Valparaiso YMCA to Offer Free Drug Use Education & Prevention Program

ymca-logo-red-orangeThe Valparaiso Family YMCA will host a free drug education and drug use prevention program for teens aged 13 – 18 called ‘Too Good for Drugs.’ The fun-filled sessions will start on July 26th and will be facilitated by Victoria and Joe Ubben of BreakAway Performance Group. ’Too Good for Drugs’ includes twelve hours of award-winning and evidence-based education and drug use prevention, along with time in the pool, the gym, and the Youth Wellness Center. The program is free to all participants due to a grant provided in collaboration with Mayor Jon Costas & the Valparaiso Substance Abuse Prevention Committee (VSAPC); Mayor Olga Velazquez & the city of Portage; and, the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPFSIG) in Indiana. The prevention grant collaboration is an initiative of Frontline Foundations, Inc. Frontline is a certified and faith-based substance abuse treatment provider located in Porter County.

The National Center for Addiction at Columbia University reports that teens who do not consider religious beliefs important are almost three times likelier to binge drink, four times likelier to use marijuana, and seven times likelier to use illicit drugs.

Victoria and Joe Ubben have been trained by Frontline Foundations, Inc. to teach the curriculum. The faith-based curriculum includes fun and engaging activities to provide teens with skills for making positive friendships, managing emotions, communicating effectively, countering social influences, analyzing media, and refusing peer pressure.

Bob Wanek, CEO of the Valparaiso Family YMCA commented, “We are so happy to be involved with this program because it embodies the Y’s focus on social responsibility. This class teaches skills that prepare teens to live a healthy lifestyle, and all teens in the community are invited.” The classes will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 to 3:00 pm, starting on July 26 and running through August 11. Registration is available at www.valpoymca.org or at the Y Courtesy Desk. Sign up immediately, as spaces for this outstanding program are limited. The Valparaiso Family YMCA is located at 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive.

For more information about registration for ‘‘Too Good for Drugs’’, contact Lee Baker, Senior Director of Y Programs at 219-462-4185, ext. 260. For information about the ‘Too Good for Drugs’ classes, contact Victoria and Joe Ubben, BreakAway Performance Group, at 219-508-2143.