Break them down into smaller steps, and celebrate your successes along the way. 10. PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT: Reach out to mental health professionals if needed. Seeking therapy or counseling can be a proactive step toward mental wellness. Remember, everyone’s journey to mental wellness is unique. Feel free to tailor these suggestions to your preferences and needs!  

december swooped in with

a whirlwind of festive cheer!

In the midst of twinkling lights and the merry mayhem, we found ourselves on a rollercoater of joyous activities, spreading smiles like holiday confetti. Our Safety Kids were the opening introduction to the Living Windows fun on Friday, December 1st where they then sang Christmas carols at the Backdrop!

Big shout-out to our incredible team for turning our bus into a holiday hero! We decorated our CDFY bus into Ralphie as a bunny from “A Christmas Carol”. We’re still riding the wave of festive euphoria – here’s to turning the ordinary into extraordinary and making memories that sleigh! P.S. We’re proud to report we won 2nd Place in the Non-Profit Division of the parade! GO CDFY!  

Looking Ahead…

Our Events
WHAT IS FENTANYL?
  • It’s a deadly synthetic opioid being made into fake pills or cut into other street drugs to drive addiction.
  • Fentanyl is 50-100 times stronger than morphine.
WHY IS IT SO DANGEROUS?
  • Many people may be unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl.
  • Seven out of ten fake pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose.
  • Drug traffickers use social media to advertise drugs/pills and conduct sales/
  • It is VERY accessible to our kids.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
  • Talk to your child about the dangers of fentanyl, and fake pills. Let them know to only take medicine prescribed by their doctor. (Even taking a pill from a friend is risky because their friend may not know the true source.
  • Learn more about fentanyl and emoji codes used in social media at www.dea.gov/onepill