We Bring Southington Together to Build Assets and Prevent Substance Misuse

Our Mission

STEPS makes prevention a priority in our community through education, limiting access, and advocacy for policy change.

Our prevention work focuses on underage drinking, tobacco/vaping, cannabis/marijuana use, prescription drug misuse, and more. We believe that positive youth development is an essential building block to create generations of youth that are caring, competent, successful, and substance free.

Our Focus on Youth

STEPS was founded in 2007 with a mission to help our youth grow up to be caring, competent and successful. We develop programs and opportunities for young people to step up and showcase their best selves.

STEPS partners with Southington Public Schools to follow an Asset Building Classrooms (ABC) model. We also have STEPS Youth Council leadership opportunities, a youth community service initiative, and a classroom-based curriculum to improve student health and safety.

STEPS Youth Council

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Stay informed about our latest prevention efforts, news, and events.

Our Prevention Efforts

Our work in Southington to keep young people healthy and safe is a top priority. Data shows that substance use at a young age can lead to:

  • Higher suicide risk
  • Long-term substance use disorders
  • Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, psychosis)
  • Poor school performance (lower grades, absenteeism)
  • Physical health issues (diseases, injuries)
  • Risky behaviors
  • Social and economic impacts (damaged relationships, missed career opportunities)

All these reasons are why substance use prevention among young people is so important. Take a moment to learn more about our work in Southington right now.

Areas of Focus

In both youth and adults, the perceptions around the risk of marijuana use has decreased dramatically. This is true not only in Connecticut but all over the United States. Some of this shift is in response to changes in social policies and laws.

It is risky to misuse prescription medications or obtain medications that are not provided by a doctor or other medical professional. This is a main cause of preventable overdoses.

Although tobacco use among youth in Southington is decreasing  – only 7% of Southington teens report using tobacco products – the usage of vaping products is on the rise.

Many activities have ages when young people can safely start them. A person must wait until age 16 to start driving, age 18 to marry without parental consent, age 35 to become president, and so on. The legal age to drink is 21 for a reason – it is based on research that shows young people react differently to alcohol.

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Southington STEPS Coalition
3 days ago
Southington STEPS Coalition

STEPS Youth Council is beautifying SHS, one bathroom at a time! Students came up with the idea to spruce up the bathrooms and designed the colorful patterns. The project is a work in progress - we’ll be adding the S logo and more to make the bathrooms a place to respect and enjoy. We’re so proud of the effort our students put in! ... See MoreSee Less

STEPS Youth Council is beautifying SHS, one bathroom at a time! Students came up with the idea to spruce up the bathrooms and designed the colorful patterns. The project is a work in progress - we’ll be adding the S logo and more to make the bathrooms a place to respect and enjoy. We’re so proud of the effort our students put in!Image attachmentImage attachment
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Such a great idea!

Awesome - lots of asset building going on!!

Southington STEPS Coalition
1 week ago
Southington STEPS Coalition

Many cannabis products look like candy. With 420 and Easter Sunday the same day this year, it’s really important to keep kids safe. Please keep edibles away from children.

Learn more: BeInTheKnowCT.org ... See MoreSee Less

Many cannabis products look like candy. With 420 and Easter Sunday the same day this year, it’s really important to keep kids safe. Please keep edibles away from children. Learn more: BeInTheKnowCT.org
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Southington STEPS Coalition
2 weeks ago
Southington STEPS Coalition

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Thank you for your partnership and support! ❤️

Southington STEPS Coalition
2 weeks ago
Southington STEPS Coalition

Our STEPS XYZ club at the high school is planning a creative activities fair on April 24. Open to kids of all ages! There will be free snacks, crafts, live music and more!

After looking at survey data, the students chose to focus on promoting creative activities to reduce stress and increase mindfulness. They took the lead on planning and organizing this whole event! ... See MoreSee Less

Our STEPS XYZ club at the high school is planning a creative activities fair on April 24. Open to kids of all ages! There will be free snacks, crafts, live music and more! After looking at survey data, the students chose to focus on promoting creative activities to reduce stress and increase mindfulness. They took the lead on planning and organizing this whole event!
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