Monthly Community Lunch & Learn
The Concho Valley C.A.R.E.S. Coalition hosts a monthly Community Lunch & Learn. Topics pertain to relevenant alcohol and substance abuse concerns taking place in the Concho Valley Community. Presenters are local community leaders who offer their experience and expertise.
The monthly Community Lunch and Learn takes place on the second Wednesday of the month (except December and July). They are free and open to the public. They take place at River Crest Hospital, 1636 Hunters Glen Rd from 12-1pm. Please RSVP to Jennifer Pittman at 325-224-3481 or jenniferp@adaccv.org as lunch will be provided and seating is limited.
Visit our homepage or events calendar to learn who is presenting.
Hidden in Plain Sight: What Every Parent Needs to Know Now
Hidden in Plain Sight: What Every Parents Needs to Know Now is an interactive display. We replicate a teenage girl's bedroom and allow parents to "snoop" through the room to find indicators of drug use (including paraphernalia) and hiding spots. We can also do this program on a smaller scale by using a backpack instead of replicating the entire bedroom. Either versions can be done at the location of your choice, just ensure there is enough room if you are interested in the full, replicated bedroom.
Please contact Jennifer Pittman at 325-224-3481 or jenniferp@adaccv.org if you are interested in this program. Please visit our Facebook page to see pictures of the program.
Drug Free Community Month (October)
Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner With Your ChildrenTM
Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your ChildrenTM is a national movement launched by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University in 2001 that promotes the parental engagement fostered during frequent family dinners as a simple, effective way to prevent substance abuse in kids and stay connected. Studies also show teens continue to report that parents-not their peers or the media-have the biggest influence on their decision to stay drug-free. Family DayTM takes place the last Monday of every September.
National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored locally by the San Angelo Police Department, will involve over 11,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 35 million people are expected to participate in ‘America's Night Out against Crime'. It takes place the first Tuesday of October on an annual basis.
National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
San Angelo and across the state of Texas are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods will be hosting a variety of events such as block parties, cookouts, carnivals, flashlight walks, youth activities, and anticrime rallies.
In 1988 the Red Ribbon Campaign was established by Congress to promote this belief and encourage a drug-free lifestyle and involvement in drug prevention efforts by the entire community. The Red Ribbon Week campaign is celebrated annually the last week of October. The red ribbon serves as a symbol of intolerance for substance use and abuse.
Red Ribbon Week began after the kidnapping, torture and brutal murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985. The dramatic events that followed Agent Camarena's disappearance were chronicled in national media here at home. They exposed the dark world of drug trafficking including how far drug traffickers would go to maintain power and control.
In Agent Camarena's home town, Calexico, CA, the public outpouring of support turned in to an organized community response in which citizens wore red ribbons. They became a voice for prevention in order to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and illegal use of legal drugs in America. The following year the California State PTA adopted the Red Ribbon Week campaign. Then, in 1988, Red Ribbon Week was recognized nationally with President Ronald and First Lady Nancy Reagan serving as the first Honorary Chairs.
Today, the Red Ribbon Week brings millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention, early intervention, and treatment services. It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States.
Community-wide Wear RED Day
Every year, the Wednesday in the middle of Red Ribbon Week is designated Community-wide Wear Red Day for the Concho Valley! Wear Red to show your support for a drug free community. Local restaurants will be participating by offering specials to those wearing red on Wear Red Day. Visit this website to learn which restaurants are participating!
Fifth Grade Commencement Backpack Project
Middle School is a special time, one of new challenges and uncertainty for both parents and students but it doesn't have to be a scary journey. The 5th Grade Commencement Project is an opportunity to recognize all local 5th graders that have successfully completed elementary school and are moving forward into middle school.
Concho Valley CARES will provide all 5th Grade Students a backpack full of materials; such as facts about underage drinking, abusing tobacco and marijuana, and the consequences of use. The backpacks also have information pertaining to free or low-cost summer activities available to youth. The items provided in this kit can be considered as navigational tools for parents and their ‘tween.'
P.R.I.D.E. (Positive Role-Models In Drug Education)
P.R.I.D.E. Groups are comprised of all 5th Grade students in the San Angelo ISD. Their focus is peer drug prevention. We offer support by assisting them with events; such as the P.R.I.D.E. Rally.