Youth Programs

Photo: smiling children side by sidePrevention Works provides alcohol, substance use and gambling awareness, prevention education and intervention programs for individuals of all ages, school faculty, parents, those affected by chemical dependency and/or compulsive gambling, local organizations and the community-at-large. Evidence-based prevention programs are available for students in elementary, middle, high school and college.

To schedule any of these services, contact Laurie Reynolds, Associate Director/Director of Program Services, at (716) 664-3608 ext. 236 (fax 664-3661) or email laurie@preventionworks.us or info@preventionworks.us.

Too Good For Drugs  Learn More
Too Good For Drugs is an evidence-based alcohol and other drug prevention program. Each lesson focuses on topics that promote healthy norms that have been correlated with preventing drug use and other problem behaviors. The curriculum targets the individual child and uses activities that strengthen knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and skills that research has shown to be effective in drug prevention. Topics: Goal setting, decision making, conflict resolution, managing emotions, bonding and relationships, communication, drug awareness and community involvement.

Life Skills Training  Learn More
Focuses on one aspect of the problem of substance use. It addresses most of the important factors leading to adolescents use of one or more drugs, by teaching a combination of health information, general life skills and drug resistance skills. Lessons: Self-Image; Decision Making; Smoking, Alcohol, and Marijuana Myths (both for 6th grade and up); Conflict Resolution; Coping with Anxiety and Anger; Communication Skills; Advertising and Media Literacy; Assertiveness Skills.

Alcohol Literacy Challenge  Learn More
Students learn about standard drinks, the range of alcohol expectancies, the difference between the actual physical effects vs. the mental effects of alcohol, and the efforts by alcohol companies to portray positive alcohol expectancies in advertisements. In the middle and high school, students also play a game assessing the alcohol effects portrayed in alcohol commercials.

Prevention Plus Wellness (SPORT)  Learn More
Prevention Plus Wellness (SPORT) is an evidence-based prevention, multiple behavior program integrating substance use prevention and fitness promotion to help adolescents minimize and avoid substance use, while increasing physical activity and other health-promoting habits.

Shatter the Myths
Shatter the Myths is a one-session, 60–90 minute presentation for high school, college students, as well as staff and personnel. Basic drug awareness and prevention education can be customized, based on survey results, need and interest.

Keepin’ it Real
The Keepin’ It Real Prevention program is grounded in cultural norms and values. The program teaches youth how to live drug-free lives confidently, drawing on their personal strengths and the strengths of their families and communities. The curriculum focuses on Drug-Resistance Skills, Decision-Making Skills, Personal Self-Management Skills, General Social Skills and Critical Thinking Skills.

Awareness Theatre  Learn More
Awareness Theatre was founded in 1985 as a prevention strategy for young people through the use of theatre. Using a variety of dramatic presentation styles, the group sought not only to educate their audience, but to help the youth participants gain an understanding of the important issues facing today’s youth and ultimately change their lives and their community. Today, Prevention Works has two Awareness Theatre groups: one in Dunkirk, and one in Jamestown, meeting once a week to work on skits and performances. Youth gain knowledge and strategies on how to be assertive, communicate effectively, improve one’s self image, cope with anxiety, and make effective decisions.

Intervention Services
Prevention Works offers confidential intervention services for youth ages 5–19 years old. Intervention services entail drug and alcohol education referrals if needed.

• Children of Alcoholics
• Children Living in a Chemically Dependent Home
• Basic Alcohol and Other Drug Information and Referrals
• Family/Friends Substance Use Disorder
• Life Skills Education (Goal Setting, Decision Making, Communication Skills, Social Skills, Refusal Skills and Coping Skills)

Speaker’s Bureau
Provides community and civic organizations with an agency overview of Prevention Works and alcohol and other drug information overviews. Sample topics include: Marijuana Facts, Cocaine Facts, Club Drugs, Prevention Overview, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Alcohol & the Adolescent Brain, Prescription Drugs, Heroin, Gambling, and more. Speaker’s Bureau visits are generally planned for one half hour. Rate: no charge.