National Bullying Prevention Month
Every day, thousands of young people experience bullying from their peers at school, after school in their neighborhoods, and even when they are at home, through social media and texts. There are many ways to support bullying prevention as an individual or with friends, family, your school, or your entire community.
What Parents Should Know About Bullying
- Definition, Impact and Roles
- Laws and Policy
- Helping Your Child
- Working with the School
- Mobile and Online Safety
Red Ribbon Week:
October 23 – 31, 2026
Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was a special agent who worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration. In 1985, he was kidnapped by drug traffickers in Guadalajara, Mexico. His murder and death brought anger to the community and was a catalyst for the Red Ribbon Campaign.
Together in Kiki’s honor, parents and youth in communities nationwide began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness around his killing and the destruction caused by drugs in America.
Talk to your children during Red Ribbon Week about information and activities that were shared at school. That will start important conversations and will support healthy decision making.
ASK is proud to curate the virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair which will connect you to resources that support Substance Misuse Prevention, Treatment and Recovery; Mental Health and Opportunities for Thoughtful Service.
Click here to view the virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair and download the application on your phone. You never know when you, a friend, neighbor or loved one may need this vital information and by having it readily available it truly may be the most important gift you have ever given yourself or shared.
Life is hard, let’s be prepared to take good care of ourselves and one another.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at awesome nonprofits throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties. To view these opportunities, please check out Volunteer New York!
The John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak can always use some volunteers! To find out about their Teen Volunteer Program, click here.
Weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups
From our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups, held virtually every Tuesday and Wednesday via Zoom. Spotlight on Recovery is a Family Educational and Support Group for families struggling with a loved one misusing substances. For more information, click here.
Virtual Naloxone Training
Naloxone is a prescription medicine that reverses an overdose by blocking heroin or other opioids in the nervous system for 30-90 minutes. Naloxone is administered by injection or intranasal. Following training, participants receive a kit by mail. Presented by our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard. Please inquire about setting up a virtual training by contacting Susan Salomone at: ssal@drugcrisisinourbackyard.com.
Feeling overwhelmed? Join Us for Nervous System Regulation and Gentle Movement
This will be a safe space where we may connect and come home to ourselves. Practice may be done from a seated position, with options to stand for moving meditations. For more information, click here.
Student Assistance Services Corner
“Helping Students Enhance Their Well Being by Making Healthy Decisions and Remaining Substance Free”
A partnership between a parent/guardian and Student Assistance Counselor best supports the nurturing of the social and emotional wellbeing of students. We encourage you to contact the SAC at your child’s school for a confidential consultation. Click here to learn more.
| Lakeland High School Sasha Meyer Porco, LMSW, CASAC smeyerporco@lakelandschools.org | Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School Ms. Finan, MS lfinan@lakelandschools.org | Yorktown High School Kiara Loughran, MS sacounselor@yorktown.org |
Upcoming Events
All October Long!
We’re excited to share that Stop & Shop Somers has selected Alliance for Safe Kids to benefit from their Community Bag Program during October! This program not only promotes sustainability by reducing plastic waste but also provides a meaningful opportunity to grow awareness and support for our mission within the community. The more bags purchased, the greater the impact we can make together. Thank you for helping turn everyday shopping into meaningful support for our mission!
October 3 – Free Family Workshop: Introduction to the Invitation to Change Approach
If someone you love is struggling with substance use, you may have been told there is little you can do to help. The Invitation to Change Approach offers a different message. This 3-hour introductory workshop will introduce you to a compassionate, evidence-informed framework and practical skills that can help you reduce conflict, strengthen connection, and support positive change while staying grounded in your own values and wellbeing. For more information and to register, click here.
October 14 – Responding in a Mental Health Emergency
This course is designed for anyone who wants to feel more confident supporting someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Whether you’ve encountered a frightening situation before or worry you might face one in the future, this training focuses on practical, real-life responses. You’ll learn how to recognize when someone is struggling, respond calmly and compassionately without making the situation worse, and know when it’s time to seek additional help. Register here.
October 26 – Goals of Behavior: Recognizing Children’s Goals & Avoiding Power Struggles
Understanding what motivates behavior helps parents and caregivers address the root cause of misbehavior and promote healthier patterns of communication. Discuss the goals of behavior and learn how to respond in ways that benefit the child and to avoid power struggles in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist. Register here.
October 27- The Buzz is Changing: Alcohol & Caffeine in a New Generation
From White Claws and Celsius to BuzzBallz and Alani, today’s young people are surrounded by new products and mixed messages about alcohol and caffeine. Join Dr. Aaron Weiner of Prime For Life as he explores how these substances affect the developing brain, common myths that can increase risk, and what young people are seeing online and in everyday life. Learn practical ways to help kids assess risk, make healthier decisions, and navigate a changing culture. Register here.
NAMI Westchester
The families and members of NAMI Westchester are here to help! They offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness. To view their calendar, click here.
Westchester Breathes is an ongoing program offered by the Westchester Library System offering an experience of gentle movement, breathing and relaxation exercises that reduce stress and anxiety and increase a sense of calm and well-being. These exercises are simple and evidence-based – which is to say…they work! They are free and on Zoom. Register here.