CASA’s mission is to educate partnership members
and the Winthrop community about substance
abuse and the impact it has on the
lives of youth and other residents.

  
 
 

 
Accomplishments and Plans
 


CASA has been involved in many activities, programs, and initiatives since it first received funding in October, 2006.  The list of our accomplishments is by no means complete; it is a work in progress.  As new information, resources, and/or concerns are identified, CASA is committed to being a part of the solution in dealing with substance abuse issues.

To date CASA has collaborated or taken the lead in substance abuse prevention by:

  • Providing funding for the Second Step Violence Prevention curriculum and training
  • Producing and promoting Drug Forums at WCAT, Winthrop High School, the Winthrop Senior Center, and the Arthur T. Cummings School
  • Working collaboratively with the Rotary and the Elks Lodge to increase drug awareness in Winthrop
  • Providing funds for the hiring of an Adjustment Counselor at Winthrop High School
  • Attending workshops and programs, such as MassForum, Drug Free Communities, and Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth to acquire new skills and knowledge about substance abuse
  • Partnering with the WHS SADD group with projects, the Youth Summit in December 2007, and the “Words Can Work” events at the State House in 2007 and 2008
  • Working regionally with eight other communities on the Metro Mayors Safety Initiative, through funding from the Shannon Grant, that combines the resources of law enforcement and prevention partners to prevent youth crime and violence
  • Meeting monthly with the school psychologist, adjustment counselors, and police officials to identify concerns and maximize the use of resources
  • Providing job skill training with the Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) program through the American Red Cross in the summer of 2007 and again this summer
  • Hosting the Harbor Community Health Alliance (HCHA) Legislative Breakfast in January 2008 at the Winthrop Senior Center to highlight local health care concerns for our state legislators
  • Joining Massachusetts Banding Together Against Alcohol Advertising (MBTAA) to eliminate alcohol advertising on public transit buses, trains, and stations
  • Successfully testifying against the issuance of a liquor license for a local convenience store
  • Implementing and planning programs for the Peaceful Solutions Campaign in the Winthrop Public Schools
  • Funding teacher advisors for the Gay Straight Alliance and SADD at Winthrop High School
  • Working collaboratively with 21st Century Community Learning Center and Parks and Recreation to provide afterschool and summer programs for at-risk children and teens
  • Sponsoring a summer basketball team for at-risk high school youth
  • Participating in a Safety Summit at UMASS-Boston to highlight the successes of the Metro Mayors Safety Initiative
  • Collecting data from middle and high school students, and parents on risk taking behaviors and using that data to allocate resources
  • Working with community partners to establish a youth/teen center in Winthrop
  • Conducting Drug Awareness Days at Winthrop High School on a yearly basis
  • Providing free print materials to all schools, the Police and Fire Departments on alcohol and drugs
  • Consulting with the Regional Center for Healthy Communities to obtain the latest information on substance abuse
  • Working with the CASASTART program at the Cummings and Middle Schools by providing academic support
  • Conducting the Youth Risk Behavior Survey in Winthrop Middle and High Schools every two years to collect data on alcohol and drug use in Winthrop
  • Assembling a Drug Task Force to address underage drinking to begin meeting in Fall 2008
  • Conducting a Family Fun Night at Miller Field on Sunday, June 29 from 4-8 p.m.
  • Working collaboratively with North Suffolk Mental Health Association to identify substance abuse resources for community residents

 

Resources