https://southingtonsteps.org/

After 20 years of exemplary service dedicated to youth substance misuse prevention and mental health advocacy, the STEPS Coalition (Southington’s Town-wide Effort to Promote Success) is now facing turbulent times due to the departure of its pivotal Youth Prevention Coordinator and ambiguities surrounding the continuation of this crucial role.

Founded in the wake of escalating youth suicides more than two decades ago, STEPS has been a beacon of hope and a significant contributor to creating safer, healthier environments for the youth in Southington, CT. The Coalition's proactive measures, innovative programs, and passionate advocacy have been nationally recognized, and have positively transformed countless young lives over the years. Among its many accomplishments, STEPS received the prestigious Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ Prevention Impact Award. The coalition has also developed two curricula that are currently taught in all eight of Southington’s elementary schools, helping build prevention and resilience skills from an early age. In addition, STEPS created two award-winning online prevention campaigns—Host Perfectly, which educates families about Connecticut’s Social Host Law, and It’s Not Cheesy, which equips parents with the tools and confidence to have difficult but important conversations with their children. Beyond local impact, STEPS has led statewide advocacy efforts for stronger public health protections, including spearheading a successful campaign for tougher kratom regulations that resulted in the passage of state legislation classifying the substance as Schedule I.

However, without sustained leadership and dedicated personnel to carry forward this critical mission, all the progress achieved could face a grave setback. The absence of a committed Youth Prevention Coordinator would undoubtedly dilute the focus of STEPS, potentially affecting the lives of young people who rely heavily on its support and resources.

We urge the Town of Southington and its stakeholders to not only acknowledge the indispensable role of STEPS in our community but to take immediate action in securing its future by ensuring continuity in leadership and support for the Youth Prevention Coordinator position. This involves crafting a strategic plan that includes sustainable funding mechanisms, recruitment of skilled personnel, and fostering partnerships with local organizations to amplify the Coalition’s impact.

The future of our youth depends on the unwavering strength and resilience of institutions like the STEPS Coalition, and it is imperative that we act promptly to preserve its legacy and amplify its efforts.

Join us in safeguarding the future of the STEPS Coalition. Sign this petition to encourage your representatives in Southington to affirm their commitment and ensure this vital institution remains an enriching force within our community for many more years to come.